Producers, Importers, Brand Owners Required to Register on EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging Waste

CPCB now mandates that all entities involved in the plastic packaging supply chain must register on the EPR Portal by May 31, 2024. This includes producers, importers, and brand owners. The notice clarifies that even if producers fail to register by the deadline, their EPR obligations remain applicable for the intervening period. The notice clarifies that even if PIBOs fail to register by the deadline, their EPR obligations remain applicable for the intervening period.

CPCB Publishes Details on Enhanced Security Features of EPR Portal

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has published a detailed video on its enhanced security features of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal for plastic waste. The services of the EPR Portal were resumed with enhanced security features on March 01, 2024.

CPCB Issues Draft SOP on Assessment of Plastic Waste Generation

The Draft SOP provides a comprehensive methodology for assessing plastic waste generation and characterizing different types of plastic packaging. It also outlines procedures for validating data reported by local bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability in the reporting process.

Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023

The Central Government has introduced amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The newly notified regulations, titled “Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023,” aim to strengthen the management and regulation of plastic waste in the country.

Draft SOP for Lead recycling units desirous of importing lead scrap/lead acid battery scrap

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has recently issued comprehensive Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the recycling of lead scraps, including scrap lead-acid battery waste, lead acid battery plates, and other lead-based scraps and residues. These guidelines are aimed at ensuring environmentally responsible recycling practices and maintaining the safety and health of workers in the lead recycling industry.

FSSAI directs ban on use of Packing Films around Sweet Boxes

The FSSAI points out that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. The amendment prohibits manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of single use plastic items. Hence, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are directed to ensure that no packing films are used to wrap/ pack sweet boxes.