Indian GSM clarifies single-use plastic restrictions

Foreign-flagged vessels are prohibited from using single-use plastics while in Indian waters, whereas Indian flagged vessels are prohibited from carrying such products. The ban which was originally intended to come into force on 1 January 2020 was delayed in response to industry lobbying.

Under the revised schedule, ship operators are expected to draw up an inventory of single-use plastic products aboard a vessel. Cargo ships calling at Indian ports are required to have produced such an inventory by 31 January 2020, while the deadline for passenger vessels is 31 March 2020.

The products on the list should then be allocated to one of four ‘phase out’ categories to demonstrate compliance. For cargo ships, 50% of the items in the inventory list will be prohibited from 1 April 2020, 75% from 1 July 2020 and 90% from 1 October 2020. Passenger ships are given two extra months to comply with each step of the phase-out schedule.

The list includes a number of exemptions including:

tetra pak cartons with plastic caps as used for milk and juice;

items made of biodegradable plastic;

cargo related items and packaging;

essential equipment such as personal protective equipment, medical equipment, lifesaving appliances and fire-fighting equipment; and

the personal effects of crew and passengers