Filenews 20 April 2022
September 30, 2022 is the final time limit for the availability of plastic products that were placed on the Cyprus market before July 3, 2021, says the Department of Environment, noting that the European Directive 2019/904/EU on the reduction of the impact on the environment of certain plastic products, has been incorporated into the national law of Cyprus by 48(I)/2022, "On Waste (Amendment) Law" of 2022.
In a statement, it is recalled that the items the placing on the market of which has been banned from 3 July 2021 are cotton swabs with a plastic stem (with the exception of those falling under the medical equipment), cutlery, plates, straws (with the exception of those falling under the medical equipment), beverage stirrers, rods attached and supporting balloons, except for balloons for industry or other professional uses; food containers made of expanded polystyrene; Containers such as boxes with or without a cover, in which food intended for immediate consumption is placed either on the spot or outside the store, are usually consumed by the container and are ready for consumption without further preparation e.g. cooking, boiling or warming up.
This includes containers used for fast food meals or other meals ready for immediate consumption, except beverage containers, dishes and packages and wrappers containing food.
Also included are beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene and their lids and lids, expanded polystyrene cups and their caps and covers and products made from oxo-degradable plastic (whether disposable or not).
The national legislation, it is mentioned, has adopted the articles and annexes of the Directive as they stand, and at the same time the final time limit for the availability of products placed on the market before 3/7/2021 – date of application of the Directive is determined.
It should be noted that placing on the market takes place when a manufacturer or importer first supplies a product to a distributor - the distribution chain may be the commercial chain of the manufacturer or his representative, or to an end-user. Availability is any subsequent action, e.g. from distributor to distributor or from distributor to end user within the same state. More relevant information can be found in the Clarifications Guide on the website of the Department of Environment.
According to the national law, the final time limit for the availability of products placed on the Cyprus market before 3/7/2021 is 30/9/2022. Beyond this date, its availability and location in the Cypriot market is prohibited, and therefore it should be removed from the shelves of businesses. He points out that relevant controls will be carried out within the framework of the provisions of the "Waste Law" for the compliance of producers and importers with the legislation, as well as distributors.
According to Directive 2019/904/EU and the EU guidelines, which provide guidance on the interpretation and application of the Directive, it is noted that polymers and modified natural polymers fall within the framework of the Directive and consequently the prohibitions.
A relevant Guide for Clarifications, Questions and Answers Regarding the Single-Use Plastics Directive can be found on the website of the Department of Environment, at the link below http://www.moa.gov.cy/moa/environment/environmentnew.nsf/index_gr/index_gr?opendocument.
It is noted that labelling is required to be placed on the following products:
Sanitary pads, tampons and tampon applications, wet wipes, filter tobacco products and filters marketed for use in combination with tobacco products, cigarettes or cigars with a filter containing plastic, disposable filters containing plastic, disposable filters containing plastic, electronic device for use with a gasified tobacco product including a disposable filter containing plastic and cups for beverages.
It also states that there is a reduction in the consumption of single-use plastic products.
