The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) says it is developing a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to support the nationwide ban on Styrofoam food containers, with enforcement measures expected to include import restrictions, confiscation of banned products, and fines for offenders.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, June 26, Acting Director for Sustainability and Circular Economy at the EPA, Larry Kotoe, said the Authority is putting in place the necessary regulatory systems to ensure the policy can be effectively enforced from the country’s ports of entry.
According to him, the regulations, which are currently being finalised, will outline the penalties for non-compliance and provide enforcement agencies with the legal authority to seize prohibited products and sanction businesses that violate the ban.
Mr. Kotoe explained that the EPA is working closely with the Integrated Customs Operations Management System (ICOPS) to monitor and regulate the importation of chemicals and products associated with polystyrene manufacturing.
He said the Authority will use Harmonised System (HS) codes to identify and prevent the importation of both finished Styrofoam products and the raw materials used in their local production.
The move, he noted, is intended to ensure that the ban covers the entire supply chain by restricting not only the importation of takeaway packs but also the materials required to manufacture them domestically.
Mr. Kotoe disclosed that import restrictions are expected to begin between three months and December this year, ahead of the full implementation of the nationwide ban in January 2027.
He added that the EPA has already begun engaging importers and businesses to understand their import cycles and facilitate a smooth transition before enforcement begins.
“We are currently putting together the legal framework to support the policy. By December, we expect the regulations to clearly spell out the penalties and enforcement powers. These will include the confiscation of prohibited products and the imposition of fines,” he said.
He stressed that while the legal framework is being strengthened, the EPA will continue to engage stakeholders to encourage voluntary compliance before the nationwide Styrofoam ban comes into full effect in January 2027.
Source: citinews
