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On October 1, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change announced the implementation of new Ecomark Rules aimed at fostering a “Lifestyle for Environment” (LiFE) in India. These rules set forth comprehensive guidelines for labeling eco-friendly products in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
What are Ecomark?
Ecomark are certification labels used to identify products that meet specific environmental standards. These labels serve as a mark of assurance for consumers seeking sustainable and eco-friendly options.
Previous Labelling Practices
The Ecomark system, originally established in 1991, set certain standards for eco-friendly products. However, it has been criticized for its lack of detailed guidelines, leading to inconsistencies that made it challenging for consumers to identify truly sustainable products. The previous system did not adequately address current environmental issues or provide a robust framework for assessing product sustainability.
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Need for New Regulations
The introduction of the new Ecomark Rules was essential to address the evolving landscape of sustainability and eco-friendliness. As environmental awareness grows, consumers require clearer and more reliable standards to make informed choices. The updated rules ensure alignment with current environmental policies and sustainability measures.
Objectives of Ecomark Rules 2024
The specific objectives of the Ecomark Rules 2024 are as follows:
- Incentivize Manufacturers and Importers: Encourage efforts to reduce the adverse environmental impact of products.
- Reward Genuine Initiatives: Recognize companies that actively work to lessen their environmental footprint.
- Assist Consumers: Provide information that enables consumers to consider environmental factors in their purchasing decisions, fostering responsible behavior.
- Promote Sustainable Purchases: Encourage citizens to choose products with lower harmful environmental impacts.
- Enhance Environmental Quality: Ultimately improve the quality of the environment and promote sustainable resource management.
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Scope of the New Rules
The 2024 Ecomark Rules apply to a wide range of products, promoting eco-friendly practices across various categories. This includes consumer goods, packaging materials, and industrial products, ensuring that sustainability principles are integrated throughout the supply chain.
To establish criteria for granting Ecomark to products, the government has introduced a thorough consideration process. This process evaluates various factors, including:
- The source of raw materials
- The use of natural resources
- Environmental impact
- Emissions or waste generated during production
- Disposal of the product and its packaging
- Compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility guidelines, where applicable
- Utilization of waste and recycled materials
- Suitability for recycling
- Use of non-hazardous substances instead of hazardous ones
An Ecomark will only be granted to products that can demonstrate their environmental soundness by minimizing pollution, being recyclable or made from recycled materials, and reducing the use of non-renewable resources.
Committee Assigned
Several committees have been established to oversee the implementation of the Ecomark Rules:
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Responsible for levying and revoking Ecomark licenses.
- Steering Committee: Oversees the overall implementation of the rules.
- Technical Committee: Assists the CPCB with the review and development of Ecomark criteria, the verification process, and other technical matters.
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Consequences for Non-Compliance
The new rules also impose strict penalties for businesses that conceal information about hazardous raw materials or engage in other malpractices. Such violations may lead to fines, revocation of Ecomark certification, and potential legal action, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and accountability in the eco-labeling process.
These new Ecomark Rules represent a significant step forward in promoting environmentally conscious consumerism and fostering a culture of sustainability in India.
