Introduction
Compostable plastics represent a vital solution in reducing environmental impact caused by traditional plastics. To manufacture and market such eco-friendly products legally in India, obtaining the CPCB Compostable Plastic Certificate for Manufacturers is mandatory. Governed under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, this certification ensures compliance with strict biodegradability and compostability standards, safeguarding environmental safety and promoting sustainable practices.
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According to Rule 3(e) of the PWM Rules, 2016, compostable plastics degrade through biological processes during composting, resulting in carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass without leaving toxic or visible residues. These plastics exclude petrochemical-based products and must conform to Indian Standards for degradability.
Legal Framework and Authority
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) acts as the nodal authority issuing certificates to manufacturers under Rule 4(h) of the PWM Rules. The certification process follows a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) notified by the Central Government on September 10, 2020, designed to simplify application, maintain transparency, and ensure uniform scrutiny.
Detailed Application Process
1. Submission of Application
- Manufacturers must fill out Form A, providing company details, plant location, manufacturing process, raw materials used, pollution control measures, and relevant registrations.
- Digitally signed documents, including an undertaking on ₹100 notarized stamp paper confirming adherence to regulations, must accompany the application.
- Applications are submitted via email to the CPCB, which assigns an application number and confirms receipt within three working days.
2. Verification and Clarification
- CPCB scrutinizes the application and raises queries, if any, within seven working days.
- Applicants have thirty days to provide clarifications; failure to respond leads to rejection.
- If no queries are raised, the application is considered approved by default.
3. Certificate Issuance
- CPCB issues the certificate within seven working days of a complete application.
- A copy is sent to the relevant State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).
- If the manufacturing unit lacks valid SPCB/PCC registration, the certificate is conditionally issued with a three-month deadline to submit such registration. Failure leads to certificate cancellation.
Testing and Provisional Certificate
- Interim test reports covering two parameters — disintegration during composting and ultimate aerobic biodegradation — may qualify manufacturers for provisional certification.
- The final certificate requires comprehensive testing of all four parameters over 180 days according to IS/ISO standards.
- Provisional certificates are valid for six months, extendable upon valid reasons.
- Fresh samples are mandatory if the initial testing occurred before obtaining consent to operate from SPCB/PCC.
Document Checklist for Manufacturers
- Completed Form A with detailed manufacturing and company data
- SPCB/PCC registration under Rule 13(i) of PWM Rules, 2018
- Consent under Air and Water Acts from SPCB/PCC
- Manufacturing process flow diagram
- Test reports from accredited laboratories
- Procurement and sales documentation
- Details of pollution control measures
- Notarized undertaking letter
Compliance Monitoring
- CPCB certificate number and manufacturer’s name must be printed on all compostable plastic products in English, per Rule 11(1).
- QR codes derived from certification data must be printed on products and shared with CPCB and SPCB/PCC.
- Biannual raw material procurement reports are mandatory and verified by SPCB/PCC.
- CPCB and SPCB/PCC conduct field inspections and market surveys to ensure compliance.
- Non-compliance may result in suspension or cancellation of certification.
Suspension and Cancellation
- CPCB issues notices for violations and grants fifteen days for manufacturers to respond before suspension or cancellation.
- The Chairman of CPCB holds the final decision-making authority.
Conclusion
The CPCB Certificate is essential for compostable plastic manufacturers to ensure legal compliance and environmental safety. Following the SOP guidelines diligently and maintaining transparent operations enables manufacturers to contribute positively to sustainable plastic waste management while legally marketing their products in India.
