India's Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued a new circular aimed at reducing the environmental risks associated with the transport of plastic pellets (nurdles) by sea. The move follows growing international concern over plastic pellet pollution and increasing regulatory focus at the IMO.Effective from 15 April 2026, vessels carrying plastic pellets to, from, or through Indian ports must ensure the cargo is stowed under deck only, with carriage on deck prohibited. The circular also requires plastic pellets to be packaged to standards at least equivalent to those prescribed for dangerous goods under the IMDG Code, helping to prevent losses during transport.The DGS highlights several recent incidents involving container losses at sea, where plastic pellets had caused long-term pollution impacts and costly clean-up operations.The circular reflects wider developments at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is currently looking to strengthen the safe transport of plastic pellets.More can be read about the IMO developments here: IMO developing guidance on plastic pellets | NorthStandard | Marine InsuranceDGS circular No19 of 2026 can be read here.