How can I Get EPR Registration & PWM Compliance?

EPR is an Extended Producer’s Responsibility that is introduced by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), Government of India. The EPR authorization is mandatory for the manufacturer/ importer of electronic/ electrical items. They have been vested with the responsibility of controlling E-Waste generated through the products after the expiry of the lifetime.

How EPR came into existence?

In today’s time, plastic is produced globally on a massive scale. According to a recent research report, around 5.6 million tones/per year are produced in the country. However, the disposal and management of plastic waste is a major concern of the Governments of the majority of nations worldwide.

So, what is the solution to this problem? How to overcome this issue? The answer is recycling & this process ensures that the plastic packaging waste is being processed & can be reused or subjected to disposal towards the end of life.

Amendment to Plastic Waste Management Regulations, 2022

An amendment has been introduced in the Plastic Waste Management Regulations in the year 2022, and all the manufacturers/ importers/brand owners as well as the plastic waste processors shall comply with the EPR according to the guidelines within schedule II as per the plastic waste management guidelines. So, all the organizations (PIBO) that are operating within a single or two of the states need to file for EPR Registration with their concerned State Pollution Concerned Board (CPCB).

Such organizations need to make sure that the plastic waste is generated with the help of the PWPs (Plastic Waste Processors) according to the action plan for meeting the EPR target that has been assigned.

The companies need to seek EPR Registration, based on the volume of the plastic waste that is being processed by the plastic waste processors and they are required to utilize the EPR certifications for meeting the targets.

In case of failure of the PIBO to comply with the Plastic Waste Management Regulations, strict compensation will be imposed by the concerned authorities along with taking disciplinary action.

Relation between PIBO & EPR

PIBO is the abbreviation that involves all the producers, importers as well and brand owners. In case of being identified as the PIBO with the operational set up within the country, as well as utilizing the plastic packaging, you will be falling under the obligation of the EPR protocol despite whatever your turnover or the scale of the operations is.

So, as per the Extended Product Responsibility, the producers as well as the manufacturer hold responsibility for the eco-friendly management of the plastic products till the end of their life cycle.

Why Government of India introduced EPR Registration?

Owing to the increased production of electronic waste, the board members evaluated all the existing policies concerning plastic Waste management and concluded that the producers/ importers shall be made accountable for this and must take appropriate measures to deal with this situation.

What role EPR Registration is playing in Plastic Waste Management?

• Rendering incentives for the environmental design.
• Achievement of the efficiency of resources.
• Assurance that the recycling procedure is of high.
• Efficiency.
• Extending guidelines on how waste management takes place.
• Cost coverage of the end of the product life cycle.

Why seek EPR certifications?

• EPR certification facilitates an increased level of product recycling and reduction in the consumption of packaging material.
• Increase recycling rate.
• Improvement in the efficiency of the programs.
• Recycling management.
• Reduction in the cost.
• Societal as well as environmental benefits.

What responsibilities do manufacturers/producers hold under EPR?

• Fill application to register for EPR.
• Under the condition of the electrical system (comprises of mercury), the producers shall company with the TSDF solutions.
• Direction as well as the assortment of electronic waste being produced toward the end of the product life cycle. The manufacturer shall provide all the consumers with their contact details.
• Adhere to annual compliance with all the guidelines & complete protocol of the EPR.

Process to seek EPR authorization

The 5step procedure for seeking EPR authorization include:

★ Step-1

First of all, check out the list within the schedule I and find out all the included electronic equipment. In case you are engaged in the manufacturing of the electronic/electrical items that are included within the list, then you are required to proceed with the process of EPR registration.

★ Step-2

The producer needs to fill out the application, Form I to seek an EPR authorization grant. The manufacturer needs to fill out the application form within 3 months' time. This will start from the commencement date of the amendments as well as the regulations being introduced by the SPCB (State Pollution Control Board), when you are supplying your products in greater than 1 state.

★ Step-3

Once the concerned authorities receive an application, they will scrutinize the same. Once it is verified and found complete and all documentation is checked, then the board will move further. Otherwise, the authorities will be raising their concern. Once satisfied, the producer will have the most effective system for the management of the EPR within the nation. The authorization is rendered to the producer within 120 days.

★ Step-4

There can be a condition when the concerned authorities refuse to grant EPR authorization to the applicant. However, they can do the same only after providing a chance for the applicant to be heard.

★ Step5

The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) in case of granting EPR authorization to the applicant will be forwarding the EPR plan (State Specific) for the SPCB & then there will be initiation of the procedure to implement the same.

What is the validity of EPR licensing? Can it be renewed?

The EPR certification will be needed for renewal after 5 years. This needs to be done by filling the Form I within 2 months after the date of the expiry of the registration.

Here is documentation that shall be required for EPR authorization renewal:

1. The certification that states the compliance of the manufacturer/importer with effluent as well as the emission standards.
2. The certification illustrating the appropriate treatment.
3. As well as the hazardous waste management & disposal from the concerned authorities (State Pollution Control Board)/ Pollution Control Committee or any other agency).