India amends plastic regulations to add exemption to labeling obligations on packaging
13 June 2023 
India
India
India partially relaxed plastic waste regulations.
Posts of Plastics
South Korea adds color and weight standards to evaluation criteria for packaging recyclability
8 June 2023 
South Korea
South Korea
On March 28, 2023, the Ministry of Environment of South Korea announced to add color and weight standards to 1) packaging material and structure standards and 2) evaluation criteria for …
Official response from Taiwan EPA on how to calculate recycled plastic materials added to products
6 June 2023 
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
Under the amended notice “Recycling levy rate of collection, removal, and disposal of items”, which announced by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) on April 27, 2023, “items containing 25% …
South Korea fixes mandatory recycling rates for products and packaging materials for 2023 and promulgates revised version
31 May 2023
South Korea
South Korea
South Korea Ministry of Environment promulgated a revised version of the 2023 Mandatory Recycling Rates by Product and Packaging Material (Ministry of Environment Notification No. 2023-54) and announced that it …
China issues guidelines on standards development for carbon emissions peaking & carbon neutrality
26 May 2023 
China
China
On April 24, 2023, China’s Standardization Administration, nine other government departments and People’s Bank jointly published guidelines on the development of standards for carbon emissions peaking and carbon neutrality. The …
Local governments of China incorporate microplastics regulations in their new pollutant control programs
25 May 2023
China
China
Local governments of China are launching programs for new pollutant control one after another, in response to the national new pollutant control program announced by the State Council May 24, …
Thailand Promulgated Safety Evaluation Agency and Safety Evaluation Guidelines for Plastic Food Containers
22 May 2023 
Thailand
Thailand
On December 19, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration of Ministry of Public Health in Thailand promulgated “the Food and Drug Administration Notification: List of Safety Evaluation Agencies and Food …
China drafts GB on limits of chemical substances in express delivery packaging
Covering packaging, fillers, and auxiliary materials
26 April 2023
China
China
On April 11, 2023, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of China jointly notified the WTO of the draft of the mandatory national standard (GB) “Limits …
Sri Lanka publishes draft guidelines for identification criteria and mark labelling of plastic materials
19 April 2023 
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
On 1 March 2023, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) of Sri Lanka published draft guidelines for the implementation of the National Environmental (Plastic Material Identification Standards) Regulations No. 01 of …
India issues supplementary document for EPR Guidelines of plastic packaging
19 April 2023
India
India
On April 3, 2023, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India issued a supplementary document, in the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) of plastic packaging waste. The EPR …
China’s Zhuhai city announces plastic pollution control program for 2023–2025
13 April 2023
China
China
On Feb. 27, 2023, the Development and Reform Bureau of Zhuhai city, Guangdong province, China, announced the Plastic Pollution Control Program for 2023–2025. Although this program is similar to the …
South Korea to amend to allow labeling of percentage of recycled materials used on products and containers
Incentives for preferential purchasing by public institutions also considered
11 April 2023
South Korea
South Korea
On February 27, 2023, South Korea Ministry of Environment announced that five proposed amendments to environmental laws including the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources passed …
Hong Kong to amend EPR rules
Strengthen the regulations on single-use plastic products and EEE
3 April 2023 
*Hong Kong
*Hong Kong
Hong Kong plans to tighten EPR rules.
Western Australia Government to implement single-use plastic ban plan
27 March 2023 
Australia
Australia
Plastic management rules are becoming more stringent in Australia.
