Use of plastic materials in sachets for gutkha, tobacco and pan masala banned
THE Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2011 to be effective from 4th February 2011. Among other things, according to the condition in Rule 5(d),
Sachets using plastic material shall not be used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala.
Central Excise duty is collected on Gutkha and Pan Masala based on the number of packing machines installed and working in the factory. With the MOEF banning packing Gutkha and Pan Masala in plastic pouches, all these machines either have to be shut down or adapted to continue the production by using other packing materials. MOF should immediately study the ways and means to collect the Central Excise duty in the changed scenario.
Salient features of these rules are:
Use of plastic materials in sachets for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala has been banned.
Under the new Rules, foodstuffs will not be allowed to be packed in recycled plastics or compostable plastics.
Recycled carry bags shall conform to specific BIS standards.
Plastic carry bags shall either be white or only with those pigments and colourants which are in conformity with the bar prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This shall apply expressly for pigments and colourants to be used in plastic products which come in contact with foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water.
++ Plastic carry bags shall not be less than 40 microns in thickness. Under the earlier Rules, the minimum thickness was 20 microns. Several State Governments in the meanwhile, had stipulated varying minimum thickness. It is now expected that 40 microns norms will become the uniform standard to be followed across the country.
++ The minimum size (of 8x12 inches) for the plastic carry bags prescribed under the earlier Rules has been dispensed with.
++ Carry bags can be made from compostable plastics provided they conform to BIS standards.