With the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulation 2020 coming into effect on January 15, Belize now enters its next milestone of its Plastic Phase-Out; that is, phasing out single-use plastic products. Now, the Government of Belize reminds all importers, customs brokers, and members of the public that prohibited plastic products can no longer be imported. Besides, the Pollution from Plastics legislation regulates the importation, manufacture, sale and possession of the restricted products.
Belize’s Phase-Out Schedule for 2020
Schedule II of the Regulations, which is April 15, has now passed. Throughout the year 2020, Belize will follow a schedule for its plastic phase-out. In the three months after enacting the legislation, Belize will no longer import the prohibited products. And at Six months after, the plastic products will no longer be allowed to be manufactured in Belize. Lastly at nine months after, you won’t be able to buy the products in any store. And finally, at 12 months after, no one in Belize should be in possession of the prohibited plastic.
The list of Single-Use Plastics, which is being phased-out
- “Clamshells” (styrofoam and plastic)
- Plates, bowls, and cups and lids (styrofoam and plastic)
- Forks, knives, spoons, sporks, and cutlery (plastic)
- Carrier bags commonly referred to as shopping bags and/or T-shirt bags (plastic)
- Plastic drinking straws (plastic)
