On Thursday, legislators approved in the second (and final) debate the law that prohibits the import, marketing, and distribution of polystyrene containers, better known as styrofoam.

Violation comes with a fine of one to ten base salaries, that is from ¢446,200 to ¢4.46 million colones.

Polystyrene for packaging of electrical appliances, etc, and containers of industrial and construction uses are excluded.

- paying the bills -

The Government is required to support companies in the transition to more environmentally friendly containers before the law comes into force 24 months after its official publication in the official government newsletter, La Gaceta.

Aprobado en Segundo Debate el Exp. 19.833. Adición de un artículo 42 bis y un nuevo transitorio XIII a la Ley para la Gestión Integral de Residuos, n° 8839 de 24 de junio de 2010 y sus reformas, Ley para la prohibición del poliestireno expandido. — Asamblea Legislativa (@asambleacr) June 13, 2019

“This initiative is a giant step for public health, the environment and the economy of the country because styrofoam generates great pollution,” said PAC legislator Paola Vega of the initiative presented by former legislators of the Frente Ampio party, Edgardo Araya.

¡Ley de la República! Costa Rica a partir de ahora prohíbe la importación, distribución y venta de empaques de poliestireno expandido (estereofon. Gran esfuerzo de la Comisión de Ambiente para avanzar con este proyecto, iniciativa del Frente Amplio, y convertirlo en ley. ???? pic.twitter.com/45r2fdgxJX — Paola Vega (@paolavegar) June 13, 2019

The Ministry of Health will have the responsibility of regulating the law and applying the respective sanctions to businesses in violation.

- paying the bills -

Now, the approved by must be signed by the president of the Republic, Carlos Alvarado, before being sent to the national printer for publication in La Gaceta.