New Plastic Packaging Labeling Rules to Take Effect from July 1, 2025
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a notice detailing mandatory marking and labeling requirements for plastic packaging, set to come into force from July 1, 2025. These provisions are part of the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2016, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
India Tightens Insecticide Labeling Norms with New Amendments
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has notified the Insecticides (First Amendment) Rules, 2025, bringing changes to the labeling, packaging, and information requirements for insecticide products across India. The new rules, effective from June 4, 2025, aim to enhance consumer safety and provide comprehensive product information.
Government Proposes Increased Plastic Recycled Content and Reuse
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released a draft notification on June 3, 2025, proposing amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. These changes aim to further strengthen the effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for plastic packaging and address existing challenges. The government is inviting public comments and suggestions on the draft within sixty days from its publication in the Gazette.
FSSAI Plans to Restrict Registrations In Key Food Categories
Under the proposal, only State or Central Licenses would be permitted for the manufacturing of these items. The FSSAI plans a special drive to convert existing Registered FBOs manufacturing these products to the License category. A reasonable transition period of six months is proposed to allow FBOs to shift and utilize existing packaging materials. Post-transition, the FoSCoS portal will be modified to remove these products from Registration Certificates.
Decriminalization of Legal Metrology Act to Boost Business
The Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) urged State Legal Metrology departments to align their enforcement rules with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, and to onboard the eMaap portal within one month. She also informed the attendees about the revised timeline for the implementation of the amended Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, set for January 1st and July 1st.
FSSAI Upgrades Food Packaging Material to “Critical” in Inspection Checklists
The new checklist requires that packaging material used shall have Certificate of conformity issued by NABL accredited laboratory against the FSS (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. Inspectors will check for records of this conformity certificate during inspections.
New Mobile App Simplifies Plastic Packaging EPR Reporting for Businesses
The government has launched the Centralized EPR Plastic Packaging (CEPP) mobile application to streamline Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance for plastic packaging. This app simplifies the process for Producers, Importers, Brand Owners (PIBOs) to upload their sales transaction data, ensuring accurate and efficient reporting.
FSSAI to Hold Stakeholder Meeting on Proposed Food Safety Standards
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a stakeholder meeting to discuss proposed new food safety standards and amendments to existing regulations. The meeting is scheduled for April 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi. For those unable to attend in person, the FSSAI has provided an online platform through Webex. Stakeholders are requested to confirm their attendance, whether physical or online, to help with logistical arrangements.
FSSAI Amends Packaging Regulations On Recycled PET in Food Packaging
Products made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) may be used for packaging, storing, carrying or dispensing of food products as and when standards and guidelines are notified by the Food Authority and such packaging materials shall comply with national standards or regulations as applicable to such materials.
Government Streamlines Implementation of Packaged Commodities Rules
Amendments to labeling provisions will now take effect on either January 1st or July 1st of each year. A minimum transition period of 180 days from the date of notification will be provided for all amendments. In extraordinary or exceptional situations, case-by-case decisions regarding implementation may be made.
