Ecomark Certification Rules 2023 - Legal Update

Introduction

MoEFCC released the Ecomark Certification Rules, 2023, with the primary objective of promoting eco-friendly products and assessing their environmental impact across various facets. These aspects include resource consumption, climate change effects, impacts on nature and biodiversity, energy usage, waste generation, emissions into the environment, physical pollution effects, and the management of hazardous substances. The Ecomark Certification Rules, 2023 aim to ensure that products meet stringent environmental criteria to qualify for the certification.

Key features of the draft rules are as follows:

Applicability

The rules encompass all products produced, supplied for distribution, or for use in the market unless they are explicitly excluded under the Ecomark Certification Rules.

Objectives

(i) To promote the demand for environmentally friendly products that minimize adverse environmental impacts, aligning with the principles of ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment), resource efficiency, circular economy, and the prevention of misleading environmental product information.

(ii) To raise consumer awareness about environmental concerns and the consequences of their choices, fostering a shift toward more eco-conscious behaviors and consumption patterns.

(iii) To encourage manufacturers to transition towards producing Ecomark-certified products.

(iv) To prevent deceptive or misleading use of the Ecomark label on products.

These Draft Rules will be considered for adoption after 30 days from the date of this notification’s publication. The MoEFCC welcomes objections or suggestions from interested individuals within this 30-day window. Any objections or suggestions should be directed to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi – 110003, and will be duly reviewed and considered.

DOWNLOAD- Draft ecomark certification rule 2023