The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) says businesses that continue to import, produce or distribute Styrofoam takeaway packs after the nationwide ban takes effect will face strict enforcement measures, including product confiscation, import restrictions and financial penalties.
Acting Director for Sustainability and Circular Economy at the EPA, Larry Kotoe, disclosed that the Authority is finalising a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to support the ban, which comes into force in January 2027.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, June 26, Mr. Kotoe said the new regulations will clearly define the sanctions and enforcement powers available to the EPA to ensure compliance across the country.
“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 stated.
He explained that the EPA is strengthening import controls by working with the Integrated Customs Operations Management System (ICOPS) to monitor chemicals and related products entering the country.
According to Mr. Kotoe, the Authority will rely on the Harmonised System (HS) codes to identify and prevent the importation of both finished Styrofoam takeaway packs and the raw materials used in their local production.
He said the strategy is intended to eliminate the entire supply chain of polystyrene products, ensuring that manufacturers cannot continue production using imported raw materials once the ban takes effect.
Mr. Kotoe revealed that import restrictions are expected to begin between September and December 2026, ahead of the full implementation date of January 1, 2027. He noted that the EPA has already started engaging importers and other industry players to gather information on import schedules and facilitate a smooth transition.
While preparations for enforcement continue, he said stakeholder consultations will remain a key part of the implementation process to encourage voluntary compliance before the nationwide ban becomes fully operational.
