The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has indicated that it is putting in place a strong legal and regulatory framework to back the nationwide ban on Styrofoam, popularly known as takeaway packs, with enforcement measures expected to include import restrictions, seizures, and penalties for non-compliance.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, June 26, the Acting Director for Sustainability and Circular Economy at the EPA, Larry Kotoe, said the Authority is already activating formal regulatory systems to ensure the policy is fully enforceable from the point of entry into the country.
The legal framework currently being developed, he disclosed outlines sanctions such as confiscation of banned products, strict port controls and fines for offenders. He added that although the framework is still being finalised, it is expected to define enforcement powers and penalties for businesses that fail to comply.
Mr. Kotoe noted that the EPA is working closely with the national import control system, known as ICOPS, to monitor and regulate the entry of chemicals and related products, including polystyrene materials and their raw components.
He further explained that the Authority is applying the Harmonised System (HS) codes to identify and block both finished Styrofoam products and the raw materials used in their production, allowing for tighter control of imports at the ports.
According to him, the approach is designed not only to target finished takeaway packs but also to stop the importation of raw materials that support local production, ensuring full enforcement of the ban once it takes effect.
Mr. Kotoe disclosed that import restrictions are expected to begin as early as three months to December, ahead of the full enforcement date in January 2027. He added that the EPA has already begun engaging importers and businesses to collect data on import cycles to ease the transition.
“We are currently putting together the legal framework to back the policy direction. So definitely by December we should have the regulation clearly specifying the penalties and then also some of the enforcement powers that will come with it. Obviously you may have to confiscate and there will be fines as well,” he said.
He stressed that while enforcement structures are being strengthened, stakeholder engagement will continue to ensure compliance ahead of the January 2027 rollout of the nationwide Styrofoam ban.
