Significant Update

The Centre has amended the Plastic Waste Management Rules, making it mandatory for producers, importers, and brand owners to use recycled plastic in packaging. The rules also require them to clearly label and mark packages to indicate the use of recycled content. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the amendments on Tuesday to strengthen compliance and make plastic recycling and waste management systems more robust and comprehensive.

Gradual Targets for Recycled Content

The amended rules introduce category-wise targets for the use of recycled plastic in packaging. These targets will increase progressively from 2025–26 to 2028–29 and beyond, in accordance with standards prescribed by the government. Producers and importers must also follow the applicable marking and labelling requirements specified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for food products. However, the mandatory targets will not apply where the use of recycled plastic is restricted under existing laws or regulations. This includes rules issued by authorities such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, and the Central Insecticide Board.

Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanism

Under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026, the Central Pollution Control Board will develop a mechanism on a centralised online portal to track and report the use of recycled plastic content. State governments and Union Territory administrations must also establish state- or UT-level monitoring committees to oversee the effective implementation of the amended rules. Local bodies in both urban and rural areas will serve as the ground-level authorities responsible for enforcing the rules, which have come into force with immediate effect.

Source: The Times of India