In today’s marketplace, terms like “eco-friendly,” “green,” “natural,” and “sustainable” are used extensively to attract environmentally conscious consumers. However, many of these claims are not supported by credible scientific evidence, giving rise to greenwashing—the practice of making misleading or exaggerated environmental claims. Greenwashing not only misleads consumers but also undermines businesses that genuinely invest in sustainable practices.
Recognizing this challenge, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the Ecomark Rules, 2024, replacing the Eco Mark Scheme introduced in 1991. The new Rules aim to establish a transparent, science-based, and credible eco-labelling framework that supports Mission LiFE, promotes sustainable manufacturing, and strengthens India’s transition towards a circular economy.
Why Was the Eco Mark Scheme Revised?
The original Eco Mark Scheme of 1991 was introduced to help consumers identify environmentally friendly products. However, over time it faced several challenges, including limited consumer awareness, outdated environmental criteria, low industry participation, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms.
The Ecomark Rules, 2024 address these limitations by introducing a modern certification framework that evaluates products based on both quality standards and environmental performance throughout their life cycle. While the Rules came into force in September 2024, implementation has gained momentum with the introduction of detailed product-specific environmental criteria in 2026.
What is Ecomark?
The Ecomark is a voluntary eco-label awarded to products that comply with prescribed environmental criteria in addition to applicable quality requirements. Unlike conventional product certification, Ecomark evaluates the overall environmental impact of a product—from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to packaging, usage, recycling, and disposal.
The objective is to encourage manufacturers to adopt cleaner production methods while enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on verified environmental performance.
Key Features of the Ecomark Rules, 2024
The new Rules introduce several significant reforms that strengthen India’s eco-labelling framework.
1. Science-Based Environmental Assessment
Products are evaluated using multiple environmental parameters, including resource efficiency, energy consumption, pollution prevention, waste reduction, recyclability, use of recycled materials, hazardous substance management, and overall life-cycle environmental impact.
2. Integration with BIS Standards
To obtain an Ecomark, products must comply with applicable BIS product certification requirements. This ensures that environmentally friendly products also meet established quality and safety standards.
3. Compliance with Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
Where applicable, manufacturers must also comply with relevant Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Government of India. This strengthens regulatory compliance and enhances consumer confidence.
4. Transparent Certification Process
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) serves as the implementing authority responsible for receiving applications, verifying compliance, granting Ecomark certification, maintaining the Ecomark portal, and conducting periodic reviews. The certification remains valid for three years or until revised environmental criteria are notified.
5. Annual Compliance Reporting
Certified manufacturers are required to submit annual compliance reports to CPCB, ensuring continuous monitoring and accountability.
Ecomark as a Tool Against Greenwashing
The introduction of Ecomark is particularly relevant at a time when greenwashing has become a global concern. Consumers often struggle to distinguish genuine sustainability efforts from marketing claims.
By providing a government-backed and evidence-based certification system, Ecomark helps consumers identify products with verified environmental performance. For businesses, it offers an opportunity to demonstrate genuine sustainability, strengthen ESG commitments, enhance brand reputation, and improve competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
Products Eligible for Ecomark
The framework covers a broad range of product categories, including soaps and detergents, cosmetics, batteries, electrical and electronic goods, paints, paper products, packaging materials, textiles, lubricants, leather products, coir products, plastic products, food products, wood substitutes, fire extinguishers, and several other notified categories.
Looking Ahead
As India advances its sustainability agenda, the Ecomark Rules, 2024 represent an important step towards promoting responsible production and informed consumer choices. The framework encourages industries to move beyond marketing claims and adopt measurable environmental performance standards.
With growing emphasis on ESG, green procurement, and the circular economy, Ecomark has the potential to become India’s most trusted eco-label. Its success, however, will depend on strong implementation, industry participation, consumer awareness, and continuous regulatory oversight.
For manufacturers, Ecomark is more than a certification—it is an opportunity to build credibility, reduce environmental impacts, and contribute to India’s vision of sustainable development.
