The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on March 19, 2026, issued a Draft circular on requirements for the Carriage of Plastic Pellets by Sea in Freight Containers.
The following has been stated: -
•The Directorate General of Shipping emphasizes maritime safety and environmental protection under IMO conventions like SOLAS and MARPOL.
•Concerns arise from marine pollution caused by plastic pellet spills, recently impacting the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and nearby regions.
•Plastic pellets are hard to clean and can turn into microplastics, harming marine life and ecosystems.
•New measures mandate under-deck stowage only and strict packaging standards for transporting plastic pellets.
•Compliance will be checked via inspections, and rules will take effect from April 2026.
Public comments can be submitted by March 31, 2026.
[DGS Circular No.: File No. 25-63011/20/2026-NT – DGS (Comp. No.:39255)]
