Prices of various commodities are likely to rise after the government introduced new registration and licensing fees for manufacturers, importers, and brand owners.
The fees, introduced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale under the Sustainable Waste Management and Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations 2024, published on Tuesday, February 18, could potentially impact the cost of production and importation.
Under the Sustainable Waste Management Regulations 2024, producers have the environmental responsibility for their products throughout the commodity's life cycle, from production to end-of-life.
The regulations list products that are subject to environmental compliance. These products are those that negatively impact the environment, as well as human and animal health.
Such products include packaging used for non-hazardous products like cardboard, glass, plastic, and aluminium, as well as packaging for hazardous products like chemicals, electrical and electronic equipment, treated wood, and accumulators.
According to CS Duale, all producers are required to register for the certificate, including payment of the required fee before obtaining a compliance licence.
“All producers of products listed in the first schedule shall, within six months of the commencement of these regulations, apply to NEMA for registration and issuance of an Extended Producer Responsibility Certificate,” the CS announced.
Producers are also required to manufacture their products and package them in a way that minimises environmental waste and encourages reuse and recycling.
Manufacturers or brand owners seeking to register for the programme must do it through the NEMA portal and must pay a fee of Ksh5000. Likewise, importers must also apply for the certificate when importing finished products and must pay Ksh150 for each item listed in the schedule at the point of entry.
“These regulations highlight the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations that each producer shall execute as per regulation 5 and must include requirements for registration and licensing fees,” Duale stated.
“This, therefore, is a call to all producers, including importers, manufacturers, and brand owners, to immediately apply for registration by logging into the NEMA website, licensing portal, and Extended Producer Responsibility.”
The new regulations also impose heavy fines for producers who fail to adhere to the requirements, including a fine of up to Ksh 2 million or even imprisonment for a term of 4 years, or both.
