India's Ecomark Rules 2024: New Amendments and Criteria for Sustainable Product Certification

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Dated: 10.06.2026

India’s Ecomark Rules 2024: New Amendments and Criteria for Sustainable Product Certification

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has issued a significant notification introducing amendments to the Ecomark Rules, 2024. These changes aim to promote environmentally sustainable products by updating the criteria for Ecomark certification across several key product categories. Below is a comprehensive overview of the new requirements and their implications for manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.

What is Ecomark?

Ecomark is a certification mark awarded to products that meet specific environmental criteria, ensuring they are less harmful to the ecosystem throughout their lifecycle. The certification is governed by the Ecomark Rules, 2024, and is aligned with Indian Standards (BIS) and relevant environmental regulations.

Key Amendments: Product Categories and Criteria

The latest notification amends the criteria for the following product categories:

Paints, Varnishes, and Powder Coatings
- General Criteria:
  - Must comply with BIS standards for quality and performance.
  - Manufacturers need valid consents under Water and Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Acts and, if required, authorization under the Environment (Protection) Act.
  - Packaging must display a QR code detailing Ecomark criteria.
- Specific Criteria:
  - Strict VOC limits: 0 g/l for powder coatings, 10 g/l for water-based paints, 200 g/l for solvent-based paints.
  - Prohibition of toxic heavy metals (e.g., mercury, cadmium, chromium VI, lead, arsenic, selenium, antimony) beyond set limits.
  - No intentional addition of formaldehyde; residual content capped at 10 mg/kg.
  - Restrictions on hazardous chemicals, phthalates, preservatives, persistent organic pollutants, glycol ethers, APEOs, and organotins.
  - Packaging must be recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable, and free from halogenated plastics.
  - At least 25% renewable energy use and compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks.
  - ISO 14001:2015 certification for environmental management is mandatory.
Batteries
- Compliance with BIS standards and environmental consents.
- EPR registration and QR code on packaging.
- Limits on hazardous substances (mercury, cadmium), prohibition of chlorine-based plastics, and PVC in primary batteries.
- Minimum recycled lead content for lead-acid batteries, increasing annually.
- Energy reduction targets and use of renewable energy.
- Proper waste management, recycling plans, and ISO 14001:2015 certification.
Paper Products
- Use of alternative raw materials (agro residues, recycled paper) and certified wood sources.
- Chlorine-free bleaching processes and strict limits on AOX, PCP, and heavy metals.
- Prohibition of harmful dyes and chemicals in food-contact papers.
- Water and energy consumption benchmarks for different paper categories.
- Online compliance monitoring and mandatory LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) reporting.
- ISO 14001:2015 certification required.
Wood and Wood Substitute Products
- Sourcing from certified agroforestry, plantations, or recycled materials.
- Limits on non-biodegradable content and prohibition of plastics.
- Restrictions on hazardous chemicals, adhesives, and flame retardants.
- Emission and effluent standards, traceability, and LCA reporting.
- Ecomark-certified coatings required for all treated surfaces.
- ISO 14001:2015 certification mandatory.
Fire Extinguishers
- Compliance with BIS standards and environmental consents.
- No ozone-depleting substances or halogenated plastics.
- Use of Ecomark-certified paints for containers.
- Over 90% recycled metal content in containers.
- No heavy metals or fluorinated organic compounds in extinguishing agents.
- EPR compliance and ISO 14001:2015 certification required.
Coir and Coir Products
- Use of 100% natural coir fibre/pith, mechanically extracted.
- Traceable, certified natural rubber or latex for certain products.
- Strict limits on pesticides, heavy metals, and formaldehyde.
- Renewable energy use (25–30%), rainwater harvesting, and effluent treatment systems.
- Compostable/biodegradable packaging and clear end-of-life instructions via QR code.

How Do These Amendments Benefit Stakeholders?

Manufacturers: Gain clear, actionable guidelines for sustainable production, improved marketability, and compliance with global best practices.
Consumers: Can make informed choices by scanning QR codes to verify environmental credentials.
Environment: Reduced pollution, resource conservation, and minimized hazardous waste through stringent controls and mandatory recycling.

Implementation and Feedback

The notification allows a 60-day period for public objections or suggestions, which will be considered before final adoption. Stakeholders can submit feedback to the Ministry via the provided contact details.

Conclusion

These amendments to the Ecomark Rules, 2024, represent a robust step toward mainstreaming sustainability in Indian manufacturing. By setting rigorous standards and promoting transparency, the government is fostering a greener, safer, and more responsible marketplace.

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Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change

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