The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026 vide notification G.S.R. 237(E) dated 31st March 2026, amending the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

This amendment strengthens the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework by introducing mandatory recycled content targets, reuse obligations, enhanced audit mechanisms, and decentralized enforcement, based on stakeholder consultations and recommendations.

Key Highlights of the Amendment:

1. Revised Definitions and Scope

Key definitions under Rule 3 have been updated:

• End-of-Life Disposal has been expanded to encompass energy recovery methods, including co-processing, waste-to-energy, waste-to-oil, and road construction, while excluding processes that convert plastic into feedstock or new plastic, which are classified under recycling.
• Plastic Waste Processors’ definition has been broadened to include both recyclers and end-of-life disposal entities.
• New Definitions Introduced: Registered Environment Auditor, Reuse (use without altering structure), and Seller (plastic raw material suppliers).
• Scope of Local Authorities has been extended to cover “authority,” “local authority,” and other relevant authorities.

2. Mandatory Standards for Recycled Plastic

All recycled plastic packaging must:

• Comply with Indian Standard IS 14534: 2023
• Bear mandatory labelling and marking indicating recycled content
• Comply with FSSAI requirements for food-contact applications

3. Mandatory Use of Recycled Plastic Content (EPR)
Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners must meet the following targets:

Key provisions:

• Exemption allowed where recycled plastic use is restricted by statutory requirements (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, or the Central Insecticide Board or any mandatory Indian standard).
• Supporting documentation must be submitted in annual returns.
• For multi-layered plastic (Category III) targets apply only to the plastic component of the packaging.

4. Special Provisions for Importers

• Recycled content in imported plastic packaging will not be counted toward obligations.
• Importers must meet obligations through purchase of certificates (credit mechanism) from surplus PIBOs.
• The mechanism will be developed by CPCB on the centralized portal.

5. Carry Forward of Targets

• Producers may carry forward unfulfilled recycled plastic content targets for food-contact packaging from FY 2025-26 for up to three years (starting FY 2026-27), ensuring at least one-third of the shortfall is met each year until fully achieved.

6. Reuse Obligations for Rigid Plastic (Category I)

• Rigid Plastic Packaging (0.9-4.9 L/kg): Brand Owners must meet a minimum reuse target of 10% in FY 2025-26, increasing to 25% from FY 2028-29 onwards.
• Drinking Water Packaging (≥4.9 L/kg): The reuse target rises from 70% in FY 2025-26 to 85% from FY 2028-29 onwards.
• Other Packaging (≥4.9 L/kg): Brand Owners are required to achieve reuse targets starting at 10% in FY 2025-26, increasing to 15% from FY 2028-29 onwards.

Additional Provisions: Any shortfall in reuse targets may be carried forward in line with the provisions for recycled content, with the Brand Owner retaining full responsibility for product quality and regulatory compliance.

7. Audit and Verification Framework

• CPCB to prescribe guidelines for verification within 6 months.
• Verification may be conducted by designated agencies, and registered environment auditors.