News Updates

The Central Pollution Control (CPCB) requested an extension of the filing timeline for battery producers' annual returns for FY 2023-24 by 31.03.2025. The Ministry extended the deadline to 31.12.2024, but the Central Government extended it to 31.3.2025, pending approval from the Competent Authority.

The revised regulations specify the minimum proportions of recycled materials that must be present in the overall dry weight of different battery types over the upcoming fiscal years. These guidelines are intended to be progressively raised, pushing the sector toward higher sustainability.

This amendment is a significant step forward in fostering innovation within the toys industry. By easing restrictions on imports for R&D, manufacturers can now explore new designs and materials without the immediate pressure of commercial sales. This will likely enhance the quality and safety of toys produced in India, aligning with global standards. Moreover, the requirement for record-keeping ensures accountability and transparency in the import process, which is vital for maintaining quality control in the industry.

In a significant step to enforce stricter compliance with environmental regulations, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), has issued a Show Cause Notice to several producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) for violating the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, as amended. The notice highlights the failure of these entities to submit their Annual Returns for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24. This non-compliance raises serious concerns, as it undermines the effectiveness of the nation's plastic waste management efforts and obstructs initiatives to reduce plastic pollution.

Under the Sixth Amendment to the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, dated April 27, 2023, Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) are granted a one-time registration. This registration is valid indefinitely and will only change upon the PIBOs' request. Additionally, a notice issued on August 28, 2023, clarified that these registrations do not require renewal.

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is a policy that makes companies responsible for what happens to their products after customers are done using them. This means manufacturers, importers, and big brands (PIBOs) must take care of collecting, recycling, and properly disposing of their packaging and products.

The goal is to cut down on waste, encourage the use of recyclable materials, and help protect the environment. Under the new draft rules in India, these companies will have to meet recycling targets, use more recycled materials in their packaging, and set up systems to manage waste effectively. This initiative supports global sustainability efforts and helps create a cleaner, greener future.

Bureau No. CMD-2/G-18 Notification Changes

“(1) For micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises, concession of 20%.”.

“(2A) Enhanced concession for a micro scale enterprise—From the date of this notification till 31

May 2026, a concession of 80% in the fee payable by the large-scale enterprises shall be applicable.

(2B) Enhanced concession for a small-scale enterprise: From the date of this notification till 31
May 2026, a concession of 50% in the fee payable by the large-scale enterprises shall be applicable.”
iii) the sub-paragraph 3 under Note 3 shall be substituted, namely:

“(3) Enhanced concession for a start-up enterprise: From the date of this notification till 31 May
2026, a concession of 80% in the fee payable by the large-scale enterprises shall be applicable.”
iv) the sub-paragraph 4 under Note 3 shall be substituted, namely:

“(4) Enhanced concession for a women entrepreneur enterprise—From the date of this notification
till 31 May 2026, an additional concession of 10% in the fee payable by the applicable scale of
enterprises, i.e. either micro or small or medium scale, shall be applicable.”

The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 is a set of regulations in India that govern the packaging and labeling of commodities to ensure consumer protection, transparency, and fair trade practices. These rules come under the framework of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, which aims to ensure that accurate measurements are used in trade and commerce.

Important update from the Department of Consumer Affairs, dealing with Bureau of Indian Standards that Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes and Tubes for General Services and Stainless-Steel Welded Pipes and Tubes for General Services are now established under Indian Standards in the Official Gazette.

Subject: Issuance of Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for License-Exempt Wireless Devices

The competent authority has decided to grant Equipment Type Approval (ETA) for license-exempt wireless equipment devices on a self-declaration basis. Applicants must submit applications on the SARAL Sanchar portal, with required documents and fees. ETA holders must obtain clearances from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before importing equipment, and must ensure compliance with import regulations.

The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2025, will come into force on July 1, 2025. They require producers, importers, or brandowners to provide information in barcodes, product information brochures, or unique numbers on plastic packaging. The Central Pollution Control Board will publish the list of producers, importers, or brandowners who have provided details and product information, updating it every quarter. Non-compliance or contravention will result in penalties under Section 15 of the Act.