Sri Lanka bans import, manufacture, sale, and use of single-use plastic products from June 1, 2023
20 March 2023
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
On February 13, 2023, the Office of the Cabinet of Ministers of Sri Lanka issued a Cabinet decision banning the import, manufacture, sale, and use of certain single-use plastic products …
Packaging used in online shopping to be regulated from July 1, 2023 in Taiwan
16 March 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On February 16, 2023, the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan of Taiwan officially announced the notice “Regulated businesses and requirements for restrictions on packaging used in internet shopping”, which will …
South Korean announces entire revision of Framework Act on Resource Circulation to promote circular economy
27 February 2023
South Korea
South Korea
On January 31, 2023, South Korea Ministry of Environment announced a key promotion plan in the field of resource recycling for the year 2023. Starting with the promulgation of the …
Taiwan to expand scope of plastic packaging materials subject to recycling levy
21 February 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On December 27, 2022, the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan of Taiwan released the proposed amendment of the notice “The range of articles, their packaging/containers, and operators responsible for recycling, …
China industrial organization publishes standard for container and packaging recycling
20 February 2023
China
China
On Dec. 30, 2022, the China Resource Recycling Association published an association standard called the Technical Specification for Pollution Control of Waste Packing Containers Recover and Disposal (T/ZGZS 0303-2022), which …
Philippines issues IRR for EPR law on plastic containers and packaging
20 February 2023 
Philippines
Philippines
In a press release dated January 24, 2023, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines announced that DENR issued Administrative Order No. 2023-2: Implementing Rules and …
New Zealand to phase out difficult-to-recycle plastic containers and packaging by mid-2025
3 February 2023 
New Zealand
New Zealand
On December 12, 2022, New Zealand’s (NZ) Ministry for the Environment released a summary of difficult-to-recycle plastic containers and packaging that should be phased out by mid-2025. This is the …
Indian national auditor, CAG holds gov. agencies responsible for inadequate risk assessment of wastes to public health, environment
30 January 2023
India
India
India’s national auditors, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in a report titled “All India Audit Report on Waste Management” published on December 21, 2022 states that a performance audit revealed …
Thailand disseminates guideline for recycling of plastic scraps
27 December 2022
Thailand
Thailand
Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment announced “Notification of the Pollution Control Department on the Characteristics of Plastic Scraps Suitable for Recycling B.E.2565 (2022)” in the Royal …
Malaysia announces guidelines for certification of food packaging safety
22 November 2022 
Malaysia
Malaysia
The Food Grade Certification Guidelines were released in Malaysia on June 21, 2022. These guidelines set out the requirements and application procedures for food grade certification of food contact materials. …
China will ban the use of non-degradable plastic packaging at postal service outlets from 2025
14 November 2022
China
China
On October 14, 2022, the State Post Bureau of China held the regular press conference of the fourth quarter of 2022. At the press conference, the implement progresses of “9917” …
Korea coordinates ease of recycling grading and EPR system for adjusting contributions
6 October 2022
South Korea
South Korea
On September 4, 2022, South Korea Ministry of Environment announced the full operation of the EPR system in cooperation with the ease of recycling grading system. Under the EPR system, …
Macao announces import ban on disposable plastic cutlery
28 September 2022
China
China
To protect the environment and reduce the use of plastic, on August 31, 2022, the Macao Special Administrative Region Government of China announced an amendment to the Article 5 (1) …
India allows import of PET flakes on a conditional basis
Shift from a ban to a conditional permit
27 September 2022
India
India
On September 14, 2022, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India published Notification No.32/2015-2020, which permits PET flakes to be imported subject to approval from the Directorate General of …
Indonesia promulgates ecolabeling standard for compostable products and containers
21 September 2022 
Indonesia
Indonesia
On April 4, 2022, the Indonesian National Standard SNI 7188-7:2022 on Ecolabeling Criteria for the Categories of Compostable Products, Product Packaging, and Bioplastic Containers (hereinafter “the Standard”) was promulgated in …
China’s Guangdong province announces action plan to address plastic pollution
Biodegradable plastic is promoted.
