Mandatory Labelling Guidelines Issued for Plastic Packaging Under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016

In a recent update, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), has issued a crucial notification mandating specific labelling requirements for plastic packaging. These changes are introduced as part of the amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, aimed at strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance across India.

Key Labelling Requirements as per Provision 11(1)

Effective Dates: July 1, 2024 / January 1, 2025 (depending on product category)

Mandatory Information to be Printed (in English): Name and Registration Certificate Number of the Producer, Importer, or Brand Owner (PIBO) The registration number must be obtained through the centralized online portal outlined in Schedule II of the rules.

Applicable to:

• Rigid plastic packaging

• Multilayer flexible plastic packaging

• Single-layer flexible packaging (including sachets, carry bags, sheets, and pouches)

• Packaging made of compostable or biodegradable plastics

Additional Requirements (Provision 11(1A)) – Effective July 1, 2025

PIBOs must also ensure that the above details are:

• Printed directly on the packaging using barcode or QR code, or

• Displayed in product brochures, or

• Clearly printed with the unique registration number

Other Important Provisions:

• All markings or printed codes must be submitted to the CPCB for verification

• CPCB will publish a quarterly public list of compliant PIBOs

• Labelling norms are not applicable to packaging governed under Rule 26 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011

• Only CPCB-approved packaging formats will be considered compliant

• Labels must be printed on packaging that holds individual or grouped goods

What This Means for Businesses

All producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) using plastic packaging must now:

• Register on the CPCB’s EPR portal

• Update all plastic packaging with the mandatory information by July 1, 2025

• Compliance documentation must be submitted as per the format specified in Annexure-I of the guidelines.

Need Help With Compliance?

At Absolute Veritas, we’re actively supporting clients to stay compliant with the evolving regulatory landscape. Our team provides end-to-end assistance with EPR registration, packaging label audits, and documentation submissions as per CPCB norms.

For more info you can contact us at cs@absoluteveritas.com