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.
Key Points of Ecomark Regulations
LIFE Principles
- The Ecomark labelling system aims to promote sustainability and resource efficiency in line with the principle of LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
Grant Criteria
- The product must be licensed or certified to conform to Indian Standards under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act and/or Quality Control Orders.
- The products must meet the criteria specified in the regulations with respect to resource consumption and environmental impacts.
Application Process
- Manufacturers must apply for Ecomark through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- Period of Validity: The Ecomark mark will be valid for three years.
- Monitoring and Implementation: It will be monitored and implemented by a Steering Committee headed by the Environment Secretary.
Importance
- Consumer Awareness: It enables consumers to make informed purchase decisions, thereby choosing eco-friendly products.
- Producer Incentives: It encourages manufacturers to produce eco-friendly products, thereby promoting a circular economy.
- Prevention of Misleading Information: It will help prevent misleading information on environmental aspects of products, thereby promoting reduced energy consumption, resource efficiency and conservation.
Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme
- This scheme provides voluntary third-party certification to promote sustainable forest management and agroforestry.
It includes various certifications
- Forest Management Certification
- Tree Certification (outside forest management)
- Custody Certification
It provides market incentives to various entities that follow responsible forest management and agroforestry practices.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is a major nodal agency for the development and implementation of environmental and forestry policies in India. The ministry not only works towards environmental protection and development of forests but is also responsible for the follow-up of various international environmental programmes.
Functions
- Coordination of United Nations Programmes: It acts as the nodal agency for follow-up work of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
- Coordination with Multilateral and Regional Bodies: The Ministry is entrusted with issues related to regional bodies such as Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Economic and Social Council (ESCAP), and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Objectives
- Conservation and survey of forests and wildlife.
- Implementation of measures for prevention and control of pollution.
- Regeneration of degraded areas and promotion of afforestation.
- Ensuring protection and conservation of environment.
- Ensuring welfare of animals.
- Legislative and regulatory measures
To achieve these objectives the Ministry has implemented a number of legislative and regulatory measures, which include
- National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development, 1992
- National Forest Policy, 1988
- Policy Statement on Pollution Prevention, 1992
- National Environment Policy, 2006