7 September 2022
China
China
On July 29, 2022, the Department of Ecology and Environment of China’s Guangdong Province announced an action plan for 2022–2025 to take measures against plastic pollution. The plan aims to …
China revises recommended national standard for recycling logos on product packaging
11 August 2022
China
China
On July 11, 2022, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation released a revised version of the recommended national standard “Packaging Recycling Marking” (GB/T 18455-2022), which will come into effect on …
New Zealand promulgates rules prohibiting the use of plastics under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008
11 August 2022
New Zealand
New Zealand
On March 14, 2022, New Zealand promulgated the Waste Minimisation (Plastic and Related Products) Regulations 2022 as a sub-rule of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. The purpose of the regulations …
Philippines promulgates an Act introducing EPR for plastic containers and packaging
9 August 2022
Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines enacted the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, Republic Act (RA) No. 11898 on July 23, 2022. This Act amends the country’s solid waste management act, RA9003, “Ecological …
India exempts labelling requirements for plastic packaging materials used in imported products
Plastic Waste Management Rules
26 July 2022
India
India
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India published and enforced the Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022 on July 7, 2022. This amendment exempts labelling requirements …
Korea to use PET label for colorless transparent plastic bottles containing chemical products
As per “Guidelines on Separate Discharge Mark”
22 July 2022
South Korea
South Korea
On June 24, 2022, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) of South Korea announced an amendment to the “Guidelines on Separate Discharge Mark” (MOE Notification No. 2022-361). This amendment stipulates …
Singapore Announces National Action Strategy on Marine Litter
18 July 2022 
Singapore
Singapore
On June 5, 2022, the National Action Strategy on Marine Litter (NASML) was announced in Singapore. Marine litter is a cross-border problem that moves by wind and tidal currents, and …
Participation Report: OECD Webinar “Global Plastics Outlook Policy Scenarios for 2060”
12 July 2022 
Global
Global
On June 21, 2022, the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD) hosted the webinar “Green Talks LIVE: Global Plastics Outlook – Policy Scenarios to 2060“. The webinar featured two …
Vietnam seeks opinions on a draft circular on the environmental protection fund to boost recycling
24 June 2022 
Vietnam
Vietnam
On June 3, 2022, the Legislation Department of Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) held an event titled “Seminar to Exchange Opinions on the Draft Circular on the …
China issues rules for spot checks of 15 types of products, including hazardous chemical packaging
23 June 2022
China
China
On June 1, 2022, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation issued on its website implementation rules for spot checks of 15 types of products, including toys, hazardous chemical packaging, electric …
Philippines Awaits Presidential Signature of Bill to Introduce EPR for Plastic Products
21 June 2022
Philippines
Philippines
NOTE: On July 22, 2022, the Philippines enacted the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, Republic Act (RA) No. 11898, which requires enterprises (producers of products generating plastic packaging waste with …
China issues technical standards for waste plastic pollution control
Industrial companies are required to take measures against waste plastic pollution
21 June 2022
China
China
On May 31, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued a National Ecological and Environmental Standard on Technical Specification for Pollution Control of Plastic Waste (HJ 364-2022), which came …
China’s Hainan province announces plastic pollution control action plan for 14th Five-Year Plan period
Less single-use plastics will be used in the province
3 June 2022
China
China
China’s Hainan province April 27 announced a plastic pollution control action plan for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025). With the aim of tackling plastic pollution in earnest, the province …
Korea adds 15 types of plastic products such as industrial films and PVC products to the list subject to recycling
3 June 2022
South Korea
South Korea
On May 3, 2022, South Korea Ministry of Environment published a revised version of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources (Presidential …
Taiwan to ban the manufacture, import and sale of PVC-contained packaging and other products after July 2023
20 May 2022
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On April 29, 2022, the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan of Taiwan announced the “Restrictions on the manufacture, import and sale of polyvinyl chloride-contained packaging materials, containers required to be …
Singapore to begin charging for supermarket disposable carrier bags from mid-2023
9 May 2022
Singapore
Singapore
On March 7, 2022, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) announced that the country will begin charging for disposable carrier bags in supermarkets from mid-2023. Large supermarkets with annual sales of …
Surabaya, Indonesia: Promulgation of Mayor’s Regulation Prohibiting the Provision of Plastic Bags
9 May 2022
Indonesia
Indonesia
“Mayor’s Regulation No. 16 of 2022 on the Reduction of the Use of Plastic Bags” was promulgated on March 9, 2022 in Surabaya, the capital of East Java, Indonesia. The …
China’s Haikou city publicizes 10 cases of plastic product regulation violations
Information on some companies producing or using banned plastic products have been made public
28 April 2022
China
China
On March 18, the Municipal Administration for Market Regulation of Haikou city, Hainan province, China released information on 10 law enforcement actions against violations of plastic product regulations. According to the …
New Zealand Ministry for the Environment announces position statement on compostable products
28 April 2022
New Zealand
New Zealand
On March 24, 2022, the New Zealand Ministry for the Environment (MfE) released a position statement on compostable products as part of its National Plastics Action Plan. MfE states that …
India publishes amended Rules detailing Extended Producer Responsibility for plastic packaging
25 April 2022
India
India
On February 17, 2022, the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 which provides details on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for …
Taiwan revises Green Mark standard “Products Made from Recycled Plastic or Rubber”
22 April 2022
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On April 1, 2022, the Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan of Taiwan released the revised version of Green Mark standard “Products Made from Recycled Plastic or Rubber”. The name of …
Thailand to ban single-use plastics from national parks
16 April 2022
Thailand
Thailand
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand bans single-use plastics from national parks for the conservation of natural resources. The …
UN Environment Assembly adopts resolution for developing a draft international agreement to end plastic pollution
7 April 2022
Global
Global
The resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) which took place from February 28 to March 2, 2022, adopted a resolution to end plastic pollution and to …
Malaysia sets plastic roadmap with sustainability targets up to 2030
31 March 2022
Malaysia
Malaysia
In December 2021, the Malaysia Plastic Sustainability Roadmap, 2021–2030 (hereinafter “the Roadmap”) was published in Malaysia. The Roadmap identifies strategies and concrete action plans for achieving plastic circularity within the …
Bangladesh publishes Solid Waste Management Regulations 2021
28 March 2022 
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
The Solid Waste Management Regulations 2021 were published in Bangladesh on December 23, 2021, under the Bangladesh Environmental Protection Act, 1995.
