Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade - Notification - Belize - Biodegradable products

NOTIFICATION

The following notification is being circulated in accordance with Article 10.6

 

1.

Notifying Member: Belize

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

2.

Agency responsible:

Belize 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:

Power Lane
P.O. Box 430
City of Belmopan, Cayo District
Belize, C.A.
Telephone: +1 (501) 822-0446;
Fax: +1 (501) 822-2571
Email:
tbtenquiry-belize@bbs.gov.bz or bbs@btl.net

3.

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

4.

Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Applies to bio-materials and single use biodegradable or compostable products of the following categories: clamshells, food containers, soup containers, plates, cups and lids; plastic carrier bags commonly referred to as shopping bags and/or T-shirt bags; cutlery and eating utensils: forks, knives, and spoons; drinking straws.

5.

Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document: Final Draft Belize Certification Scheme for Biodegradable Products (13 page(s), in English)

6.

Description of content: As required by the amendment to the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulation, 2019, all biodegradable products shall be registered through this certification scheme before application for permits. This certification scheme is based on third party certification utilizing independent laboratories which forms the basis for suppliers, manufacturers, and importers of bio-based materials and biodegradable products for commercial sale to register products in Belize. The aim is to create consumer confidence, by proving that an independent, neutral and competent body has carefully examined and assessed the product on the basis of the test criteria (limited to bio-based content for the interim). Third-party monitoring ensures that quality checks conducted on the product is maintained which gives added value to the customer in making informed purchases. 

7.

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

8.

Relevant documents:

https://bbs.gov.bz/standards-for-comments/

9.

Proposed date of adoption: 31 March 2021

Proposed date of entry into force: 30 April 2021

10.

Final date for comments: -

11.

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

Belize Bureau of Standards
Power Lane
P.O. Box 430
City of Belmopan , Cayo District
Belize, C.A.
Telephone: +1 (501) 822-0446;
Fax: +1 (501) 822-2571
Email:
tbtenquiry-belize@bbs.gov.bz or bbs@btl.net

https://bbs.gov.bz/standards-for-comments/