Get EPR Authorization!

EPR, which stands for Extended Producer's Responsibility, has been mandated for all concerned producers, importers, and brand owners involved in the electronics, batteries, tyres, and plastic packaging business in India. Those who fail to secure EPR Authorization often have to face legal consequences, pay hefty fines, and undertake remediation, which ends up distressing their overall growth and development.

This obligation of EPR Authorization is backed by an EPR Certificate in India, which is a mandatory requirement for those involved in the businesses mentioned above. By implementing the process of EPR Authorization in India, the above-mentioned concerned stakeholders now have to bear the accountability of managing the waste generated from their products after they reach the end of their life cycle. Allow Enterclimate to assist you with the procurement of this intricate authorization as it has a renowned presence in the domain of Extended Producer Responsibility, i.e., EPR Compliance. We have assisted 10,000+ entities all across the nation in securing EPR Authorization promptly and swiftly.

What is EPR Authorization?

In a world where people are becoming increasingly concerned about environmental issues, ensuring proper and effective waste management becomes a critical step towards handling these issues and building a sustainable future, and EPR Authorization is a key regulatory aspect of this plan. 

Extended Producer Responsibility, i.e., EPR Authorization, is basically a license approved and issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for the proper and effective collection, transference, treatment, storage, and disposal of generated waste. The whole idea of EPR Authorization is based on Sustainable Development and PPP, i.e., the Polluter Pays Principle, which means that whoever pollutes the environment is to be held liable to compensate for the damage caused, and thus, the wrongdoer has to return the environment to its original condition, irrespective of the intent. Under the EPR Rules in India, the concerned businesses are required to obtain this authorization and take responsibility for the waste they generate, and the same is required to be reported to CPCB annually. 

Is EPR Authorization Mandatory in India?

Yes! EPR Authorization has been mandated in India to ensure that the concerned businesses are diligently complying with the environmental laws of the land and are taking effective measures for effective waste management. The concerned entities falling under the ambit of Extended Producer Responsibility Rules cannot operate their businesses in violation of these rules, i.e. running a business without procuring EPR Authorization can lead to legal consequences and pecuniary fines. 

This legal mandate further requires them to establish and operate collection systems, recycling centres/facilities, and safe disposal methods for their products. Manufacturers and importers must meet the specified waste collection targets and recycling targets as prescribed by the concerned regulatory authorities such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Need for EPR Authorization in India

The increasing popularity of Environmental Jurisprudence has made society aware of adopting environmentally safe practices and the importance of RRR, which is the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Strategy. In furtherance of the same, it becomes even more imperative to make efforts to reduce the waste generated, which takes decades to degenerate. As per a report on ‘Recycling of Plastics in Indian Perspective’ by Dr Smita Mohanty, the Centre Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has estimated and pointed out that in the year 2017-2018, India generated around 9.4 million TPA (tonnes per day) plastic waste which roughly amounts to 26,000 TPD (tonnes per day).

Thus, it has become essential to interfere in the current ineffective waste management, which exhibits flaws as we are experiencing its extreme environmental repercussions. The general practice that is prevalent is that the waste is collected and transported by the concerned authorities and is eventually dumped in the landfills; thus, proper disposal of the waste, particularly plastic, electronics, and microplastic, is considerably overlooked. To counter and address these concerns, the government has implemented and enforced the Waste Management Rules, through which they have advanced the idea of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). In pursuance of these rules and regulations, EPR Authorization has been mandated for the concerned businesses to hold them accountable for the life cycle of their products. 

Benefits of EPR Authorization

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a strategy aimed at countering the practice of planned obsolescence by providing financial incentives to manufacturers to design products with the objective of recycling in mind and enhancing their longevity. Beyond its role in addressing planned obsolescence, EPR can alleviate the financial burden on governments associated with waste management by shifting a portion of the cost responsibility to the concerned entities. By obtaining EPR Authorization, the concerned businesses have been able to enjoy an array of benefits, such as:

Enhanced Environmental Compliance

Environmental Compliance is growing with the increase in environmental issues, particularly due to improper waste management. The government has brought several rules and regulations to mitigate these concerns. These rules are not merely voluntary obligations but must be discharged diligently. Otherwise, defaulters may have to face legal and financial consequences. In the worst-case scenario, violations can lead to the closure of your business as well. Therefore, EPR Authorization helps you ensure environmental compliance and protects you from any adverse consequences. 

Improved Waste Management

The objective of Extended Producer Responsibility Guidelines has been to introduce improved waste management in the circulation economy by making clearer and more stringent guidelines relating to the collection, transportation, storage, treatment and disposal of the waste generated. This improved waste management provides multiple opportunities for improving their product designs, packaging, etc., to make them more recyclable. 

