India Bans Import of Solid Plastic Waste

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has amended the Hazardous and other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 to completely ban the import of solid plastic waste.

Ban on Imports

• The amendment notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change fixes a loophole which previously allowed the import of plastic waste into India for processing.
• The ban on the import of plastics is in lines with the principles of sustainable development.
• To ensure the ban doesn’t adversely impact the ease of doing business the amendment allows the reverse import of defective electrical and electronic assemblies and components manufactured in and exported from India, within a year of export. The reverse import can be undertaken without any prior permission from the Environment Ministry.
• The Hazardous and other waste management rules also provide an exemption to the exporters of Silk waste from requiring permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

India is exploring various options to discourage the use of single-use plastics and also is emphasising the recycling of the plastic waste to reduce the burden on the environment thereby providing economic benefits.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2019