THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has lifted the ban on the importation of Styrofoam fish boxes after intense lobbying from sea food exporters.In a statement, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in light of concerns raised by seafood exporters in Guyana, and the potential negative economic impact of the ban on this industry, it petitioned the GRA to lift the restriction on Styrofoam fish boxes.
According to the EPA, businesses and individuals will once again be allowed to purchase and import the 65 pound capacity Styrofoam fish boxes.

Additionally, the EPA said that on the matter of tax incentives for the importation of biodegradable food and beverage containers, it was announced by the GRA that these items will no longer attract the Value-Added Tax. “This timely measure came into effect from February 10, 2016 and applies to biodegradable food and beverage containers only,” the EPA said.

The agency is also working with the recently formed Styrofoam Ban Task Force on establishing standards for biodegradable alternatives. An audit of Styrofoam stock is also being conducted to determine an approximation of the quantity of the product remaining in the country. Upon completion of the audit, the agency will then determine a suitable date for enforcement of the use of Styrofoam food containers in accordance with the Regulations.

The general ban on Styrofoam took effect from January 1, and the Ministry of the Presidency has said that it is part of efforts to support and promote a green economy and environment, which has been a mantra for the Government since their assumption to office.

The ban, the Ministry said, will be enforced through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Ministries of Business, Legal Affairs, and Finance, through the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

It was revealed that a series of measures to address waste management and to promote the utilization of biodegradable materials is in its implementation stages, being spearheaded by the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Granted by Cabinet, was the approval for the immediate development of a legal framework to implement the ban on the importation and use of Styrofoam products, as well as a public awareness programme to educate the public on the consequences of its usage and the benefits of the alternatives.

This decision by the Executive arm, came as a result of a series of consultations, which were held previously with industry operators, importers and other key stakeholders. But not limited to these consultations, more consultative sessions are expected to be held to the end of the year.

The objective of this initiative, the Ministry noted, is to achieve a “significant reduction” in the effects of polystyrene foam products on solid waste management in Guyana and its negative impact on the environment, while leading to the further development of new enterprises in the alternatives sector. It was highlighted too, that in Guyana, the waste stream comprises about 2-5 per cent Styrofoam products, with these being popularly used in the food service industry.

As a result, the improper disposal of the single-use item has been, and remains a threat to human health and the wider environment, incurring clean-up and disposal costs, amounting to millions of dollars, a cost borne by the tax paying public.