Enhanced Brand Value and Reputation

As a business or a company, you are as good as your brand value. Ensuring EPR Compliance and procuring EPR Authorization helps your business target those customers and investors who hold these concerns in high regard. This further helps you create a positive brand value amongst your counterparts, which provides an added competitive advantage. 

Reduced Costs

Another notable advantage of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is its increasing effectiveness, particularly for entities engaged in E-Waste Management, Plastic Waste Management, Battery Waste Management, Waste Tyres Management, and used oil Management. This mechanism intends to create incentives for waste reduction at the source, encourages the development of environmentally friendly product designs, and supports public recycling efforts and waste management objectives.

Who Needs to Apply for EPR Authorization?

After understanding the need and benefits of securing an EPR Authorization, let us understand who needs to apply for EPR Authorization. In India, the following entities need to apply for EPR Authorization:

• Producers
• Importers
• Brand Owners
• Manufacturers

Therefore, EPR Authorization is obligatory for all manufacturers and importers of E-Waste, Plastic Waste, Battery Waste, and Waste Tyres within the country. For these businesses specifically, certification is a requisite for domestic and international manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment operating under the framework of EPR Authorization.

Our EPR Authorization Consultant Services 

For businesses looking to obtain EPR Authorization, Enterclimate’s EPR Authorization Consultant Services in India provide a variety of benefits. By engaging our ESDD Consultants, you can enjoy the following services: 

Expert EPR Consultation

Expert EPR Consultation is required by businesses that are often unfamiliar with the various rules and regulations that are applicable for ensuring Compliance. Our experts can help you navigate through the arduous and complex procedures and help you understand the intricate requirements and eligibilities for EPR Authorization as per your needs.

Unparalleled Legal Guidance 

EPR Compliance is governed by a myriad of laws and rules that have been legally mandated by the government, and thus, the failure to comply with these can attract adverse consequences. Enterclimate provides comprehensive legal support services for EPR Authorization, including but not limited to legal advice, through a customizable package of services that can be tailored to the priorities and needs of our clients.

Documentation Support

The EPR Authorization approval process involves extensive documentation, and any lapses or inaccuracies can lead to delays or, in the worst case, rejections. The concerned businesses must meticulously submit extensive paperwork containing all necessary details. This entire process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive; therefore, in order to avoid that, our experts help our clients efficiently manage and fulfil these documentation requirements to ensure successful approval of their application for EPR Authorization.

End-to-End Assistance

Owing to our extensive experience in the field of environmental compliance and related clearances, our licencing professionals are fully equipped to provide comprehensive assistance throughout the process of your EPR authorization.

Continuous Client Support

We ensure that our clients are kept up to date with the latest government guidelines and updates regarding EPR Authorization and other appropriate monitoring. They do not have to run from pillar to post for updates as we ensure that updates reach them well in time.

Types of EPR Authorization

EPR Authorization is granted for the following types of waste

• E-Waste Management, governed by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
• Plastic Waste Management, governed by the Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022
• Battery Waste Management, governed by the Battery Waste Management (BMW) Rules, 2022
• Waste Tyres Management, governed by the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2022
• Used Oil Management under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2022, to be applicable from April 2024 onwards.

What is EPR Authorization for Plastic Waste?

EPR Authorization for plastic waste is governed by the Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022. As per these, EPR Authorization is mandatory for every producer, importer, and brand owner involved in the use of plastic packaging, i.e., Primary Packaging and Second Packaging both come under the ambit of these rules. These rules have mandated the PIBOS to register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through the online centralized portal. In addition to this, PIBOS operatives in more than 2 states/UTs, apart from registering with CPCB, also need to register with the concerned State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

What is EPR Authorization for Waste Batteries?

EPR Authorization for Waste Batteries is governed by the Battery Waste Management (BMW) Rules 2022. As per these, every producer, which shall include manufacturers and importers of batteries as well, has been mandated to follow the EPR compliance for every battery they introduce to the market. In addition to this, they are also required to ensure the fulfilment of the prescribed and sanctioned targets for the collection and recycling of waste batteries.

What is EPR Authorization for E-Waste?

EPR Authorization for E-Waste is governed by the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. As per these rules, it is the accountability of every producer, manufacturer, refurbisher, dismantler, and recycler to guarantee proper, effective and, more importantly, environmentally sound management and handling of the waste electrical and electronic equipment. Various responsibilities have been placed on these entities to ensure EPR compliance, such as producers being required to establish collection centres and ensure agreements are in place with authorized recyclers or dismantlers, along with ensuring a take-back program. 

