Pretoria: The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has introduced draft regulations aimed at banning the production, distribution, sale, import, and export of plastic microbeads and products containing them. These regulations represent South Africa's initiative to protect its marine ecosystems and soils from the detrimental impact of non-biodegradable pollutants.
According to South African Government News Agency, the regulations are a significant step in the country's efforts to preserve its natural heritage. The goal is to address the issue of plastic microbeads that infiltrate waterways through wastewater and accumulate in food chains, posing a threat to oceans and wildlife. Dr George emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping impactful regulations.
The draft regulations, issued under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998, focus on eliminating plastic microbeads, which are tiny solid plastic particles less than five millimetres in size. These microbeads are commonly used in products such as cosmetics, personal care items, and toiletries. The proposed rules include a complete ban on such microbeads, with stringent penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to R10 million or imprisonment for up to 20 years for repeat offenders.
A transitional period of 24 months has been proposed to phase out existing stocks, requiring affected entities to notify the Director-General and submit phase-out plans. The public is invited to submit written comments on the draft regulations within 30 days of their publication in the Government Gazette. Submissions can be made via post, hand delivery, or email to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The draft regulations will soon be accessible for download on the department's website or can be obtained directly from their offices. The department affirmed its commitment to sustainable development and the conservation of South Africa's natural resources for the benefit of future generations.