The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2025, introducing Rule 11A mandating QR codes and barcodes on all plastic packaging. The amendment strengthens India's commitment to a circular economy by ensuring traceable and accountable plastic supply chains. Under the new rules, every unit of plastic packaging must carry a QR or barcode that links to information about the manufacturer, recycled content percentage, and disposal instructions. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been designated the nodal agency for overseeing compliance and enforcement. The rules also prescribe minimum recycled-content thresholds for different categories of plastic packaging, with producers required to progressively increase their use of recycled material. Violations attract penalties under the Environment (Protection) Act. The amendment is part of India's broader Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, which holds producers, importers, and brand owners accountable for end-of-life management of plastic packaging. Analysts note that the QR mandate will improve data collection on plastic flows, reduce counterfeit recycled-content claims, and support India's international commitments under the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. CPCB will maintain a centralised registry of all registered plastic producers and their EPR compliance records.