Introduction
Sellers of Biodegradable and compostable plastic products must comply with regulatory requirements set forth by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. To legally market and distribute compostable plastics, sellers need to obtain the appropriate CPCB Certificate, which ensures traceability, compliance, and consumer trust.
Legal Requirements for Sellers
Sellers applying for the CPCB Certificate must adhere to provisions 4(h) and 11(c) of the PWM Rules and any guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Compliance ensures that only certified compostable plastic products reach the consumer market.
Application Process for Sellers
- Sellers apply using Form B, providing product names, quantities, and details of manufacturers certified by the CPCB.
- The application must include the manufacturer’s name, address, and a valid CPCB certificate.
- A notarized undertaking on ₹100 stamp paper declaring compliance is mandatory.
- Applications are scrutinized per CPCB’s Standard Operating Procedure.
Key Seller Obligations
- Sellers must maintain records of procurement from certified manufacturers and submit half-yearly reports on quantities purchased and sold to the concerned SPCB/PCC.
- Labels on compostable plastic products must include the terms “Compostable/Compostable Plastic” in English and the regional language, along with the seller’s name, code, and certificate number.
- Sellers must upload Aadhaar and business details, including GST, PAN, and IEC codes where applicable.
- Market surveillance is conducted by CPCB and SPCB/PCC to ensure availability and compliance of certified compostable products.
Certificate Issuance and Conditions
- CPCB issues separate certificates to sellers after verifying applications and compliance with current SOPs.
- If sellers lack valid registration, conditional certificates are issued with a mandate to obtain proper registration within three months, failing which certificates are revoked.
Monitoring and Enforcement
- CPCB monitors sellers through periodic reports and market inspections.
- Non-compliance can lead to cancellation or suspension of certificates to maintain the integrity of the compostable plastics market.
Conclusion
For sellers, obtaining the CPCB Certificate is a regulatory requirement that guarantees market authorization and consumer confidence in compostable plastic products. Adhering to CPCB guidelines ensures transparency and compliance, supporting India’s commitment to sustainable plastic waste management.
