Biodegradable single use products

Member: 

Basic information

1

Outline of the system

The importation of the following biodegradable single use producs are subject to registration and clearance:
- cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks);
- plate;
- cup;
- bowl;
- tray;
- straw
- beverage stirrer;
- hinged container;
- cup lid; and
- receptacles of any shape, with or without lid, used to contain food which is intended for immediate consumption, either on the spot or takeaway and supplied by a food service business.

2

Product coverage

The importation of the following biodegradable single use products are subject to registration and clearance under the Environment Protection (Control of Single Use Plastic Products) Regulations 2020.

Nature of licensing

Automatic

3

If Automatic, administrative purpose

Non-Automatic

4

If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime

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Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

The objective for registration and clearance prior to the importation of biodegradable single use products is to ensure that the single use products are biodegradable or compostable.

6

Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports

There is no quota for the importation of biodegradable or compostable single use products.

7

The system applies to products originating from which country?

The system applies to goods originating from anywhere in the world.

8

Expected duration of licensing procedure

Eligibility of applicants

12

Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?

13

What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?

There is no restriction and all persons wishing to import biodegradable or compostable single use products may apply for registration and clearance.

14

Is there a registration fee?

15

Is there a published list of authorized importers?

Contact point for information on eligibility

16

Ministry/Authority

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Address

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Telephone

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Fax

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E-mail address

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Website

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Contact officer

Submission of an application

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Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application

Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change

Documentation requirements

24

What information is required in applications?

25

What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?

Documents required are listed in the Third Schedule and Fifth Schedule of the Environment Protection (Control of single use plastic products) Regulations 2020.

Window of submission of an application

26

How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?

The regulation provides that an application for clearance is to be made 30 days prior to placing a shipment order.

27

Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain

No.

Issuing the license

28

Can a licence be granted immediately on request?

No. Applications are processed on a first come first serve basis as per good governance protocol established. The minimum requirement time is about five working days.

29

Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence

30

Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?

The Ministry is the sole authority for processing and delivering permits (Registration + Clearance).

31

Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?

32

Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?

Failing to comply with conditions of a registration certificate may lead to revocation of the certificate.

Fees and other administrative charges

33

Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?

An application for an import clearance is free of charge.

34

What is the amount of the fee or charge?

The application fee for registration is Rs 10,000. The renewal fee is also Rs 10,000.

35

Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?

No.

36

Amount or rate?

37

Is it refundable?

38

What is the period of retention?

39

What is the purpose of this requirement?

Refusal of an application

40

Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?

The Director of Environment is empowered to reject an application not conforming to the regulations.

41

Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?

In case of refusal the Director, notifies the applicant in writing, stating the reasons.

42

Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?

The regulations do not provide restriction of appeal in the event a permit/clearance is refused.

43

If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?

Section 54 of the Environment Protection Act provides for hearing and determination of appeals by the Environment and Land Use Appeal Tribunal (ELUAT). However, the refusal of a permit under the regulations is not covered under the jurisdiction of the ELUAT and the applicant may initiate civil proceedings before the Supreme Court.

Importation

44

Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?

No.

45

What documents are required upon actual importation?

Bill of Entry.

46

Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?

The importer has to notify the Ministry on the expected date of arrival of their consignment for verification.

Conditions of licensing

47

What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?

A Registration Certificate issued under the Environment Protection (Control of single use plastic products) Regulations 2020 is valid for a period of three years, and may be renewed upon request and would be subject to conditions applied therein.

48

Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?

No.

49

Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?

No. Licences are not transferable.

Foreign Exchange

50

Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?

N/A.

51

Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?

N/A.

52

Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?

N/A.

53

What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?

N/A.