AMENDMENT FOR THE PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES AMENDED (2023)

OVERVIEW

20^th OCTOBER 2023

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a notification in New Delhi on 30th October 2023, introducing changes to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 titled amendment for the plastic waste management rules amended (2023). These amendments aim to enhance the implementation of the rules by incorporating information technology tools for online reporting, replacing manual reporting steps, and introducing an online electronic trading platform for certificates generated by registered plastic waste processors. The Central Government, exercising powers conferred by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has made these amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023, will come into effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette. Notable changes include the exclusion of export-oriented units and units in special economic zones from certain rules. Additionally, amendments in terminology and provisions for mandatory information on plastic packaging are introduced. The enforcement authorities, including pollution control boards and state authorities, are defined, and provisions for the registration of producers, importers, and waste processors are modified.

According to the amendment for the plastic waste management rules amended (2023) The State Level Monitoring Committee is established for effective monitoring of rule implementation, and adjustments to the schedule clarify aspects of registration and extended producer responsibility certificates. These changes demonstrate the government's commitment to strengthening plastic waste management in an environmentally sound manner.

QCO - Quality Control Order