On July 11, 2024, the food packaging component of the 4th phase of Jamaica’s single-use plastics ban went into effect. From that date, “plastic food containers” could no longer be imported into Jamaica. The regulation defines a plastic food container as “a food container, manufactured for single use, made in whole or in part of polyethylene [PE], polypropylene [PP] or polylactic acid [PLA] and does not include any lid associated with that container.” The regulation also includes single-use drinking straws made of PE or PP and any type of packaging “made in whole or in part of expanded polystyrene foam.”
According to the Jamaica Observer, “[t]his ban, however, excludes related transparent plastic lids until environmentally friendly alternatives become available. Additionally, existing stock imported before this date will be exempt.”
The enforcement date was extended by one month to give stakeholders more time to prepare. Restaurants and other food service providers can use up existing stock until January 9, 2025.
The ban has been under discussion in Jamaica for many years (FPF reported).
References
The Jamaica Gazette (July 11, 2024). “The trade (plastic packaging materials prohibition) (amendment) order, 2024.” World Trade Organization
Jamaica Observer (May 31, 2024). “Implementation period of 4th phase of single-use plastic ban extended to July 1.”
Read more
Ainsworth Morris (June 10, 2024). “Samuda eyes 30 years of success as plastics loophole closes July 1.” The Gleaner
