Draft Ecomark Rules 2026: BIS and QCO Compliance Update for Manufacturers

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has published a new draft notification of 8th June 2026 to update the environmental criteria for certain products under the Ecomark Scheme, and has invited public comments and suggestions before finalising the change. The Ecomark Rules, 2024, were published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), via G.S.R. 596 (E) dated 26 September 2024. According to Section 3(i) of the Ecomark Rules, 2024, an Ecomark is provided to products that have a license or certification of Indian Standards issued under the BIS Act, 2016, and that comply with the QCOs issued by the Central Government. Also, meet the specific criteria mentioned under Column (3) and the First Schedule of the Ecomark Rules, 2024.

Key Amendments Proposed Under the Ecomark Rules, 2024

Under Section 9(1)(b) of the Ecomark Rules, 2024, the Central  Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is responsible for reviewing and updating the criteria for granting the Ecomark certification. The CPCB carries out this function by considering the latest available knowledge and information, technological advancements, market developments, and environmental criteria being followed in other countries.

This is a draft notification for all stakeholders that might be affected by an amendment to a regulation. The Government has also indicated that it will take into account any responses to this notification received within 60 days of its official publication in the Government of India’s Official Gazette. The Central Government will consider any objection or suggestion from any individual during these 60 days before finalising the amendments.

What is the Ecomark Scheme? 

Ecomark is a voluntary certification label issued by the Government of India to identify ecologically safe consumer products and have a minimal environmental impact throughout their entire life cycle. Under the Ecomark Rules, 2024, a product can receive the Ecomark label only if it complies with the relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements or applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and meets the prescribed environmental criteria for its product category.

Product Categories Covered Under the Drafted Ecomark Amendments

Below you can go through the list of 6 product categories to promote sustainable manufacturing and environmental responsibilities: 

A. In THE FIRST SCHEDULE (PRODUCTS AND CRITERIA FOR GRANT OF ECOMARK), serial number 1 (Architectural Paints and Powder Coating) shall be substituted, namely: -

The updated Eco-Labeling criteria for Architectural Paints and Powder Coating in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change aim to provide a method to ensure that Architectural products are produced in an environmentally friendly manner and to promote Sustainable Products. Manufacturers must comply with the relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality and Performance requirements for these products and obtain the necessary Environmental Clearances under the Water Act, 1974 and the Air Act, 1981. 

B. In THE FIRST SCHEDULE (PRODUCTS AND CRITERIA FOR GRANT OF ECOMARK), serial number 3 (Batteries) shall be substituted, namely: 

All manufacturers of automotive Batteries must now comply with the applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality and performance requirements and hold approved environmental licenses under the Water and Air Acts of 1974 and 1981. Additionally, all manufacturers must register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Battery Waste Management Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal and must include their EPR Registration Number on their product and/or packaging. Further, all products/packages must also have a QR Code that explains the basis for their Ecomark certification.

C. In THE FIRST SCHEDULE (PRODUCTS AND CRITERIA FOR GRANT OF ECOMARK), serial number 6 (Paper) shall be substituted, namely: - 

The New Ecomark standards for Paper products emphasise the use of sustainable raw materials, effective pollution control, and resource efficiency. To support sustainability, at least 60% of the total raw materials used in the production of paper products must be derived from alternative sources, such as agricultural residues, at least 70% from domestically sourced Certified Wood Pulp, and at least 80% from recycled paper. 

D. In THE FIRST SCHEDULE (PRODUCTS AND CRITERIA FOR GRANT OF ECOMARK), serial number 11 (Wood Substitutes) shall be substituted, namely: - 

Ecomark sustainable Wood Substitutes products criteria focus on sustainably sourced resources and reducing the amount of manufacturing resources used to create the final product. The manufacturer must meet all applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Quality Standards and obtain the Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) under the relevant environmental acts for clean air and clean water. As part of the Ecomark certification process, product packaging must include a QR code linking to an explanation of the product's Ecomark certification.  In addition, the criteria promote the use of sustainably sourced wood (including certified timber), bamboo, agricultural residue and recycled wood materials.

E. In THE FIRST SCHEDULE (PRODUCTS AND CRITERIA FOR GRANT OF ECOMARK), serial number 15 (Fire Extinguishers) shall be substituted, namely: - 

Fire extinguishers will be redesigned in accordance with EcoMark's guidelines, using materials that are both eco-friendly and recyclable and adopting sustainable manufacturing processes. The new criteria require that all fire extinguishers meet quality and performance standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Fire extinguishers are prohibited from containing any Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) that are prohibited under the Montreal Protocol and must be painted by manufacturers with paints that have been awarded the EcoMark certification. 

F. In THE FIRST SCHEDULE (PRODUCTS AND CRITERIA FOR GRANT OF ECOMARK), serial number 17 (Coir & Coir Products) shall be substituted, namely:-

The revised Ecomark criteria for Coir & Coir Products aim to promote sustainable manufacturing, environmental protection, and the use of natural materials. The revised criteria for coir and coir products under the Ecomark will help enhance the sustainable production of these products by encouraging environmentally friendly production methods and by creating a demand for natural materials. All products must meet appropriate quality and performance standards enforced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Conclusion

The proposed changes to the Ecomark rules (2024) signify an important step toward establishing and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices and eco-responsible products within India. The new requirements for paints, batteries, paper products, wood/ wood alternative products, fire extinguishers, and coir products put more emphasis on factors such as increasing the use of eco-friendly materials, reducing/ eliminating hazardous chemicals in products, improving waste collection and disposal, recyclability of products, level of energy efficiency in production and use of products.

Below, you can find the attached PDF for complete information on the recent updates and changes.