What is EPR Authorization for Waste Tyres?

EPR authorization for waste tyres is governed by the Hazardous and Other Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules 2022. As per these rules, entities involved in the production, manufacturing, sale, or import of waste tyres are accountable for the management of the waste tyres in a safe and effective manner. 

Role of CPCB

The issuance of EPR Authorization is overseen by CPCB, i.e. the Central Pollution Control Board, under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Validity of EPR Authorization Certification

It is important to note that the EPR Authorisation granted is usually valid for 5 years and may vary on a case-to-case basis, after which the entities will be required to re-register themselves. 

Procedure For Grant of EPR Authorization in India

For the grant of EPR Authorization, the covered entities, such as producers, importers, and waste processing or refurbishing entities, are required to submit their applications on the dedicated CPCB EPR Portals. 

Following the submission, the CPCB takes 25 days to review and assess the provided documentation. This includes the verification and investigation of the details furnished. Once the submitted documents have been thoroughly examined and the feasibility of the submitted action plan is established, the Pollution Control Board will issue the applicant EPR Authorization. 

Checklist of Documents Required for EPR Authorization

The principal documents necessary to secure an EPR Authorization for effective management of waste encompass the following:

1. A comprehensive EPR Plan outlining essential details
2. Process Flow Diagrams
3. Estimate of Waste Generated
4. Copy of the Requisite Permission from the relevant Department or Ministry for the sale of their products
5. Valid GST Certificate
6. DIC Registration 
7. KYC Documentation for Sole Proprietors or Authorized Signatories
8. Copies of Agreements established with Collection Centres
9. An Excel Spreadsheet containing particulars of Imported Products
10. Copies of Agreements based with Dealers
11. Memorandum of Association
12. Copies of Agreements formed with Dismantlers and Recyclers
13. Certification of Incorporation (CIN)
14. Copies of Agreements made with Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs)
15. Company's PAN Card
16. Self-Declarations about the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
17. Copy of DGFT Permission or License (IEC certificate)
18. Copy of the Agreement with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), if applicable

How to apply for an EPR Authorization?

Every applicant who wishes to hold an EPR Authorization has to submit an application to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) as per the forms prescribed along with the documents specified. The applicant business must undertake the following steps:

• The applicant must ensure that all the required documents for EPR authorization are in due order.
• The applicant is then required to fill out the application for the EPR authorization via the online portal of CPCB/SPCB. 
• The applicant must enter all the details and submit all the required information in the application form, and, alongside, upload the asked documents.
• After the submission of the application, the same gets evaluated and verified by the CPCB officials. 
• If any discrepancies are found, the applicant is given 25 days to rectify them. 
• If the application is approved by the CPCB, then the applicant will be granted EPR Authorization within 120 days from the date of receipt of the application form.

However, the applicant is required to be extremely careful with the entire process, as the CPCB holds the power to reject the application if it violates any of the CPCB regulations. The application will be further returned if the applicant fails to respond within 45 days of the intimation of the rejection or if the applicant is unable to provide the required information. 

Furthermore, the applicants must keep in mind that the granted EPR authorization can also be revoked if CPCB finds the concerned entity in violation of the EPR Rules and Regulations prescribed under the various waste management rules applicable in the country. However, the CPCB grants an opportunity to defend your position and show cause as to why your EPR Authorization should not be revoked. These matters are time-sensitive and require expert guidance to prevent the cancellation of your EPR authorization.

Why Procure EPR Authorization with Enterclimate?

You can consider procuring EPR Authorization with Enterclimate because of its extensive experience and strong presence in the environmental compliance domain. By choosing Enterclimate for EPR Authorization, you can unlock an array of benefits that will enable your business to thrive in today's ultra-competitive world by ensuring the fulfilment of all your Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and other environmental and legal obligations.  

Our team of industry experts bring wide-ranging knowledge and years of experience to you. They stay abreast of all the changes and amendments in rules to ensure your business remains compliant with the applicable regulations in order for you to avoid any inadvertent mistakes and failures. We have a proven track record of 99.9% proficiency in EPR Compliance and, particularly, in procuring EPR Authorization. We maintain stringent ethical standards and, therefore, promise to provide you with world-class services and valuable insights, so if you want to deliberate and learn more about EPR Authorization, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Getting Started 

Get ready to attain excellence by ensuring EPR Compliance. Contact us at 7838390340 to discuss how Enterclimate can help you achieve success in your business. Join us in building a profitable as well as a sustainable future.