Heavy Fines for Breaching Plastic Ban in Barbados, Opposition Against Fine

As government prepares to implement a ban on petroleum-based plastics, importers, retailers and users have been warned that they will face serious consequences, if they breach the new law.

From April 1, the ban on importation of such petro-based single-use products will be enforced, while the distribution, sale and use of such products will be banned from July 1.

After those dates, government is proposing to enforce penalties ranging as high as BDS$50,000 (US$25,000) or a year’s imprisonment, or both, for importing, offering for sale, or using single-use plastics in Barbados.

This was announced by Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey, during the second reading of the Control of Disposable Plastics Bill 2019, in the House of Assembly on Monday.

Single-use plastic containers refer to those made using plastic or polystyrene, and included cups, food containers, and egg trays used in the culinary retail industry.

Under the Bill, it is proposed that anyone who imports, offers for sale, sells or uses single-use plastic or cutlery after the deadline had passed would be guilty of an offence, and would be liable on summary conviction to the BDS$50,000 (US$25,000) fine, a year’s imprisonment, or both. And, anyone continuing the practice can be fined BDS$1,000 (US$500) for each day or part thereof, during which the offence continues.