For Immediate Release
17 July 2020
This is an important notice for all importers and customs brokers. Below outlines the permitting process for single-use biodegradable plastic products as classified under the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations, 2020.
Importers shall apply to the Department of the Environment (DOE) by submitting all of the below:
- 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.
- A copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product.
The completed form, along with the supporting documents, can be submitted electronically to envirodept@environment.gov.bz or library@environment.gov.bz. The permit will be for a one-time use and valid for 180 days. Applicants will be provided with a digital copy of the permit, if approved.
Only the permitting process for the importation of biodegradable products is being implemented at this time, and not the registration of biodegradable products locally. Applicants will be informed of the status of the standards for biodegradable products and the procedure for registration of each product in due course. The documentation and materials that will be required for the registration of biodegradable products include a copy of the MSDS, a description of the product(s), a sample of each product, a product certificate or 3rd party certification, a conformity assessment, and notarized translation, if documents are not in English.
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
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