EPR Registration Consultant in India

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy-based approach designed to hold waste generators accountable for managing both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste. EPR authorization is granted based on the effectiveness of the waste management strategies proposed by the entities. As a crucial component of a circular economy, EPR represents a significant advancement in managing plastic and electronic waste. Current regulations, such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Electronic Waste Management Rules, 2016, include provisions for EPR and its authorization, making it a key strategy for effective waste management.

What is EPR Registration in India?

With the rise in electronic and plastic waste, the Indian government has evaluated policy options and decided that assigning responsibility for the pre-consumer and post-consumer phases of specific products to producers could be effective. EPR Registration in India is a legal authorization granted by state authorities to entities under relevant legislation. This registration incentivizes waste prevention at the source, encourages environmentally-friendly product design, and helps meet public recycling and materials management goals.

Purpose and benefits of EPR Registration

EPR Registration is mandatory for producers of Electronic-Electrical Equipment (EEE) and plastics, and it offers numerous advantages for business owners:

Enhanced Waste Management Clarity: EPR authorization provides clear guidelines for the collection, treatment, recycling, and disposal of waste, ensuring efficient management.
Reduction in Harmful Disposal Methods: By promoting proper waste management, EPR reduces reliance on harmful disposal methods like burning or burying, which release dangerous chemicals and damage land structures.
Improved Company Image: Obtaining EPR authorization enhances a company's reputation, showcasing its commitment to sustainable resource use and waste reduction.
Compliance with Waste Segregation Regulations: EPR Registration ensures adherence to legal requirements for waste segregation and disposal, helping to minimize waste sent to open landfills.
Incentives for Sustainable Design: EPR measures encourage producers to design environmentally friendly products by offering financial or operational incentives for effective recycling.
Support for Local Municipalities: EPR Registration alleviates the burden on local municipalities by reducing their physical and financial responsibilities for waste management.

Types of EPR India Registration

Who Can Apply for EPR Registration?

EPR Authorization is required for a range of entities involved in the lifecycle of electronic and plastic waste. This encompasses manufacturers, producers, consumers, bulk consumers, collection centers, dealers, e-retailers, refurbishers, dismantlers, and recyclers. Essentially, any organization engaged in the manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, collection, storage, or processing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and plastic waste, along with their components, consumables, parts, and spares, must obtain EPR Registration.

Is EPR India Registration Mandatory?

Yes, obtaining EPR certification is mandatory. Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) must secure EPR Registration to comply with regulations.

Product Categories Requiring EPR Registration (E-Waste)

In India, seven major product categories are subject to EPR Authorization:

Information Technology and Telecommunication Equipment
Consumer Electrical and Electronics
Large and Small Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Electrical and electronic tools (excluding large-scale stationary industrial equipment)
Toys, Leisure, and Sports Equipment
Medical Devices (excluding implanted and infected products)
Laboratory Instruments

Categories of Plastic Packaging Under EPR

Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in India, plastic packaging is classified into the following categories:

Rigid Plastic Packaging: This includes solid plastic containers and packaging materials that do not bend easily.
Flexible Plastic Packaging: This category encompasses single-layer or multi-layer plastic films, which can consist of various types of plastic materials.
Multilayered Plastic Packaging: Packaging materials with at least one layer of plastic and one layer of a different material.
Compostable Plastic Packaging: Includes plastic sheets or similar materials used for packaging, as well as carry bags made from compostable plastics.

EPR Registration Process in India

The EPR Registration process for Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) involves the following steps:

Submit Online Application: PIBOs must first check the list of electronic equipment and plastic categories outlined in the management rules. If involved with the specified electrical and electronic equipment or plastic waste, proceed to apply for EPR Authorization.
Application Submission: Apply online for EPR Authorization within 3 months for e-waste or 1 month for plastic waste from the start date of the rules. Submit your application to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) if selling within a single state, or to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) if selling across multiple states.
Application Review: Once received, the respective board will scrutinize the EPR application. If complete, the process will continue; if not, inquiries will be made. After confirming the effectiveness of the EPR management system, the CPCB will recommend granting EPR Authorization.
Issuance of Certificate: The EPR Registration certificate will be issued online by CPCB/SPCB/PCC using a digital signature integrated into the portal. The Member Secretary of SPCB/PCC will approve the issuance of the certificate.
Evaluating Committee Review: The Central Pollution Control Board will form an evaluating committee with representatives from SPCBs or Pollution Control Committees to review the State-specific EPR Plan and issue nationwide EPR Registration.

Required Documents for EPR Authorization and Certificate

The EPR Authorization process for Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners is completed online. To streamline your application, ensure you have the following documents ready in PDF, JPG, or PNG formats:

Company Documentation: PAN, GST, CIN, and IEC (for importers).
Authorized Person’s Identification: Aadhar or PAN of the authorized individual.
DIC Registration: If your unit is registered with the District Industries Centre (DIC).
Process Flow Diagram: Required for producers only.
Financial Information: Total capital investment and the year of commencement of operations.
Authorized Signatures: Scanned copies of signatures of authorized persons.
Covering Letter: A formal letter accompanying the application.
Sales Data: Total quantity of plastic products/plastic packaging sold in India, including a state-wise breakdown for the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22 (in KG/MT).
Raw Material Procurement Details: Information on plastic raw material suppliers, including company name, address, mobile number, year, and quantity purchased during the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Website Information: Website of the producer (if unavailable, CPCB guidelines will help design one).
Separate Applications: If a brand owner is also a producer or importer, separate applications must be filed.