In a strategic move towards promoting sustainability and regulatory compliance in the plastics industry, SGS has announced the expansion of its EN15343 plastic recycling traceability and assessment of conformity and recycled content product certification scheme to India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This development follows the ENAC accreditation granted to SGS in Spain for UNE-EN-15343 certification, a critical step in meeting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
The EN15343 certification applies to a wide range of plastic products made from mechanically recycled plastics for both consumer and industry. This includes single-use plastic (SUP) packaging, PET sheets, PVC films, thermoforming products, electrical and electronic products, automotive components, textiles, hardlines and more. The certification can be used as evidence of recycled content in plastic materials and products imported into European countries, potentially reducing tax liabilities.
ENAC, Spain's government-appointed National Accreditation Body, oversees European accreditation and assesses the technical competence of conformity assessment bodies. These include testing and calibration labs, inspection bodies, and certification entities, in accordance with national and international standards.
The UNE-EN-15343 certification establishes track and trace procedures for recycled plastic content used in product manufacturing. It enables companies to demonstrate the percentage of recycled plastic in their products, impacting both plastic manufacturers and packagers. With this certification, SGS can assist companies in complying with regulations on recycled plastic and benefit from tax advantages under Spain's Law 7/2022 (in force January, 2023) by reducing or eliminating fees based on recycled content declarations.
Exemption or Reduction of Excise Duty: Companies can potentially reduce or eliminate taxes on non-reusable plastic packaging.
End-to-End Traceability: The certification ensures traceability from sorted waste input to the final processed product.
Support for Sustainable Development Goals: It contributes to circular economy initiatives and the 2030 Agenda.
Regulatory Compliance: Businesses can ensure compliance with plastic recycling and recycled content legislation.
Environmental Impact Reduction: The certification demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Spain's Law 7/2022, introduced on April 8, 2022, implemented a special tax on non-reusable plastic packaging to promote a circular economy and efficient waste management. The 12-month transitional period, which allowed for the accreditation of recycled plastic amounts through a signed statement from packaging manufacturers, ended on December 31, 2023.
Shailesh Sharma, Director – Connectivity & Products - Softlines and Hardlines, SGS India, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating that the extension of EN15343 certification to India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka enhances SGS's ability to promote sustainability and regulatory compliance within the plastics industry across these key South Asian markets.
As an expert in conformity assessment, plastic recycling control, and traceability, SGS remains committed to helping businesses navigate the current environmental and regulatory landscape through solutions like the UNE-EN-15343 certification.