Technical association of China’s Shandong Province releases technical standards for naturally degradable plastics
20 March 2022
China
China
On Dec. 27, 2021, the Shandong Quality Inspection Association of China’s Shandong Province released a set of standards called the “Technical specification for eco-degradable plastic resins and products” (T/SDAQI 048-2021), …
Technical association of China’s Shandong Province releases evaluation standards for naturally degradable plastic products
20 March 2022
China
China
The standards’ product evaluation system uses two layers of attributes that are called “Class I indicators” and “Class II indicators”, respectively. The Class I indicators consists of the resources, energy, …
India to exempt labeling requirement to packaging used for imported products
under Plastic Waste Management Rules
18 March 2022
India
India
On January 20, 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India released the draft “Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2022,” and is soliciting opinions for 60 days. The …
New Plastic Control Rules under Law on Environmental Protection 2020 in Vietnam
23 February 2022
Vietnam
Vietnam
On January 10, 2022, the Vietnamese government established the Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP Detailing a Number of Articles of Law on Environmental Protection 2020 (hereinafter “the Decree”), which came into effect …
Vietnam sets comprehensive EPR regulations for WEEE, ELV, packaging and batteries
17 February 2022
Vietnam
Vietnam
On January 10, 2022, the Vietnamese government established and enacted the Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP Detailing a Number of Articles of the Law on Environmental Protection (hereinafter the “the Decree”). Articles …
Vietnam oblige producers to pay to Environmental Protection Fund under EPR scheme
17 February 2022
Vietnam
Vietnam
On January 10, 2022, the Vietnamese government established the Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP Detailing a Number of Articles of Law on Environmental Protection 2020 (hereinafter “the Decree”), which came into effect …
Philippine’s House approves EPR bill on plastic products
14 February 2022
Philippines
Philippines
NOTE: On July 22, 2022, the Philippines enacted the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, Republic Act (RA) No. 11898, which requires enterprises (producers of products generating plastic packaging waste with …
Tianjin, China Released Action Plan for Plastic Pollution
11 February 2022
China
China
On December 31, 2021, the Tianjin Ecology and Environment Bureau and Tianjin Development and Reform Commission jointly released the “Action plan for plastic pollution control in the ‘14th five-year plan’ …
China releases national standards for biodegradable straws
28 December 2021
China
China
On November 26, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation released recommended national standards called the “Biodegradable drinking straws” (GB/T 41008-2021). These standards will come into effect on June 1, 2022. …
China releases national standards for biodegradable plastic materials and products
Rules for biodegradability, labeling introduced
27 December 2021
China
China
On November 26, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation released recommended national standards called the “Degradability and identification requirements of biodegradable plastics and products” (GB/T 41010-2021). These standards will come …
Taiwan releases draft regulations on packaging materials containing PVC
10 December 2021
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
Taiwan’s environmental protection administration noticed a period of public comments for drafting “Restriction on the Production, Importation and Sales of Plate Packaging Material Containing Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Designated Recyclable Containers …
Hainan issues notice on electronic code of biodegradable plastic products
9 November 2021
China
China
On September 30, 2021, Department of Ecology and Environment of Hainan Province, China issued a notice on strengthening the management of electronic code of whole biodegradable plastic products. The purpose …
India announces draft EPR regulations for plastic packaging
25 October 2021
India
India
On October 7, 2021, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change issued a draft notification, setting out rules for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, and has been …
China releases action plan on plastic pollution control under 14th Five-Year Plan
4 October 2021
China
China
China’s National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Ecology and Environment on September 16 jointly released the Plastic Pollution Control Action Plan (the “Plan”) that will be implemented during …
China’s Hainan Province updates list of plastic products that cannot be produced, sold or used
21 September 2021
China
China
China’s Hainan Province on August 16 released the second version of the List of Non-biodegradable, Single-use Plastic Products Banned for Production, Sale and Use in Hainan Province (the “List”) to …
