In Brunei Darussalam, key legislation governing waste management is outlined in the Environmental Protection and Management Act 2022, empowering the Minister responsible for environmental protection and management matters to impose requirements aimed at controlling land pollution, including industrial waste, domestic waste, and littering. In conjunction with this, the Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import, and Transit) Order 2013 establishes rules regarding the environmentally safe management of transboundary hazardous waste, including plastics waste.
Furthermore, as part of the country’s long-term development planning for the country, the Government of Brunei established the Brunei Vision 2035 in 2008. This initiative delineates 12 national outcomes, one of which focuses on achieving a sustainable environment. Within this sector, the government encourages individuals to prevent waste littering and open burning, as well as promote active participation in “cleaning campaign” activities. Other important documents include the National Climate Change Policy, the Ministry of Development Strategic Plan 2018-2023, and the Ministry of Development Strategic Plan 2024-2029. However, none of the abovementioned plans mentions the term extended producer responsibility (EPR).
Table 1. Summary of policies, plans, and regulations related to EPR for packaging in Brunei Darussalam.
Policies and Regulations | Promulgation Date | Status |
Brunei Vision 2035 | 2008 | In effect |
Hazardous Waste (Control of Export, Import, and Transit) Order 2013 | 9 December 2013 | In effect |
Ministry of Development Strategic Plan 2018-2023 | 2018 | Concluded |
National Climate Change Policy | 2020 | In effect |
Environmental Protection and Management Act 2022 | July 2022 | In effect |
Ministry of Development Strategic Plan 2024-2029 | 2024 | In effect |
At the moment, EPR has only been included in the Recycle 123 Handbook published by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (DEPR) in 2015. In the handbook, EPR was intended for e-waste. Although not explicitly mentioned in most government documents, the Government of Brunei is considering EPR in their agendas. This is evident in the Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint which has been promoting the green, blue, and circular economy.
Updated as of 10 January 2025.
