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The Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO by its acronym in Spanish) and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA by its initials in Spanish) have repealed the rules related to the ban on single-use plastics.
The agencies announced on Tuesday the issuance of Joint Order 2025-002, which immediately repeals Official Interpretation 2024-01 related to the ban. The decision aims to address pending legal issues in the case Asociación de Restaurantes de Puerto Rico Inc. v. DACO, DRNA, KLRA202400674.
With the action, the administration of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection while ensuring responsible and fair management of public policies, the agencies said.
Joint Order 2025-002 repeals the previous interpretation, which sought to clarify the procedures for supervising and inspecting commercial establishments regarding the prohibition on the use and sale of single-use plastics in Puerto Rico. It also aimed to promote the implementation and full compliance with Law 51.
Law 51-2022, known as the “Law to Prohibit the Sale and Use of Single-Use Plastics,” remains in effect, along with Joint Regulation Number 9570, issued on June 29, 2024. However, DACO has implemented a moratorium on commercial inspection efforts related to the law until July 1 of this year, through its Administrative Order 2024-019. During this period, both agencies will focus their resources on educating and guiding relevant sectors on compliance with the law.
“We have made this decision together to prevent ongoing litigation before the Court of Appeals,” designated DACO Secretary Natalia D. Catoni said. “By issuing Joint Order 2025-002, we have repealed the previous official interpretation, paving the way for more effective and fair management of Law 51-2022. Our priority is to provide the necessary support to merchants and consumers to ensure they understand and adhere to the provisions of the law.”
“Our goal is for both consumers and merchants to fully understand all the protocols of Law 51-2022 and to effectively transition to comply with its requirements,” DRNA Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez said. “We have been in discussions with the secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs over the past week to address the concerns of citizens. We believe this administrative order is a useful mechanism for the effective implementation of the law.”
Catoni encouraged consumers to play a vital role in protecting their rights. For more information, they can contact (787) 722-7555 Extension services 14008, 14004, and 14009. For confidential inquiries, they can email confidencia@daco.pr.gov. To file a complaint, please visit www.daco.pr.gov.
