Guide To Getting EPR Certification Online | Steps & Documents

To deal with plastic trash management The government of India implemented to get EPR certification Online. It obligates manufacturers, importers, dealers, brands, and online sellers to dispose of plastic and electronic trash following international standards. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) created the policy. To control the process, the CPCB publishes the EPR list on its website.

What do we mean by EPR Certificate?

In many nations, an EPR certificate is required. This lessens the additional burden that plastic disposal and recycling place on local government organizations and institutions. The management of plastic garbage is growing more difficult as plastic products become more prevalent in daily life. Since it is hard to get rid of these products, recycling them to make new, useful ones is a preferable option. The EPR certificate for plastic trash in India attests to the fact that the company complies with all EPR compliance criteria. According to the statement, the business recycles and absorbs an equivalent quantity of plastic that it releases into the environment. In the plastic economy, creating a circular cycle is essential and must be taken seriously.

What is EPR Authorization?

A type of registration that is granted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment & Forests, is an EPR Authorization. Another name for it is EPRA Registration. Recycling trash back into the system to recover resources from it and protect the environment is the goal of EPR authorization. For electronic and electrical products including laptops, computers, phones, printers, washing machines, batteries, chargers, and many others, an EPR authorization is required. All Indian manufacturers and importers of the necessary electronic and electrical products listed must submit the necessary paperwork for EPR Registration. The information such as product data, manufacturer/importer details, authorized signatory details, toll-free number, and some stipulated forms & documents are necessary for EPR Authorization applications.

3 types of EPR:-

• Electronic Waste Management -

All producers of electronics entering the country, including manufacturers, importers, dealers, e-retailers, and bulk consumers, are subject to the Extended Producer Responsibility (Ewaste EPR), which directs proper disposal of e-waste and guards against its potentially harmful effects on the environment and living things. The Producer has been given an additional responsibility to oversee and manage the lifecycle of the electronics through EPR registration. After its expiration, electronic waste must be appropriately disposed of, transported, stored, disassembled, segregated, and recycled by an authorized e-waste recycler.

• Plastic Waste Management -

According to the 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules, producers of plastic waste are required to take measures to reduce their production of plastic waste, avoid littering plastic waste, ensure segregated waste storage at the source, and turn over separated garbage following the rules. The Extended Producer Responsibility provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 apply to producers, importers, and brand owners. Plastic packaging trash from both pre-and post-consumer sources will be liable for extended producer responsibility.

• Battery Waste Management -

The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001 were replaced by the most current Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, which went into effect in August 2022. These rules apply to any Producer, Manufacturer, Dealer, other Entity, or Consumer who takes part in the collection, transportation, sorting, or other process involved in the management of Waste Batteries. These regulations also apply to all batteries, independent of their chemistry, volume, material composition, shape, weight, or intended application, including automotive, industrial, portable, and electric vehicle batteries. Several regulations relating to definitions, new roles, and authorization processes are also included in these new rules.

Who should acquire the Online EPR certificate?

Let's examine the organizations for which obtaining an EPR certification is required.

• Electronics manufacturers: The corporations that make electronic products, such as Intel and AMD, have taken on the duty to manage electrical waste. Every item they sell will eventually be thrown away. It then becomes electronic garbage when that occurs. To provide e-waste management services, electronic enterprises must either enter into a contract with a recycling business or use an internal recycler.
• E-waste management companies: Companies that manage electronic waste must also complete an online EPR registration form. It serves as an assurance that they are capable of handling electronic trash without incident.
• E-waste importers: Importers of electronic waste are the last class of organizations that need an EPR certification Online for import. These importers either recycle or dispose of the electronic debris they receive. They must, nevertheless, work towards recycling the materials because of EPR registration.

Extended Producer Responsibility Certificate is the full name of the EPR certificate. Starting an electronic manufacturing business, an e-waste management business or an importing business is not an optional legal obligation. It is a legally required document that recognizes society's obligation to protect the environment.

Objectives of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):

Post-consumer plastic trash must be properly disposed of or recycled in compliance with the 2016 Plastic Trash Management Rules by manufacturers and importers. EPR, or extended producer responsibility is an economic and environmental method for controlling a product's lifespan. "EPR Authorization" refers to the producer's obligation to control how products are disposed of once customers have determined they are useless. A producer must facilitate the collection and reuse of end-of-life, post-consumer waste. The objective is to develop a system that controls the collection, sorting, and delivery of waste to a disposal site. These materials can also be utilized in pyrolysis, cement kilns, road construction, and recycling facilities because of their high quality and inexpensive cost. Manufacturers, brand owners, and other waste producers are required to collect their end-of-life waste. As a result, businesses have a financial incentive to create markets for the reselling, buying, and recycling of resources. Companies may also assign a third party to complete this duty.

Advantages of getting a certificate of EPR

• Environmental Protection: EPR registration ensures that companies take an active role in minimizing the use of hazardous materials in their goods, promoting recycling, and decreasing waste. This helps to protect the environment and natural resources for upcoming generations.
• Cost savings: By registering for an EPR, firms can access networks and infrastructure for recycling, which can assist lower the cost of waste management. Businesses may optimize resource use and streamline operations by putting effective waste management practices into place.
• Legal Compliance: EPR registration assures adherence to laws and prevents fines or other repercussions. Businesses protect their reputation and maintain a favorable relationship with regulatory agencies by adhering to their EPR duties.
• Improved Brand Image: EPR registration demonstrates a company's dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This can distinguish the company from rivals, attract environmentally sensitive customers, and dramatically improve the brand image.

