Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has amended the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, to strengthen traceability, ensure accountability, and promote environmentally responsible practices in plastic waste management. These amendments specifically aim to bring all entities involved in the production, import, and sale of plastic raw materials under a formal registration framework through the Centralized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal. This initiative is a key step towards enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring that all stakeholders adhere to EPR obligations effectively.

As per the amendment dated March 14, 2024, the following categories of stakeholders are now mandated to register themselves on the Centralized EPR Portal for plastic packaging: manufacturers of plastic raw materials, importers of plastic raw materials, micro and small producers, and sellers of plastic raw materials. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has made all necessary provisions for facilitating the registration process, which includes uploading Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a comprehensive Guidance Manual on the EPR Plastic Portal. These resources provide clear instructions on the application format, applicable fees, and submission protocols. All concerned entities are expected to complete their registration without delay, as non-compliance may invite regulatory action under the Plastic Waste Management Rules.