There have been recent updates to India's Plastic Waste Management Rules and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework:

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2025:

• Effective from January 23, 2025, these amendments aim to enhance transparency and accountability.
• New labelling requirements for plastic packaging will take effect from July 1, 2025. Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) must provide product information via barcodes, QR codes, brochures, or unique numbers.
• PIBOs must notify the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about their chosen labelling method.
• The CPCB will maintain a public list of compliant PIBOs, updated quarterly.
• CPCB’s Latest Directive on EPR Registration:
• Issued on February 24, 2025, this directive enforces stricter compliance for EPR Registration for Plastic Waste.
• Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners must actively manage their plastic waste through recycling initiatives or authorized waste processors.
• Non-compliance could lead to fines and operational restrictions.
• Industries must submit regular reports on their EPR compliance, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• The directive encourages businesses to rethink packaging strategies, shifting toward sustainable alternatives.
• These changes reflect India's growing commitment to tackling plastic pollution and ensuring responsible waste management.