Swabs for sampling purposes to be exempted
The Macau government announced yesterday that the import of three more types of single-use plastic products will be banned from the beginning of next year, namely cottonwool buds except swabs used for sampling purposes, balloon sticks, and inflatable cheer sticks.
The announcement was made through an executive order by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai published in the Official Gazette (BO) yesterday. The order, which was signed by Sam on August 14, will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The government has banned the import of single-use Styrofoam meal boxes, bowls, cups and plates since January 1, 2021, the import of single-use non-biodegradable plastic drinking straws and drink stirrers since January 1, 2022, the import of single-use non-biodegradable plastic knives, forks and spoons since January 1, 2023, and the import of single-use non-biodegradable plastic plates and cups as well as single-use Styrofoam food trays since January 1, 2024.
The Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) underlined in a follow-up statement yesterday that the government has decided to ban the import of the three more types of single-use plastic products after considering Macau’s real situation, the availability of alternative products in the market, and the respective experience in neighbouring countries and regions, while also gathering opinions from the relevant sectors in the city.
In addition to plastic, the rod of a cottonwool bud can also be made of wood, paper, or bamboo. Cottonwool buds with rods made of wood, paper, or bamboo are available in the local retail market.
Due to the level of availability, cottonwool buds with wooden or bamboo rods sold in the local retail market are currently still more expensive than their counterparts with plastic rods.
Packs of cottonwool buds are displayed on the shelf of a pharmacy in the city centre yesterday. – Photo: Tony Wong
