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Fono to debate bill on styrofoam products

Fono chamber in session
Source: RNZ Pacific

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A bill to prohibit the import, sale, distribution and use of styrofoam plates, cups, trays and other container products is now before the Fono.

To help transition from styrofoam to acceptable alternative containers, the bill provides a one-year reduction in excise taxes for new types of containers which are biodegradable and not harmful to health.

Importers will pay a 4 percent excise tax instead of 8 percent for alternative containers during the one-year reprieve.

Polystyrene contains a chemical called styrene that has been linked to cancer as well as reproduction and developmental disorders by the National Research Council.

Exempted from the proposed ban are imported pre-packed food and trays used for raw meat, poultry, fish or frozen food.