New Plastic Waste Management Rules in India: Mandatory QR Codes and Barcodes for Packaging
New Plastic Waste Management Rules in India: Mandatory QR Codes and Barcodes for Packaging
Starting July 1, all producers, importers, or brand owners of plastic carry bags and multilayered packaging in India must include detailed information, such as thickness and manufacturer name, in a barcode or QR code printed on the packaging. These new regulations, announced by the environment ministry this week, aim to ensure strict oversight of banned carry bags that are less than 120 microns thick, in line with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. These overarching rules establish a legal framework for effective plastic waste management in the country. In 2021, the ministry also introduced amended rules that banned the use of specific single-use plastic items, which are deemed to have low utility and high potential for littering, starting from July 1, 2022.
The amended regulations also banned the production, import, storage, distribution, sale, and use of plastic carry bags that are less than 120 microns thick, effective from December 31, 2022. The new rules requiring information to be provided in a barcode include provisions for penalties under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. According to this law, any violation or failure to comply can result in imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to one lakh rupees, or both. If the violation continues, the law imposes an additional fine of up to Rs 5,000 for each day following the initial conviction for the first offense.
