Context: Recently, the Union environment ministry has notified Ecomark Rules, 2024 which define guidelines for labelling environment friendly products.

About Ecomark Rule

• Ecomark labeling system will promote eco-friendly products in categories like food, cosmetics, soaps, and electronics, etc.

• It aligns with the principle of LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment), focusing on sustainability and resource efficiency.

• As part of the Ecomark Rules, the notification has also spelt out a detailed criteria for 17 categories of products ranging from paints, cosmetics, batteries, edible oils, tea, coffee, toilet soaps to coir and paper.

• Products from these categories also need certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards, compliance with pollution norms and meet other specific category related criteria.

• Under the voluntary scheme, companies can apply for Ecomark for a product with the Central Pollution Control Board, which will then entrust the work of verifying Ecomark labelling applications to registered agencies that are experienced and qualified in the field of environment and matters related to labelling.

Rules notifies

• Granting Criteria: To a product that has a licence or a certificate of conformity with Indian Standards granted under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act and/or a mandate of the Quality Control Orders and that fulfills the criteria as prescribed in the rules.

• According to rules, the Ecomark may be granted to products that meet specified environmental criteria with respect to resource consumption and environmental impacts.

• Application Process- Manufacturers must apply for Ecomark through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

• Duration- mark will be valid for three years.

• Oversight and Implementation- By Steering Committee, headed by the Environment Secretary.

Significance

• It enables consumers to make informed purchase decisions as well as encourage manufacturers to transition to production of environment-friendly products.

• It will lead to circular economy and prevent misleading information on environmental aspects of products.

• It will promote lower energy consumption, resource efficiency and conservation.

Other Environmental Certification in India

• Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme

• It offers voluntary third-party certification designed to promote sustainable forest management and agroforestry in the country.

• It includes forest management certification, tree outside forest management certification, and chain of custody certification.

• It provides market incentives to various entities that adhere to responsible forest management and agroforestry practices in their operations.