On September 26, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introduced the Ecomark Rules 2024, marking a significant milestone in promoting environmentally friendly products in India. These rules establish a structured process for granting Ecomarks, a certification that signifies a product’s compliance with specific environmental standards.
What is the Ecomark?
The Ecomark is a certification that helps consumers identify products that are environmentally sustainable. This label assures buyers that the product meets rigorous standards aimed at reducing pollution, minimizing waste, and promoting recycling. The introduction of the Ecomark Rules 2024 is a crucial step in encouraging manufacturers to adopt greener practices and develop products that have a lower environmental impact.
The Procedure for Granting Ecomark
1. Application Process
Manufacturers seeking to obtain an Ecomark must submit an application using Form 1 to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This form requires detailed information about the product and its compliance with environmental standards.
2. Verification
Upon receiving the application, the CPCB, either directly or through a designated Verifier, will verify whether the product meets the conditions outlined in the rules. This verification process is expected to be completed within 60 days. The Verifier will prepare a report detailing their findings.
3. Issuing the Ecomark
If the CPCB is satisfied with the verification report and confirms compliance, the Ecomark will be granted. This certification is valid for three years or until there is a change in Ecomark criteria for the product, whichever comes first.
4. Renewal Process
Manufacturers can apply for the renewal of the Ecomark upon its expiry. The renewal process follows the same procedure as the initial application, ensuring that products continue to meet environmental standards.
5. Annual Reporting
Every holder of an Ecomark is required to submit an annual report online to the CPCB by May 31 each year. This report must cover the period from April 1 of the previous year to March 31 of the current year. The CPCB will review these reports and forward a compilation, along with recommendations, to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change by July 31.
Conditions for Granting Ecomark
To qualify for an Ecomark, products must fulfill specific conditions outlined in the rules:
1. Licensing and Standards Compliance
Products must possess a license or certificate of conformity from the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, or meet the criteria specified in Quality Control Orders issued by the Central Government.
2. Environmental Criteria
The criteria for granting an Ecomark may include:
- Pollution Reduction: Products should minimize or eliminate waste generation and environmental emissions.
- Recyclability: They should be recyclable, made from recycled materials, or both.
- Resource Conservation: The use of non-renewable resources, including energy and raw materials, should be minimized.
- Harmful Material Reduction: There should be a reduction in the use of materials that adversely impact the environment.
3. Considerations for Criteria Development
When developing specific criteria for products, several factors may be considered, including:
- The production process and the source of raw materials.
- The use of natural resources.
- The overall environmental impact of the product.
- Emissions or waste generated during production.
- The disposal method for the product and its packaging.
- Compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility guidelines, where applicable.
- The utilization of waste and recycled materials.
- The suitability of the product for recycling.
- The use of non-hazardous substances instead of hazardous ones.
Additional Provisions
Schedules
The Ecomark Rules 2024 also include two important schedules:
- Schedule II: This includes the application formats, specifically:
Effective Date: September 26th 2024