China releases draft regulations on use and report of single-use plastics
10 September 2021
China
China
China’s Ministry of Commerce on July 16 published a draft of the Measures on the Use and Reporting of Single-use Plastic Products (一次性塑料制品使用、报告管理办法) to solicit comments (it was open for …
Singapore announces public consultation on new regulations for five chemicals
NEA intends to add five substances under review in the Stockholm Convention and the Rotterdam Conventions into the Environmental Protection and Management Act
2 September 2021
Singapore
Singapore
NOTE: On May 31, 2022, Singapore officially published the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999 (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2022 to regulate the five substances. See more details below: …
India amends Plastic Waste Rules to ban single-use plastic from July 2022
27 August 2021
India
India
On August 12, 2021, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change published the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021. This rule, for which amendments were proposed in March 2021, …
MOEJ unveils outline of draft implementing rules for Act on Plastic Resource Circulation
24 August 2021 
Japan
Japan
On August 23, 2021, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) of Japan held a meeting of the Subcommittee on Plastic Resource Circulation (a committee established under the Working Group for …
Vietnam issues National Standard on safety requirements for production of polyurethane insulation form using flammable blowing agents
13 August 2021
Vietnam
Vietnam
On June 8, 2021, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam issued the Decision No.1500/QD-BKHCN on the promulgation of National Standard TCVN 13334:2021. This standard, which the Department of …
Philippines, Plastic Pollution Issues
4 August 2021
Philippines
Philippines
NOTE: On July 22, 2022, the Philippines enacted the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, Republic Act (RA) No. 11898, which requires enterprises (producers of products generating plastic packaging waste with …
Thailand bans import of plastic wastes within 5 yrs
23 July 2021
Thailand
Thailand
The Pollution Control Department (PCD), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand established a “Notification of Pollution Control Department regarding the Definitions of Plastic Wastes and Plastic Scraps B.E. …
Indonesia MOEF reports implementation status of waste reduction regulations
15 July 2021
Indonesia
Indonesia
On June 28, 2021, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MOEF) announced the implementation status of the “Regulations of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 75 of 2019 …
Hong Kong plans new regulations on disposable plastic tableware
13 July 2021
*Hong Kong
*Hong Kong
On July 9, 2021, Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department released a draft on “Disposable plastic tableware regulation plan” and opened for public comment. The comment period will end on September …
Brief report: Public consultation for new regulations on e-waste, ELV and waste packaging management of Vietnam (2)
Q&A on the proposed EPR system
1 July 2021
Vietnam
Vietnam
On June 16, 2021, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), held a webinar on hearing comments for …
Brief report: Public consultation for new regulations on e-waste, ELV and packaging waste management of Vietnam (1)
Overview of the proposed EPR system
1 July 2021
Vietnam
Vietnam
On June 16, 2021, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), held a webinar on hearing comments for …
China drafting national standards for biodegradable materials and products
23 June 2021
China
China
On April 29, 2021, State Administration for Market Regulation of China released drafts of 2 recommended national standards GB/T, “Biodegradable drinking straws” and “Degradability and identification requirements of biodegradable materials …
Thailand mandates industrial standard for food wrap
10 June 2021
Thailand
Thailand
Ministry of Industry published “Ministerial Regulation on Stretch Cling Film For Food” in the Royal Gazette on 28 May 2021. The regulation mandates stretch wrapping film for food to conform …
China announces plastic control plan in civil aviation sector
single-use plastic to be banned at airports from 2022
7 June 2021
China
China
The Civil Aviation Administration of China in May announced the Plan for Civil Aviation Plastic Pollution Control Measures 2021–2025 (民航行业塑料污染治理工作计划 (2021–2025年)). The total number of passengers in China’s civil aviation …
China establishes guidelines for assessing easy-to-collect & easy-to-recycle design of plastic products
30 April 2021
China
China
On January 18, 2021, China National Resource Recycling Association(CRRA) released the group standard ” General guidelines for the evaluation of plastic products’ easy-to-collect & easy-to-recycle design” (T/CRRA 0302-2020). The standard …
China’s Jilin Province announces key measures on plastic pollution control for 2021
19 April 2021
China
China
