Sikkim Pollution Board cracks down on industries violating plastic waste rules

The State Pollution Control Board-Sikkim has issued a strong notice to industries across the state for not following the rules under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The notice is mainly about companies not registering under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, which is mandatory for businesses that make, sell, or import plastic-packaged goods.

In the notice, the Pollution Control Board said that it has found several industrial units in Sikkim selling products wrapped in plastic without first getting the required registration on the EPR portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to Rule 9(1) of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, all producers, importers, brand owners (PIBOs), and small manufacturers or sellers (SIMP) under the MSME category must register before putting any plastic packaging into the market.

The Pollution Control Board has now asked all concerned units to either submit their registration documents or complete their registration online at https://eprplastic.cpcb.gov.in within 15 days from the date of the notice. The deadline is firm, and no business is allowed to sell plastic-packed items in Sikkim until they follow the rules.

The notice clearly mentions that the companies must send in:

1. Proof of registration, if already registered;

2. A copy of the registration certificate after applying;

3. Records of all plastic packaging used in the last two financial years;

4. A detailed EPR Action Plan showing how they will manage their plastic waste.

5.

The Board has warned that if companies fail to act within the given time, strict action will be taken. This includes banning the sale of their products in the state, imposing environmental fines, and even taking legal action under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board, Mr. N.W. Tamang (Retd. IFS), signed the notice and stressed that following environmental rules is not optional but mandatory for all. “We cannot allow industries to harm the environment by ignoring their responsibility. Plastic pollution is a serious problem, and every business must do its part,” he said.

To help industries respond, a format has been shared where they must report their EPR status, such as whether they are registered as a producer, importer, or brand owner, whether they have the necessary clearances (like CTO or CTE), and if they are operating in the state legally.

The Board has already issued showcause notices to some units and revoked permits of those not complying. Businesses are also being told to submit their MSME Udyam Certificate along with the EPR certificate for verification.

This move is seen as part of the state government’s larger plan to control plastic waste and protect Sikkim’s clean and green image. Sikkim, known for its eco-friendly policies, had already banned single-use plastic bags earlier, and this action aims to further strengthen its plastic waste management system.

The Pollution Control Board is also asking people and shopkeepers to be aware of which brands and products are legally allowed in the market. Consumers are encouraged to buy from companies that are properly registered under EPR and are taking steps to reduce their plastic footprint.