Question : Ban on Import of Plastic Waste

(a) whether the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued instructions to Central Pollution Control Board to implement the ban imposed on the import of hazardous plastic waste strictly;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is aware that low cost paper is being imported from USA and Europe to burn it in brick kilns which is polluting land and air;
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government thereon; and
(e) whether the Central Pollution Control Board has recommended the NGT to ban plastic waste and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a)and(b) The Hon’ble NGT vide order dated 30th April, 2019 in OA No .851/2018 directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to take action for ensuring that its recommendation is fully implemented by all concerned in the matter of implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules as well as restriction on import of plastic waste is implemented in such manner as may be directed by the CPCB.

(c)and (d)In compliance to the order of Hon’ble NGT, CPCB has issued directions on 27.06.2019 under Sec 18(1) (b) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 to all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) /Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) to ensure that pulp & paper units which are importing waste paper containing plastic should manage plastic waste in accordance with the provisions of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

(e) The CPCB in its report filed in NGT had suggested that import of plastic waste be restricted in the country. In addition, Ministry has notified the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2019 vide notification G.S.R.178(E) on 1 March 2019 as per which solid plastic waste (Basel No. 3010) has been prohibited from being imported into the country including in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and by Export Oriented Units (EOU). A window of six months, i.e. up to 31 August 2019 has been provided to the importers in SEZ and EOUs in order to provide them with time to honor their prior business commitments and make necessary arrangements to comply with the provisions of the amendment.
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