Overview

"EPR for Waste Tyres" denotes the responsibility mandated for tyre manufacturers to ensure environmentally safe disposal of old tyres, preventing harm to human health and the environment. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change released the Hazardous and Other Wastes Amendment Rules, 2022 for EPR for Waste Tyre. Effective from July 21, 2022, this amendment introduces Schedule IX, detailing guidelines for the proper handling and utilization of discarded tyres by manufacturers, recyclers, and retreaders.

This article will comprehensively outline the registration process for all entities involved in tyre production and management, along with their respective responsibilities post-compliance on the unified CPCB portal.

Application Scope

The following parties are bound by the regulations outlined in Schedule IX:

1.Producer :refers to any individual or organization that

1. Manufacturers producing and selling new tyres domestically.

2. Retailers selling new tyres manufactured by others under their own brands (Brand Owners).

3. Retailers importing and selling new tyres (Importers).

4. Importers bringing in vehicles with new tyres.

5. Automakers importing new tyres for newly launched vehicles sold domestically.

6. Importers bringing in waste tyres.

2.Recycler : Any individual or organization engaged in the eco-friendly practice of transforming used tyres into the following products through recycling.

1. Reclaimed rubber

2. Crumb rubber

3. Crumb rubber modified bitumen (CRMB)

4. Recovered carbon black, suitable as raw material for producing new tyres

5. Pyrolysis oil or char is utilized solely as a fuel and is not employed as a raw material in the manufacturing of new tyres.

3.Retreader : Any individual or organization involved in renewing worn-out tyres by replacing the tread and sidewall rubber, ensuring strong structural integrity.

Amendment for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in waste tyre management

Producers, importers, and brand owners engaged in manufacturing and selling new tyres, along with importers handling used tyres, must adhere to EPR standards for waste tyre management. These guidelines involve establishing systems for collecting, transporting, recycling, or responsibly disposing of used tyres. This approach ensures responsible management of both imported and domestically produced used tyres. The updated regulations also extend to retreaders involved in renewing tyres by replacing worn-out tread with new tread.

Responsibility of Producers

1. Producers must procure EPR certificates for waste tyres exclusively from registered recyclers to fulfill their EPR obligations.

2. Producers are responsible for submitting quarterly and annual returns, as specified by the CPCB on the portal, by the end of the following month after each quarter. Every registered entity is required to file quarterly returns.

Responsibilities of recyclers

1. Each recycler must regularly submit monthly data to the portal, detailing quantities of used and generated waste tyres, sales of EPR certificates, and other relevant information.

2. Recyclers must submit their quarterly and annual returns on the designated Form on the website by the end of the month following each quarter or earlier.

Responsibilities of retreaders

Retreading of discarded tyres is now authorized, but retreaders must register on the CPCB portal to issue retreading certifications. The EPR obligation for retreaders has been postponed by one year (until 2023) upon submission of these certifications, contingent upon proper end-of-life disposal through a licensed recycler thereafter.

Essential aspects covered by EPR approval for waste tyres

Cancellation

1. Producers must achieve their EPR goals on schedule to avoid penalties or revocation of their waste tyre EPR authorization. However, registration can be revoked if inaccurate supporting documentation is found.

2. Failure to fulfill Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations may result in the CPCB imposing environmental fines on businesses and potentially suspending or terminating their waste tyre EPR.

3. Applicants will have an opportunity to present their case within 15 days of receiving notification before the CPCB considers cancelling or suspending their EPR registration.

Validity

Once issued, the tyre EPR certificate remains valid for a period of five years.

Renewal

The registration process may take between 50 to 60 business days to complete. Renewal requests can be submitted up to 60 days before the deadline.

Steps to obtain EPR registration for waste tyres

1. To obtain EPR certification for tyre waste, applicants must provide all required information. Our expert team will carefully review all documents for accuracy and completeness.

2. Once our specialists have reviewed the documentation, we will initiate the online application for EPR authorization for tyre waste with the relevant authorities.

3. The CPCB will evaluate the online application for waste tyre EPR registration. Any identified issues or discrepancies will be addressed promptly to ensure compliance.

4. The EPR certificate will be issued within 50-60 days of application submission. Upon receiving the certificate, producers must implement an EPR action plan to meet their objectives.

FEE STRUCTURE

Documents Required for EPR For Tyre Waste

The following documents may be required as part of the process for registering EPR for waste tyre management:

• Aadhar number of the authorised person

• Pan card of the company

• IEC number of the company (in case of import)

• Covering letter, as per Annexure A

• Undertaking, as per Annexure B

• Tyre Composition, as per Annexure C

• Submission of Plantwise manufacturing Data, as per Annexure D

• GST number of the company

• NOCs, or environmental approvals, from the appropriate authorities.

• Proof of ownership or lease for the premises where waste tyre management operations will be conducted.

• CIN number of the company

• Details regarding the planned EPR strategy, including procedures for collecting, storing, transporting, processing, and disposing of waste tyres.

Consequences for failing to comply with EPR regulations

Environmental Compensation

Providing inaccurate information leading to the issuance of excessive EPR certificates—exceeding 5% of actual recycled waste—will result in registration cancellation and the imposition of nonrefundable environmental penalties.

The Central Pollution Control Board will define procedures for enforcing and collecting environmental penalties from producers, recyclers, or importers who fail to meet their obligations under this Schedule or misuse a falsified extended producer responsibility certificate. These guidelines must align with the provisions outlined in this Schedule and receive approval from both the Steering Committee and the Central Government before implementation. Unregistered manufacturers are also liable under these regulations.