Environment & Ecology·Environmental Laws
Plastic Waste — Environmental Laws
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Version 1Updated 9 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules | 2018 | This amendment clarified the role of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in enforcing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. It also provided a more detailed process for the registration of Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) and specified their responsibilities in managing plastic waste. | Strengthened the regulatory oversight for EPR, making it more explicit and enforceable. It streamlined the registration process for PIBOs, aiming to bring more entities under the ambit of EPR and improve compliance. |
| Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules | 2021 | A significant amendment that focused on phasing out identified single-use plastic (SUP) items. It prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of specific SUP items from July 1, 2022. It also increased the minimum thickness of plastic carry bags to 75 microns from September 30, 2021, and further to 120 microns from December 31, 2022. | Marked a decisive step towards eliminating problematic SUPs, aiming to reduce plastic litter and pollution significantly. The increased thickness for carry bags was intended to improve their recyclability and discourage casual disposal, making them more durable for reuse. |
| Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules | 2022 | Further refined the EPR framework for plastic packaging. It categorized plastic packaging into four types (rigid, flexible, multi-layered, compostable) and set specific, legally binding EPR targets for PIBOs for each category. It introduced a centralized online portal for EPR compliance, a mechanism for EPR certificates, and mandates for using recycled content. | Provided a comprehensive and robust framework for EPR, making it more stringent and measurable. The categorization and specific targets aimed to bring greater accountability and promote a circular economy by incentivizing recycling and the use of recycled materials in new products. |