Mandatory Plastic Packaging Labeling Rules Effective from July 2025

Introduction: Plastic Packaging Labeling Rules

India is taking decisive action to make plastic packaging more transparent and accountable. With the latest amendment to the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has introduced strict marking and labeling requirements for plastic packaging. These rules, set to be enforced from July 1, 2025, aim to enhance traceability, compliance, and environmental responsibility among Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs).

Here’s what every stakeholder must know—and do—to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Marking and Labeling Now Mandatory: Plastic Packaging Labeling Rules

The amended Rule 11(1) of the PWM Rules specifies that every plastic packaging must include certain details, printed in English, to help regulators and consumers identify its origin and compliance status.

These details vary based on the type of plastic packaging involved.

Category-wise Marking Requirements

Rigid Plastic Packaging and Multilayer Flexible Plastic Packaging
Effective: July 1, 2024
Must display:
- Name of Producer/Importer/Brand Owner
- EPR Registration Certificate Number (as issued through the centralized EPR portal)
Flexible Single-Layer Plastic Packaging (like sachets, covers, carry bags)
Must display:
- Name and EPR Registration Number
- Thickness of the plastic
Compostable Plastic and Plastic Sheets
Effective: January 1, 2025
Must display:
- EPR Registration Number
- Certificate number issued under clause (h) of sub-rule (4)
Biodegradable Plastics and Carry Bags
Must display:
- Certificate number under clause (h) of sub-rule (4)

Digital Options Allowed from July 2025

From July 1, 2025, PIBOs may choose to present the labeling information digitally, as follows:

In a Barcode or QR Code on the plastic packaging
Inside the product information brochure
Via a unique number issued under existing laws

However, these PIBOs must inform CPCB of the digital method used, such as QR code or brochure, and get listed on CPCB’s website. This list will be updated every quarter.

Important Exemptions

Certain packaging types are exempt from mandatory printing:

Plastic packaging covered under Rule 26 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011
Cases where printing is technically not feasible, as per BIS labeling guidelines
In these cases, PIBOs must get approval from CPCB
Relevant information must then be printed on outer packaging or bundling material

Responsibilities for PIBOs

To comply, every Producer, Importer, and Brand Owner must:

Print or encode the required information on all plastic packaging
Submit the details in Annexure-I format to CPCB
Prepare for this process through the EPR Portal, which will soon enable such submissions

Delaying action may result in compliance violations and legal consequences under the PWM Rules.

Key Takeaways for Compliance Teams

If you’re part of a compliance, quality, or EHS team, take the following steps:

Update artwork and design templates to include labeling details
Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to implement these changes
Prepare your systems to encode data digitally (QR or barcode) if preferred
Stay alert for CPCB updates on the portal submission feature
Intimate CPCB immediately after incorporating the changes

Act now to ensure a smooth transition before the July 2025 deadline.

Conclusion: Plastic Packaging Labeling Rules

With this amendment, India is raising the bar for transparency in plastic use. Labeling every plastic unit with traceable information ensures better monitoring, fosters accountability, and supports circular economy goals. Don’t wait until enforcement knocks at your door. Update your packaging, digitize your data, and inform CPCB—before July 2025.