India

Introduction The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued new directives for sewage treatment plants (STPs) in India, reflecting compliance with the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order dated April 30, 2019. These new standards for sewage treatment are set to standardize effluent quality and promote the recycling and reuse of treated wastewater…

Introduction The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) extended the deadline for filing quarterly and annual returns under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2022, specifically for Waste Tyre Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), responding to industry requests. The new deadline for the Financial Year (FY) 2023-24 is now 31st August 2024,…

Introduction In response to industry requests, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has extended the deadline for filing quarterly and annual returns under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The latest update of E-Waste returns extends the deadline from June 30, 2024, to August 31, 2024, aiming to address several challenges faced by recyclers…

Introduction In a recent update, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOeFCC) has provided much-needed relief to Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) as well as Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs). Referencing the CPCB letter [CP-20/28/2023-UPC-II-HO-CPCB-HO-Part (1)] dated May 29, 2024, the government has extended the deadline for filing Plastic Waste Annual Return for…

Introduction: On June 19, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change issued a significant amendment to the notification initially published on June 16, 2021, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Consequently, this amendment, listed under S.O. 2409(E), introduces several critical changes aimed at improving the operations and recognition of Environmental Laboratory Standards. Key…

Introduction: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has extended the deadline for registration on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal for Plastic Packaging. Originally, all Producers, Importers, and Brand-Owners (PIBOs), as well as Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs), needed to complete their registration by March 31, 2024. However, the portal’s security features are undergoing updates, prompting…

Introduction: The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change issued an Office Memorandum (OM) on May 17, 2024, providing important clarifications regarding using domestically recycled materials in battery producers and labeling requirements under the Regulations for Battery Producers per the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. This notification aims to ensure compliance with the EPR labelling…

Introduction: The Gas Cylinders (Amendment) Rules, 2024, represent a pivotal moment in enhancing safety and operational efficiency within the compressed gas industry. With technology advancing and demand rising, these rules signify a necessary evolution in regulatory frameworks to meet contemporary challenges. A notable inclusion within these rules is the requirement for barcoding, encompassing radio frequency…

Introduction: The Plastic Packaging Industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards heightened accountability through Producer Responsibility initiatives. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, has introduced stringent guidelines on the Extended Plastic Packaging Industry’s Producer Responsibility. These guidelines emphasize the proactive role of Producers, Importers & Brand-Owners (PIBOs), and Plastic…

Introduction: In recent discussions surrounding groundwater abstraction, the issue of relaxing charges has taken center stage, prompting a critical reevaluation by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). The imposition of hefty Environmental Compensation (EC) charges, particularly on existing projects applying late for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or renewal, has raised concerns among project proponents,…