India to Implement New Plastic Packaging Regulations Starting July 1, 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, all manufacturers, importers, or brand owners of plastic carry bags and multilayered packaging in India will be required to include important details, like thickness and manufacturer information, in a barcode or QR code on the packaging. These new rules, announced by the Ministry of Environment, are designed to monitor banned plastic carry bags that are thinner than 120 microns, in line with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
In 2021, the ministry updated these rules to ban certain single-use plastic items, which are considered harmful for the environment due to their low utility and high tendency to cause litter. The ban on plastic bags thinner than 120 microns became effective on December 31, 2022.
The new rule on barcodes also includes penalties for violations under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Those who fail to comply could face a fine of up to one lakh rupees, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. If the violation continues, the fine can increase by Rs 5,000 per day after the first offense.