Documents Required For Online EPR Certification

The following papers must be submitted to apply for an EPR license in India:

1. Legal records of the producer or exporter.
2. Address verification.
3. Company incorporation certificate.
4. Import Export Code (IEC).
5. If applicable, a certificate from municipal corporations or local bodies.
6. Office of Industry Direction.
7. Contact information.
8. A PAN card copy.
9. Product information, including model numbers and import history.
10. Information and identification (Aadhaar card) of the authorized signer of the documents.
11. A copy of the BIS certficate, if necessary.
12. Details on RoHS compliance (Reduction of Hazardous Substances).
13. Estimate of e-waste.
14. Information on the recycler.
15. The EPR's anticipated budget.
16. EPR project plan
17. Information on the campaign to educate people about trash management.
18. A copy of the contract with the retailers, recycling facilities, disposal facilities, and storage facilities.

How Can I Obtain an EPR Certificate?

• General information about the production, authorized person, or specifics of the electrical and electronic equipment, among other things, must be entered into the application form.
• It is necessary to provide information on the item-level estimation of the generation of electronic waste (E-waste), together with an estimate of the collection goal for the upcoming year.
• Targets must be included in the information supplied about the overall strategy for fulfilling Extended Producer Responsibility requirements.
• If relevant, the information regarding the reduction of hazardous substances compliance will be provided for verification as and when necessary. This will be done through self-declaration and another declaration that it has the technical documents for RoHS.
• Additionally, the application form will be submitted with the necessary paperwork.
• The CPCB will consider the application after it has been submitted.
• Additionally, the application form will be submitted with the necessary paperwork.
• Further information will be submitted if CPCB requests it.
• Finally, the CPCB will provide an EPR certificate.

EPR certification Online Renewal Procedure:

The EPR certification Online is valid for 5 years after which it must be renewed. The procedure for renewing the EPR certificate is as follows:

• Within 60 days after the expiration date, a Form-1 application for renewal must be submitted.
• After confirming the compliance report produced by the relevant state pollution control board or pollution control committees, the renewal will be taken into consideration. If the authorization's terms have not been broken, the renewal application will be authorized.

The state pollution control board keeps track of these circumstances.

How long it takes to get a certficate of EPR and fees?

According to E-Waste laws, CPCB must provide EPR authorization within 120 days of receiving a complete application. If an application is not complete, the CPCB may review it and respond with a checklist within 25 days. It's important to note that the Certificate issued will be valid for 5 years and the Agreement will be signed for 1 year. These categories are used to group the cost of an importer's EPR license. The charge for plastic EPR is Rs.10,000 if less than 1000 tonnes of garbage are produced annually. The charge would be Rs.20,000 if PIBOs produced between 1000 and 10,000 tonnes of garbage annually. The cost for CPCCB plastic registration would be Rs.50,000 if the annual generation of plastic garbage exceeded 10,000 tonnes. Note: The amount of waste generated by PIBOs determines the CPCB plastic waste registration charge. The amount of plastic garbage cans, therefore affects the cost.

EPR certification Online Rejection/Cancellation :

Their relevant authorities may revoke the EPR certification for the following reasons:

• The application cost will be increased if misleading information or documents are submitted to the authorities.
• If Importers are discovered to be in breach of the 2016 plastic waste management (PWMs) regulations.
• PIBOs and importers are not permitted to work with any unlicensed or unregistered firms.
• For the year in which EPR registration is granted, the PIBO is required to meet the year- and category-specific EPR Targets listed in the registration certificate.

Mandatory Guidelines to follow for EPR Certificate :

• All environmental or third-party damages resulting from poor control and handling of the e-waste should be the responsibility of the producer, manufacturer, importer, refurbisher, transporter, dismantler, and recycler.
• A Form-1 application for an EPR certificate for the import of e-waste must now be submitted to the CPCB by producers who are importing or selling EEE. If not, appropriate legal consequences will be taken.
• The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 imposes financial penalties for violations of these standards, and the importer, along with the other individuals specified above, will be held accountable.
• Only producers with an EPR authorization are permitted to import EEE. To import e-waste, an EPR certificate must be obtained.
• Random inspections to check for conformity with the e-waste standards are the responsibility of CPCB. In addition, the Board is required to identify producers or importers who have not requested an EPR authorization or who are not adhering to RoHS regulations. The Customs Department and other Government of India agencies may be consulted by the Board as needed.
• The Extended Producer Responsibility - Authorization for the import of e-waste into India must be verified by the port and customs authorities. Additionally, under the Indian Ports Act of 1908 and the Customs Act of 1962, the authorities are required to initiate enforcement action against importers.

Conclusion

The first step in assuring environmental management and preservation in the nation is EPR registration and certificate. Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) are required to hold a certification of EPR. To get assistance in process and documentation for EPR certification we can help you with the best.