The Pollution Control Board Assam (PCBA) on June 29, 2022, gave a notice for Prohibition of Production, Stocking, Distribution, Sale, and use of Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Items Whereas, the Central Government has notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021 vide No.G.S.R. 571(E) dated August 12, 2021. Whereas, per Rule 4(2) of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (as amended). "the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of following Single-Use Plastic (SUP), including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from July 01, 2022"
a) Earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene [Thermocol] for decoration;
b) Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers.
Whereas as per Rule 4(1)(c) of PWM Rules, 2016 (as amended), "carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic, shall not be less than seventy-five (75) microns and with effect from 30 September 2021 and one hundred twenty (120) microns in thickness with effect from December 31, 2022.
Further, necessary action is to be taken by all concerned entities to ensure zero inventories of the aforementioned SUP items before July 01, 2022.
Any violations of the above regulations shall attract a penalty as per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 including seizure of goods, levying of Environmental compensation, and closure of operation as deemed fit.
[Notice No. WB/T-298/20-21/40]
