Regulations will ban Plastic Shopping Bags
From the 19th of September 2012, the Cook Islands will prohibit the importation of all non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags into the country and all importers will be required to switch to environmentally friendly biodegradable plastic shopping bags. Asides from banning the import of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags, the regulations will also monitor those importing biodegradable plastic shopping bags through a simple user-friendly permitting process.
A community-wide survey completed in 2008 illustrated what people thought of plastic bags and 92% of people surveyed wanted non-biodegradable plastic bags to be banned. This result indicated that change was necessary and in 2012, a ‘long time coming’ change is underway.
The new regulations under the Environment Act of 2003 were developed jointly by the National Environment Service and the Prime Minister’s Office in consultation with the Ministry of Health, Te Ipukarea Society and CITC.
“This is one of the necessary steps we have to take to care for our environment and achieve our Clean, Green Policy” said the Prime Minister.
The regulation in brief
The regulation prohibits the importation of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags and controls the importation of biodegradable plastic shopping bags.
The regulations will directly affect retailers importing plastic shopping bags who will be required to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags for all distributors of shopping bags. A fine of up to $500 will apply for those importers who fail to comply with these regulations.
The regulations encourage the public to use biodegradable plastic shopping bags, including cloth bags, oini or kete (kikau baskets), cardboard boxes or just to say no to plastic bags.
Importers, retailers and distributors will be required to implement a phase-out plan for the remaining stock of non-biodegradable bags and importers will have to seek a supplier who can supply them with biodegradable plastic shopping bags that meet the biodegradability standards set out in the regulations and obtain a permit from the National Environment Service.
How will it affect customers?
The regulations will provide an environmentally friendly alternative for customers by way of biodegradable plastic shopping bags resulting in a more environmentally responsible Cook Islands.
A letter and information paper has already been sent out to retailers informing of the change and requesting an indication of their current stock of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags. NES will also be calling a meeting of importers to ensure that they fully understand the requirements under the new regulation and to assist importers to become fully compliant with this regulation.
The impacts of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags
Non-biodegradable plastic bags are made from non-renewable fossil fuels which take years to breakdown in our environment. Plastic bags have many uses but biodegradable plastic bags can achieve these same uses without compromising the aesthetics of our beautiful environment and threatening wildlife and breaking down much quicker than petroleum-based bags.
This regulation comes into effect in September and we urge you to contact us should you have any questions regarding this matter. This regulation will be monitored by the Customs Division of MFEM and the National Environment Service.
A copy of the regulation can be picked up from Parliament or else call the National Environment Service and speak to a Compliance Officer about the regulations on 21256.
Deyna Marsh
National Environment Service

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