Overview of EPR Authorization

EPR, which stands for Extended Producer's Responsibility, pertains to a significant concept in which manufacturers and importers are responsible for managing waste in India. This obligation is backed by an EPR Certificate, a mandatory requirement for those involved in producing or importing electronic and electrical goods. The issuance of EPR Authorization is overseen by CPCB under the Ministry of Environment, (MoEFCC), GoI.Under the umbrella of EPR India authorisation, manufacturers and importers of electronic and electrical products assume the duty of managing the waste generated from their products after it reach the end of their usable life. This policy mandate extends to various stakeholders, including producers, importers, manufacturers, and brand owners.This mechanism intends to create incentives for waste reduction at the source, encourage the development of environmentally-friendly product designs, and support public recycling efforts and waste management objectives.

Benefits of EPR Authorization

EPR is a strategy aimed at countering the practice of planned obsolescence by providing financial incentives to manufacturers. This approach encourages manufacturers to design products with recycling in mind and to enhance 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 manufacturers.One notable advantage of EPR is its increasing effectiveness, particularly as it is enforced in countries engaged in E Waste Management, Plastic Waste Management, Battery Waste Management, Waste Tyres Management, and used oil Management.

Types of EPR Certification

EPR Certification is granted for the following types of waste

• E-Waste Management,under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
• Plastic Waste Management, under the Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022
• Battery Waste Management, under the Battery Waste Management (BMW) Rules, 2022
• Waste Tyres Management, under 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.

Policies Related to Extended Producer Responsibility

In India, the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility.The primary objectives of EPR include the following:

• In alignment with environmental guidelines, the responsibility for mitigating pollution arising from waste lies with producers, importers, manufacturers, and brand owners.
• Rule 13 (1) of the 2016 rules outlines the framework under which the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is authorised to grant, renew, or decline applications related to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
• The enforcement of EPR is directed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which involves specific instructions for manufacturers about the proper channels for disposal, recycling procedures, storage protocols, dismantling processes, and refurbishment methods.

Eligibility for obtaining EPR Authorization

In India, individuals or entities that include Producers, Importers, brand owners, and manufacturers can apply for an EPR license. This certification is obligatory for all manufacturers and importers of E-Waste, Plastic Waste, Battery Waste, and Waste Tyreswithin the country. For these certain businesses specifically, the certification is a requisite for domestic and international manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment operating under the framework of EPR Authorization.

Procedure of Grant of EPR Authorization

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 has 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. It is important to note that this authorisation is usually valid for five years and may vary on case to case basis, after which the entities will be required to re-register themselves.

Documents Required for EPR Authorization

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

• A comprehensive EPR plan outlining essential details
• Valid GST Certificate
• Copy of the requisite permission obtained from the relevant Department or Ministry for the sale of their products
• KYC documentation for Sole Proprietors or Authorized Signatories
• Copies of agreements established with collection centres
• An Excel spreadsheet containing particulars of imported products
• Copies of agreements based with dealers
• Memorandum of Association
• Copies of agreements formed with dismantlers and recyclers
• Certification of Incorporation (CIN)
• Copies of agreements made with Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs)
• Company's PAN card
• Self-declarations about the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS)
• Copy of DGFT permission or license (IEC certificate)

Copy of the agreement with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), if applicable

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