Extended Producer Responsibility India

1. Extended Producer Responsibility India

2. 1. Introduction to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory approach that places the responsibility for the entire lifecycle of a product—especially its post-consumer stage—on the producer, importer, or brand owner (PIBO). The goal is to ensure that products are managed in an environmentally sustainable way, even after their useful life ends. • In India, the EPR framework was first introduced under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2011, and later strengthened through the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, and Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022. This framework ensures that producers contribute to recycling, collection, and safe disposal of waste generated from their products. • 2. Importance of EPR in India • India is one of the fastest-growing markets for electronics and plastic products, resulting in an exponential rise in e-waste and plastic waste generation. To address this, EPR ensures that producers: • Take financial and physical responsibility for managing waste. • Promote eco-friendly design and recycling technologies. • Reduce the burden on local authorities and municipal waste systems. • Encourage the development of formal recycling infrastructure. • EPR also helps India progress toward its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. • 3. Legal Framework and Governing Authority • EPR in India is primarily regulated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

3. Key legislations include: • E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 • Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 • Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 • These rules mandate that every producer, importer, or brand owner must obtain EPR authorization from CPCB through its official online portal. • 4. Who Needs EPR Registration? • The following entities must register under EPR guidelines in India: • Producers – Those who manufacture or assemble electrical/electronic or plastic products. • Importers – Businesses importing finished goods for sale in the Indian market. • Brand Owners – Companies marketing products under their brand name. • Manufacturers – Those producing components or final products under OEM arrangements. • Without EPR registration, companies cannot legally sell or distribute their products in India.

4. 5. Process of EPR Registration in India • The EPR registration process with CPCB is conducted online via the CPCB EPR Portal. The steps include: • Step 1: Preparation of DocumentsApplicants must prepare required documents such as: • Company incorporation certificate • GST registration • PAN card • IEC (for importers) • Product details (category and quantity) • 6. Documents Required for EPR Registration

5. Recycling plan or tie-up with authorized recyclers Step 2: Online Application SmissionRegister on the CPCB EPR portal and fill in details like product type, brand information, and proposed waste collection methods. Step 3: Verification by CPCBCPCB authorities verify the application and ensure compliance with waste management rules. Step 4: Grant of EPR CertificateOnce approved, the producer or importer receives an EPR Authorization Certificate, valid typically for five years, subject to renewal and compliance reporting.