Second phase of the ban on single-use plastics

Press Release: Download English Version

The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu through the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) under the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management (MOCCA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade (MFAICET), wishes to inform the good citizens of Vanuatu about the second phase of the ban on single-use plastics in Vanuatu.

As part of its continuous efforts to address the issue of plastic pollution of both the land and marine environment, during the Council of Ministers (COM) 5th Ordinary Meeting on Friday 22nd March 2019, the COM approved a ban on the sale, use and distribution of the following single-use plastic items:
1. Fruit packaging materials such as nylon mesh nets and styrofoam trays
2. Single-use disposable plastic cutlery – knives, forks and spoons
3. Single-use disposable plastic plates
4. Disposable plastic stirrers for coffee and tea
5. Single-use plastic (polyethylene) cups and single-use plastic (polystyrene) cups
6. Plastic (polyethylene) egg cartons
7. Plastic flowers

Following the drafting of the relevant orders, the sale, use and distribution of these items will be banned from 1 December 2019. DEPC is currently working with State Law Office to draft an order under Waste Management Act and will again inform the general public when it is signed by the Minister responsible.

The Government would further like to inform the public that the COM also approved phasing-out the use of disposable diapers for babies over 01 December 2019 to 31 December 2020. This period will enable the relevant Government authorities to further consult with relevant business houses, Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s), civil society groups and communities that will be affected by the ban and help ensure a smooth transition from disposable diapers.

All Citizens of Vanuatu are therefore advised to take note of these important dates and are encouraged to support the Government’s actions to address plastic pollution in Vanuatu.

More Information

For more information about this second ban or to raise any questions that you may have, please contact the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation:
Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Management compound, Nambatu
PMB 9063, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Phone: (678) 25302 / 33430
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you for your attention and may Vanuatu continue to develop into a cleaner, greener and healthier country now and into the future.

Donna Kalfatak
Director
Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation