For Immediate Release
17 July 2020
This is an important notice for all importers and customs brokers. Below outlines the permitting process for restricted products under the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations, 2020.
Importers shall apply to the Department of the Environment (DOE) by submitting the following:
- A copy of a completed electronic application form – Editable PDF Form that can be retrieved from the DOE’s website: http://doe.gov.bz/application/.
- A copy of receipt as proof of payment for $25.00 – payable to Treasury Department to account number 23328/11718/120/15.
- A copy of invoice or proforma invoice of material to be imported.
The completed form, along with scanned copies of the receipt and invoice, can be emailed to envirodept@environment.gov.bz or library@environment.gov.bz.
Below are the Customs HS Codes to which the permitting processing for restricted products applies:
¨ 3902.10.00.00 – Polypropylene
¨ 3903.11.00.00 – Polystyrene: Expansible
¨ 3920.10.00.00 – Of Polymers of Ethylene
¨ 3920.20.00.00 – Of Polymers of Propylene
¨ 3920.30.00.00 – Of Polymers of styrene
¨ 3923.10.10.00 – Egg Box
¨ 3923.10.90.00 – Other
¨ 3923.21.00.00 – Of Polymers of ethylene (inclusive of plastic bag and single-use plastic products classified as barrier bags and barrier plastics)
¨ 3923.29.00.00 – Of other plastics
¨ 3923.50.10.00 – Lids and Caps
¨ 3923.50.90.00 – Other
¨ 3923.90.10.00 – Cups, other than tableware or 39.24
¨ 3923.90.10.10 – Plates and trays (inclusive of single-use plastic products classified as barrier bags and barrier plastics)
¨ 3924.10.20.00 – Drinking straws
¨ 3924.10.90.00 – Other
Examples of restricted products requiring a permit are plastic bottles, bags used to pack rice, chicken, 1, 2, 5, 10 lb bags used to weigh beans, etc. Products classified as barrier bags and barrier plastics are not prohibited and can be imported following the above process.
Products having the above HS Codes that are PROHIBITED are as follows:
(Single-use plastic products that are made of and/or wholly composed entirely of plastic (90% or more of the total polymer content):
- Single-use styrofoam and plastic “clamshells”
- Single-use styrofoam and plastic plates, bowls, and cups and lids
- Single-use plastic forks, knives, spoons, sporks, and cutlery
- Single-use plastic carrier bags commonly referred to as shopping bags and/or T-shirt bags
- Single-use plastic drinking straws
For further clarification, prohibited products include food containers and cups for liquids, etc., i.e. receptacles such as cups, boxes, plates, bowls, trays, etc., with or without cover, used to contain food or liquids that is intended for immediate consumption from the receptacle either on-the-spot or as take-away without preparation, composed of either plastic or styrofoam or both. Also prohibited are plastic carrier bags, i.e. shopping bags, lightweight plastic bags, commonly referred to as T-Shirt bags, designed and intended for one-time use to transport goods.
You can also visit the DOE website and follow our social media accounts to remain informed.
For further information, please contact:
Chief Environmental Officer
Department of the Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment & Sustainable Development
Market Square, Belmopan
Tel: 822-2548/2819 Fax: 822-2860
Email: envirodept@btl.net or envirodept@environment.gov.bz
Website: www.doe.gov.bz
END
