Members of the public have less than 30 days, to comment on draft regulations to prohibit the production, distribution, sale, import and export of plastic microbeads and related products.
If successful, there will be stricter monitoring, evaluation, and penalties imposed against those breaking the law.
Fines of up to R10 million or imprisonment, could be imposed, and up to 20 years, for repeated offences.
Dr Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, published draft regulations under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), last week, seeking to eliminate the use of plastic microbeads.
These are tiny solid plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres commonly found in cosmetics, personal care items, pesticides, toiletries, and other products.
“Once enacted, the rules will impose a blanket prohibition on these microbeads, with provisions for monitoring, evaluation, and strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to R10 million or imprisonment of up to 20 years, in cases of repeated offences” said Dr George.
Submissions can be sent by post to the Director-General (DG), Attention: Mr Jeremia Sibande, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001; by hand at Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria; or by email to jsibande@dffe.gov.za. For inquiries, contact 082 302 6907.
Picture: ElGA Lab Water