In order to ensure environmental preservation and encourage proper disposal and recycling of waste, the government introduced EPR regulations. It covers certain categories of waste products that can pose harm to the environment if their disposal is not done in a proper manner. Businesses dealing in these products are mandatorily required to apply for EPR Certificate and ensure compliance with the regulations.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is mandatory for the producers, importers and brand owners (PIBO) that deal with certain categories of products covered under the EPR regulations. EPR places the responsibility of the end of life cycle products on the PIBOs, thus ensuring that disposal of these products takes place in an environmentally friendly manner and recycling is encouraged.
What Products are Covered Under EPR Certificate?
Following are the different types of EPR registration that PIBOs need to obtain based on the nature of their business:
- EPR registration for plastic waste management
- EPR registration for e-waste management
- EPR registration for battery waste management
- EPR registration for used oil management
- EPR registration for tyre waste management
Let’s have a detailed discussion on the same:
- EPR Registration for Plastic Waste Management
EPR registration is mandatory for all the producers, importers and brand owners of the plastic packaging, including both plastic products and secondary packaging. Plastic is non-biodegradable and already poses serious environmental concerns, thereby mandating EPR for plastic waste.
- EPR Registration for E-Waste Management
The government released E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 which requires all producers, importers, manufacturers, dismantlers, refurbishers and recyclers to adopt environmentally friendly practices for the management of waste electronic equipment and electricals. The applicants can set up collection centres and tie up with the recyclers and dismantlers for efficient waste management.
- EPR Registration for Waste Batteries
The government released Battery Waste Management (BWM) Rules, 2022 requires the manufacturers, producers and importers of batteries to ensure compliance with the EPR obligations whenever they introduce batteries into the market. Further, they are required to meet the targets for recycling and collection of waste batteries.
- EPR Registration for Used Oil
EPR regulations are also applicable to the used oil which basically includes the oil from crude oil or synthetic oil that gets contaminated after usage. It was recently introduced and will require the specified stakeholders to obtain EPR authorization by registering on the CPCB portal and fulfilling the EPR responsibilities. This will include producers of the lubrication oil and base oil, used oil collection agents and importers and recyclers of used oil.
- EPR Registration for Tyre Waste Management
The EPR regulations for tyre waste management require the tyre manufacturers and importers to obtain "EPR Registration for Tyre Waste" from the Central Pollution Control Board. They are required to submit a detailed plan of action indicating strategies for collection, segregation, transportation, recycling and disposal of the end-of-life cycle tyres. The recycling targets have been assigned to be fulfilled by the stakeholders.
Benefits of EPR Certification
EPR was introduced to mitigate the harmful effects of the end-of-life cycle products and encourage adoption of sustainable practices. Following are some of the key benefits of EPR registration:
- Environmentally Sustainable: Extended Producer Responsibility is a significant step towards sustainable practices for waste management. It has led to businesses adopting environmentally sound practices in the disposal and recycling of waste products, thereby preventing harm to the environment.
- Better Waste Management: EPR places responsibility for recycling and waste management on the producers, importers and brand owners. It requires them to develop strategies and action plans for waste management and meet the specified targets. This has led to adoption of better waste management practices.
- Cost Effective: Many businesses often ended up spending tons of resources on waste management as they don’t have a well-organized and planned path towards recycling and waste management. Those businesses that harmed the environment too faced the risk of being penalized by the government and potential lawsuits. EPR allows businesses to walk down in a strategic manner for waste disposal.
- Enhances Reputation: Businesses that have well defined waste management systems and that project themselves as environmentally friendly find it relatively easier to gain the trust of their customers. This enhances the overall reputation of the business in the long run.
- Reduces Government’s Cost: Waste management is largely the domain of government and each year; crores of rupees are being spent on this. However, considering the extent of waste generated, it proves to be a difficult and costly task, even for the government, to carry out waste management in an efficient manner. EPR allows the government to delegate this responsibility to the manufacturers and importers generating these products. This not only increases the efficiency but also reduces the government’s cost.
EPR Registration Process
To obtain the EPR certification, you need to file the application with the respective board through the following EPR registration process:
- You need to prepare an EPR plan laying down the strategy for effective collection, recycling and disposal of waste
- File the EPR Certification application with the concerned board. In case you are operating from a single state, then you shall file the application with the State Pollution Control Board. In case you are operating from more than one state, you shall file the application with the Central Pollution Control Board.
- Upload all the relevant documents required for EPR Certificate. This also includes your detailed plan of action and the way you will be proceeding.
- The EPR authorities will evaluate your application and the documents submitted. In case there are any discrepancies, the same will be communicated to you to resolve the queries.
- In case the application is complete in all respects and the query is resolved, the authorities will grant you the registration.
Also, Check "Key registrations to start an import export business in India"
Documents Required for EPR Registration
You need to submit the following documents to get EPR certificate along with the registration application:
- Identity proofs
- Address proofs
- GST registration details
- EPR plan
- Process flow diagrams
- Estimated waste generation
- Import export code
- Authorization from dismantlers and recyclers
- Copy of agreements entered into with dismantlers, disposal facilities and recyclers
- Any other document as may be required
How Exim Advisory Can Help You in Getting EPR Certification for Import in India?
Here’s how Exim Advisory can help you for obtaining the EPR registration:
- Gathering all the documents required for EPR registration
- Preparation of EPR plan, process flow diagrams, calculation of estimates and drafting of agreements
- Filing of application for EPR Certification
- Liaising with the authorities and resolution of any queries
- Ensuring timely and accurate filings of post EPR registration compliances
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the meaning of EPR Registration?
A: EPR, also known as Extended Producer Responsibility, is a certificate that places the responsibility of end-of-life cycle products on its manufacturers, producers, importers and brand owners.
Q2: Is EPR Registration mandatory for all manufacturers?
A: If you are engaged in the manufacturing of products that fall under the EPR category, then you are mandatorily required to obtain EPR registration online.
Q3: Who needs EPR Certificate?
A: Every manufacturer, producer, importer and brand owner who is dealing in products covered under the EPR regulations are required to obtain EPR registration. This basically includes e-waste, plastic waste, used oil, waste tyers and waste batteries.
Q4: What are the benefits of EPR Registration?
A: EPR registration confers numerous benefits to the businesses, government and environment at large. It promotes environmentally friendly practices of waste disposal and recycling, imparts a positive brand image, facilitates savings in terms of waste management cost and reduces the burden of government in dealing with waste.
Q5: What is the validity of EPR Certificate?
A: The EPR Certificate is usually valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issue following which it shall be renewed.