1.

Notifying Member: Trinidad and Tobago

If applicable, name of local government involved (Article 3.2 and 7.2):

2.

Agency responsible: Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards

Name and address (including telephone and fax numbers, email and website addresses, if available) of agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification shall be indicated if different from above:

Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards
1-2 Century Drive, Trincity Industrial Estate
Macoya, Tunapuna
Trinidad and Tobago
1(868) 662-8827
ttbs@ttbs.org.tt or publiccomments@gmail.com
www.gottbs.com

3.

Notified under Article 2.9.2 [X], 2.10.1 [  ], 5.6.2 [X], 5.7.1 [  ], other:

4.

Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Compostable and biodegradable food-contact, single-use tableware, packaging, products and materials, inclusive of cutlery, plates, straws, cups, and other disposable food and beverage containers and associated lids.; PACKAGING AND DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS (ICS 55)

5.

Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document: TTCS 9:20XX BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS – FOOD-CONTACT SINGLE-USE PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING – COMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS (13 page(s), in English)

6.

Description of content: This draft Trinidad and Tobago standard applies to imported and locally manufactured compostable and biodegradable food-contact, single-use tableware, packaging, products and materials, inclusive of cutlery, plates, straws, cups, and other disposable food and beverage containers and associated lids.

It outlines the compulsory requirements for the aforementioned products and packaging as well as the mechanisms to demonstrate compliance to these requirements and also includes measures to be taken in the event of non-compliance.

This standard does not apply to secondary packaging, that is, outer wrappers or cartons or non-food contact products. It also does not apply to packing material used as stuffing to prevent damage to products.

7.

Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where applicable: Consumer information, labelling; Prevention of deceptive practices and consumer protection; Protection of the environment

8.

Relevant documents:

·        ASTM D5338, Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions, Incorporating Thermophilic Temperatures

·        ASTM D6400, Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities

·        ASTM D6868, Standard Specification for Labeling of End Items that Incorporate Plastics and Polymers as Coatings or Additives with Paper and Other Substrates Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities

·        CR 13695-1, Packaging - Requirements for measuring and verifying the four h-avy metals and other dangerous substances present in packaging and their release into the environment - Part 1: Requirements for measuring and verifying the four heavy metals present in packaging

·        EN 13432, Packaging - Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation - Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging

·        EN 14995, Plastics -Evaluation of compostability - Test scheme and specifications 

9.

Proposed date of adoption: 7 May 2021

Proposed date of entry into force: 4 March 2022; Upon declaration as compulsory by the Minister for Trade and Industry and publication of Notice of Declaration

10.

Final date for comments: 60 days from notification

11.

Texts available from: National enquiry point [X] or address, telephone and fax numbers and email and website addresses, if available, of other body:

WTO/TBT Enquiry Point
P.O. Box 467
Port of Spain

+(868) 662 88 27; Ext: 2531
+(868) 663 43 35 (Fax)
enquiry.point@ttbs.org.tt or ttbs@ttbs.org.tt
http://www.gottbs.com

https://gottbs.com/2020/11/04/for-public-comment-pcttcs-920xx-biodegradable-materials-food-contact-single-use-products-and-packaging-compulsory-requirements