The Development and Reform Commission and the Department of Ecology and Environment of Jilin Province, China on April 7, 2021 published the “Main Points of Plastic Pollution Control Measures for …
India announces the draft amendment of Plastic Waste Management Rules
Will ban disposable plastic products at national level
2 April 2021
India
India
On March 11, 2021, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change announced the draft “Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2021” to amend “Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016” and is conducting …
Sri Lanka publishes regulation to set Plastic Material Identification Standards
26 March 2021
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
On January 21, 2021, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Environment published the “National Environmental (Plastic Material Identification Standards) Regulations No. 01 of 2021” which requires the marking to manufactured plastic products …
Taiwan revised Green Mark standard for “biodegradable plastic products”
9 February 2021
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On January 20, 2021, the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration released the revision of the Green Mark standard for “biodegradable plastic products”. The revised version of the standard will take effect …
China releases List of green product assessment standards (2nd batch)
Including plastic products, detergents and packing for express service
27 January 2021
China
China
In order to implement the requirement of “Opinions of General Office of the State Council on establishing a unified green product standard, certification and identification system” (GFB [2016] No 86) …
Philippines holds public consultation on banning single-use plastics
22 January 2021
Philippines
Philippines
On January 22, 2021, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines invited various stakeholders for a public consultation to identify single-use plastic items to be included …
Brief report: the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 of Vietnam (2)
Recycling of discarded products and packaging materials based on EPR
18 January 2021
Vietnam
Vietnam
On November 17, 2020, the National Assembly of Vietnam enacted the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 (72/2020/QH14). Article 54, 55 and 73 of the law stipulate requirements for the collection, …
China Released the “Guideline for Classification and Label Standard of Biodegradable Plastic Products”
30 October 2020
China
China
On September 13, 2020, the China National Light Industry Council released the “Guideline for Classification and Label Standard of Biodegradable Plastic Products”, which make a further explanation of the concept …
Vietnam announces specific schedule for strengthening waste plastic management
28 October 2020
Vietnam
Vietnam
On October 28, 2020, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam issued the “Decision 2395/QD-BTNMT of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (hereinafter referred to as this …
Guangdong Province, China, Released “Catalogue of Plastic Products Restricted and Prohibited from Production, Sales and Use”
13 October 2020
China
China
On September 21, 2020, the Provincial Development and Reform Commission and the Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong released the “Catalogue of Plastic Products Restricted and Prohibited …
Vietnam to strengthen plastic waste management
Prime Minister enacts direction specializing for reuse, recycle, treatment and reduction of plastic waste
20 August 2020
Vietnam
Vietnam
On August 20th, 2020, Vietnam legislated the “Directive 33/CT-TTg on strengthening reuse, recycle, treatment and reduction of plastic waste”, setting the policy for promulgating various new regulations or amending existing …
Bangladesh issues Public Notice proposing alternatives to polyethylene and plastic multi-layered packaging materials
Policy on Extended Producer Responsibility to be considered
18 June 2020
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
The Department of Environment under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh issued a Public Notice on June 18, 2020, proposing that manufacturers, users and sellers of …
Philippines bans unnecessary single-use plastics in government offices
24 February 2020
Philippines
Philippines
NOTE: On July 23, 2022,the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, Republic Act (RA) No. 11898 was published to enhance waste management, especially plastic waste. See more details in the …
Thailand bans production, import, sale of cosmetics containing plastic microbeads
23 December 2019
Thailand
Thailand
On December 23, 2019, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health announced a ban on the production, import and sale of cosmetics containing plastic microbeads, effective January 1, 2020, under the Cosmetics …
India publishes notification for prohibiting import of PET flakes in Trade Policy
24 October 2019
India
India
On October 24, 2019, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry published the notification for prohibiting import of PET flakes made from used PET bottles in 2015-2020 Foreign Trade Policy. The …
