NEW DELHI: Starting July 1, all producers, importers, and brand owners of plastic carry bags and multilayered packaging in India must include details such as thickness and the manufacturer’s name in a barcode or quick response (QR) code printed on the packaging.
The environment ministry issued the new guidelines this week to strengthen the enforcement of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, particularly the ban on plastic carry bags less than 120 microns thick. These rules form the legal framework for sustainable plastic waste management in India.
In 2021, the government amended the rules to prohibit single-use plastic items with low utility and high littering potential, effective from July 1, 2022. Additionally, the amended rules banned the production, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of plastic carry bags thinner than 120 microns from December 31, 2022.
Under the new barcode rules, violations will attract penalties under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Offenders could face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both. For continued violations, an additional fine of up to ₹5,000 per day may be imposed after the first conviction.
