Notification Update: Amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2025

Date: January 23, 2025

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a notification amending the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, under the authority of Sections 3, 6, and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Key Highlights of the Amendment

New Rule on Product Information

From July 1, 2025, producers, importers, and brand owners must provide specific product information on plastic packaging through one of the following methods:

• A barcode or QR code printed on the plastic packaging.

• Inclusion in the product information brochure.

• A unique number printed on the packaging, as assigned under applicable regulations.

Oversight by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

• Producers, importers, and brand owners must notify the CPCB when implementing the barcode/QR code, brochure, or unique number.

• The CPCB will maintain and update a publicly available list of these entities on its website every quarter.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with these provisions will result in penalties as prescribed under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

These amendments aim to enhance plastic waste management by promoting transparency and accountability in plastic packaging. The revised rules take effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette.