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The 2023 Resource Recycling Conference in Orlando, Florida, brought together stakeholders in the plastics industry to discuss Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its implications. While tensions were expected, the attendees were pleasantly surprised to witness a constructive dialogue that highlighted hope, progress, and respectful disagreement on issues such as film, chemical recycling, and labeling.The session, titled "Plastic Tensions Within Extended Producer Responsibility," featured a panel of experts:Kate Bailey, Chief Policy Officer at the Association of Plastic Recyclers.Anja Brandon, Associate Director of U.S. Plastics Policy at the Ocean Conservancy.Megan Daum, Vice President of Sustainability for American Beverage.Jennifer Ronk, Sustainability and Advocacy Manager at Dow.Dylan de Thomas, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at The Recycling Partnership, moderated the discussion.The Value of EPRKate Bailey emphasized the transformative potential of EPR,…

An Overview of CDSCO RegistrationThe CDSCO, which stands for Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) operating under the Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It holds the responsibility for regulating and approving New Drugs and Clinical Trials in India, operating under the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945, and the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. CDSCO plays a crucial role in setting standards for drugs, ensuring the quality of imported drugs, coordinating activities with State Drug Control Organisations (SDCOs), and providing expert advice to ensure the enforcement of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.Any organization involved in manufacturing, importing, exporting drugs and cosmetics, conducting Research & Development activities related to drugs, or importing drugs for examination or…

In a swift response to a tip-off regarding a breach of the Toys (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Quality Control Order 2020, officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Mumbai Branch Office-I, took immediate action. Last week, on August 22, 2023, an enforcement raid was conducted at the premises of M/S JAVP Enterprises LLP, located at SR No. 144, B/11, Mittal Estate, Aayesha Compound, Post Kaman, Palghar-401208, Mumbai, Maharashtra.During the operation, it was discovered that the company was actively engaged in the production, storage, and sale of Electric Toys. However, these toys lacked the essential BIS certification mandated by IS 15644:2006, thereby violating the provisions of the Toys (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Quality Control Order 2020. In response to this blatant violation, a considerable quantity of these uncertified electric toys…

In a swift and decisive move, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Nagpur Branch, carried out an unexpected raid on August 18, 2023, at the facilities of M/s Prayag Food Products, situated on Paradgaon Road, Partur, District Jalna, Maharashtra. The operation was led by a diligent team comprising Piyush Wasekar, Joint Director; Sandesh Gokanwar, Deputy Director; Prashant Sakharkar, Graduate Engineer; and Manish Muley, SSA.During the surprise inspection, it was discovered that the aforementioned company was involved in the production of 1-liter PET bottles containing 'Packaged Drinking Water' (PDW) under the brand name Aqualis. These bottles bore the BIS certification mark, signaling adherence to quality standards. However, a significant issue arose when it was revealed that the company did not possess a valid license from BIS.The inspection revealed a substantial amount…

In a significant development, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has unveiled a set of standards for equipment used in Ayurvedic traditional therapies and traditional medicine. This move aims to ensure the quality of equipment and enhance the overall efficiency of the industry.A meeting was conducted by BIS in Chennai, bringing together key stakeholders such as Ayurveda drug manufacturers and representatives from educational institutions. The primary focus was on creating awareness regarding standards associated with Panchakarma Equipment, including essential tools like droni and shirodhara yantra, crucial for various Ayurvedic procedures and treatments. Additionally, standards for Ashwagandha root specifications were also discussed.Given the rising popularity of traditional treatment centers in the state, the establishment of standards becomes crucial to guarantee the well-being of patients. The standards being formulated by BIS's Ayush…

In a move that promises to reshape the landscape of the alcoholic beverages industry, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a crucial amendment to the Alcoholic Beverages Regulations. This amendment, which was first proposed on May 17, 2022, under the framework of section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has now reached its final stage after a thorough review of public suggestions and objections.According to the notification, this amendment brings significant changes to two core aspects of the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, with the revised regulations set to come into effect on March 1, 2024.Refined Definitions for Malt and Grain WhiskyOne of the central components of the amendment revolves around the redefinition of malt and grain whisky classifications. Specifically,…

In a recent development, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has taken a significant step in safeguarding consumer rights. Cloudtail India Pvt. Ltd. (Cloudtail), a prominent player in the online marketplace, had appealed against an order issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) concerning alleged violations of mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations. However, the NCDRC has now upheld the dismissal of Cloudtail's appeal, reinforcing the importance of adhering to consumer protection regulations.The CCPA's order, which came under scrutiny, revolved around Cloudtail's purported breach of consumer rights related to the sale of domestic pressure cookers. It was alleged that Cloudtail had sold these products to consumers without complying with the mandatory BIS regulations, which are put in place to ensure the safety, quality, and reliability of products…

In a remarkable alliance geared towards enhancing public health awareness, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) joined forces with Herbalife India, a global health and wellness company, to orchestrate an impactful mass awareness event - the Eat Right Millet Walkathon 2023. This dynamic event, held in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, took place at Jal Vihar Parking, near Necklace Road in Hyderabad on August 25, commencing at 6:30 am.Aligned with the spirit of the International Year of Millets 2023, the Eat Right Millet Walkathon 2023 was conceived with the objective of fostering awareness about healthy eating habits and encouraging the public to incorporate millets into their dietary routines, thereby reaping the manifold nutritional advantages of this ancient grain.The ceremonial inauguration of the walkathon was officiated by…

The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has embarked on a mission to establish an equitable and financially rewarding pricing structure for 'fermented organic manure' (FOM) at approximately Rs 5.5 per kg, excluding the government incentive of Rs 1.5 per kg. This endeavor seeks to provide robust support to biogas plants across the nation.Recent governmental strides have led to the introduction of the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme, which has garnered an endorsement of Rs 1,451 crore to bolster the promotion of organic fertilizers. In this framework, the biogas-produced bio-fertilizer, technically referred to as FOM, receives an additional Rs 1.5 for each kilogram, in addition to its sale price.The IBA has formally addressed the Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizer with a memorandum that underscores the importance of initially establishing a just and…

In an endeavor to amplify India's celestial achievement, the West Bengal Radio Club has undertaken an extraordinary mission: disseminating the triumph of Chandrayaan-3 through the airwaves. This dedicated group of licensed ham radio operators has taken it upon themselves to communicate the nation's latest space accomplishment to audiences worldwide. Their efforts are set to continue until August 30.The initiative has garnered official recognition, as the Center's Wireless Planning and Coordination Branch, operating under the Department of Telecommunications, has designated a special call sign, "3CY," for ham radio operators to use during communications. Ham radio operators, also known as hams, are making use of this unique call sign as they engage in conversations with fellow operators across the globe.The significance of this mission was heightened on August 23, when Chandrayaan-3's lunar…