Client Alert

December, 2016      
Compliance with the Plastic Bags Ban
Involves More Than Not Using Plastic Bags


The Law for Promoting the Use of Reusable Bags and the Regulation of the Use of Plastic Bags in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Law 247-2015) requires retailers to stop using disposable plastic bags at the point of sale.  However, even if retailers are not using plastic bags, they still have to comply with other requirements of the law. The Joint Regulation for Implementing the Law for Promoting the Use of Reusable Bags and the Regulation of the Use of Plastic Bags prepared by the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Solid Waste Authority was filed with the PR Department of State on November 30, 2016.
The effective date for compliance with the law is December 30, 2016. Failure to comply with the Law and the Regulation will entail the imposition of fines after an initial period for educating retailers on the requirements.
We at Goldman remain committed in assisting you and your business to adjust to these changes in the Law.
If you have any questions, you can contact any of our environmental practice group lawyers Alicia Lamboy-Mombille at 787.759.4144, alamboy@gaclaw.com ; or Gretchen Méndez-Vilella at 787.759.4207, gmendez@gaclaw.com .
Disclaimer
Although the information included in this document may concern legal issues, it is not a legal opinion or professional advice and clients shall not use it as such. We assume no responsibility or liability of any kind for any information contained herein, and we expressly disclaim all liability for any claim for damages arising from the use, reference to, or reliance on, such information. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.