New Delhi: The government has decided to ban manufacturing, import and export of polychlorinated biphensyls (PCBs) and also equipment containing this toxic chemical. PCBs are among the 22 persistent organic pollutants banned globally under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, known as the POPS Treaty.
India, which ratified the treaty in 2006, has to ban use of PCBs by 2025 and adopt measures to reduce or eliminate releases from stockpiles and waste by 2028. Issuing a draft notification to phase out use of this toxic chemical in the country, the Environment Ministry said the government proposes to regulate manufacture, trade, use, import or export of PCBs, equipment containing and contaminated with this chemical and dispose of PCB waste. Public comments are sought on this issue by October 12.
As per the draft notification, manufacturing and import of PCBs, which are man-made chemicals, in India will be banned from the date of final publication of this order. Import and export of PCB-contaminated equipment will be regulated as per the provisions of the Hazardous Wastes Rules, 2008.
The use of PCBs in any form will be completely prohibited by December 2025. The use of equipment containing PCB will be permitted for their certified life or by December 2025, whichever is earlier, provided they are maintained properly without possibility of leakage.
The companies or individuals have to declare the total quantity of PCB and equipment containing and contaminated with PCB that are in use and their stockpiles. This chemical should not be drained or discharged directly or indirectly on land, surface water or effluent treatment plant from defective, out-of-use equipment containing or contaminated with it.
However, the use of this chemical will be allowed for research and development activities, the notification clarified. PCBs are used in many different products like paints, electrical equipment, surface coatings, inks, adhesives and flame-retardants, but they have harmful health effects.
