Haiti Ministry enforces ban on polyethylene and polystyrene, with effect from August 1

05-Aug-13

The Ministry of Environment in Haiti has adopted on 10 July 2013, an order, banning the production, import, marketing and use, in any format whatsoever, of polyethylene bags, inputs and objects in expanded polystyrene (EPS or PS crystal or styrofoam) for food use such as plates, cups, bottles, bags, cups and plates disposable, came into force on August 1, 2013. As of this date, any shipment of packages containing such items will be confiscated by the customs authorities and the owners punished in accordance with the Customs Code. However, the Ministry clarifies that the bottles, transparent bags serving of containers for beverages, drugs and food, white or clear bags for garbage collection, small bags used only for seed, production and conservation of seedlings are exempt from this order and will be subject to other regulations. The Ministry indicates that the necessary steps will be taken by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, to facilitate the importation of inputs, containers and paper products or cardboard 100% biodegradable as well as sachets and bags made ??from fiber, of sisal or of "pite".