Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 (with EPR amendments)

Applies to

Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) of plastic packaging across four categories (rigid, flexible, multi-layered, compostable). Importers were brought to parity with producers in 2024.

Key points

• Cat I rigid: recycled-content target 30% (FY26-27) → 60% (FY28-29).
• Cat II flexible: 10% → 20%.
• Cat III multi-layered: 5% → 10%.
• Reuse targets for rigid 0.9–4.9 L packaging from 10% to 25% by 2029.
• Half-yearly returns; non-compliance attracts environmental compensation.

Applicability triggers

• Producer, importer or brand owner of plastic packaging
• Threshold for MSME exemptions varies by state

Practitioner questions

• What is the FY 2026-27 EPR recycled-content target for Cat I rigid plastic?
• How do I file half-yearly returns on the CPCB EPR portal?
• How is environmental compensation computed for shortfall in EPR targets?

Sources

• EPR Plastic Portal
• PWM Amendment Rules 2026 — explainer