Trade (Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition) Order, no. 192 of 2018

This Order, made by the Minister under provisions of section 8(l)(a), (b) and (c) of the Trade Act, concerns measures for use and packaging of plastic bags. The Order applies to a single use plastic bag regardless of whether that bag is, or is labeled as, degradable, biodegradable, oxo-degradable, photo degradable or compostable. The Order defines the following relevant terms: import; persons with disabilities; single use plastic bag. The Order provides for the following measures: specification of applicable dimensions for plastic bags; definition of commercial quantity; prohibition to import or distribute any single use plastic bag in commercial quantities, except for: single use plastics used to maintain public health and for compliance with food safety standards, and packaging used by wholesalers and retailers to distribute raw meat, eggs, flour, sugar, rice or baked goods; single use plastics imported or distributed by the Ministry responsible for Health for use in the practice of medicine or dentistry, in veterinary practice; single use plastic bags used to package personal effects, and contained in the luggage of a person travelling into or out of Jamaica; drinking straws for use by persons with disabilities and imported or distributed by a recognised body representing persons with disabilities. Final provisions concern offences and penalties.