Ban on plastic lunch boxes pushed back

The Government's ban on plastic lunch boxes and personal-care products with microplastics has been pushed back.

Citing concerns from stakeholders, The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation says the ban on plastic food container will now take effective on July 1, a delay of one month.

READ: Importers, distributors slam Gov't's silence ahead of plastic lunch box ban

The ban prohibits the importation, distribution, sale, or use of any single-use plastic food container made wholly or in part of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polylactic acid (PLA).

The ban, however, excludes related transparent plastic lids until environmentally friendly alternatives become available.

Additionally, existing stock imported before this date will be exempt.

The Ministry says the delay is to allow for a fine-tuning of administrative arrangements, facilitating further stakeholder engagement, and ramping up additional public education.

“This additional one-month period will cause very little trade disruptions, but will enhance market readiness for the necessary changes,” said Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry, Matthew Samuda.

It was noted that the Government is committed to mitigating the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution through stringent regulation of plastic products across their life cycle.

Further, the ban on personal care and cosmetic products containing intentionally added plastic microbeads or microplastics has been moved from June 1 this year to July 1, 2025.

The Ministry says this measure allows for thorough consultation and sensitisation among private sector stakeholders and regulatory authorities, ensuring a smooth transition.

It says it has also engaged with the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association and major importers and distributors of single-use plastic products to ensure comprehensive stakeholder input.

Importers will be required to submit a pre-shipment declaration, including a quality or inspection certificate from an internationally recognised accreditation body, to aid regulatory agencies in identifying target products at ports.

The Ministry argued that plastic, while beneficial due to its inexpensive, flexible, durable, and lightweight characteristics, poses significant environmental hazards.

Non-biodegradable plastics break down into microplastics, contaminating the food chain and marine environment, it noted.

Marine animals often mistake these microplastics for food, leading to adverse ecological impacts, it continued.

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