EPR Registration in India: Benefits and Registration Process of EPR
In order to ensure more environmentally responsible behavior, the government has introduced the EPR regulations in India. Also known as Extended Producer Responsibility, responsibility has been placed on the producers, importers and brand owners (also known as PIBO) to control the e-waste and plastic waste after the end of product life. They need to obtain EPR authorization for e-waste and plastic waste management in India. But how can they benefit from EPR registration in India? What is the EPR registration process? Let’s find out!
Benefits of EPR Authorization in India
Obtaining EPR authorization confers the following benefits at large:
· Encouraging Producers to Use Eco-Friendly Materials: EPR authorization encourages producers to use eco-friendly materials that are easy to recycle or biodegrade. This reduces the burden of waste management on local authorities and minimizes the environmental impact of plastic waste.
· Increasing Recycling Rates: EPR authorization requires producers to collect and recycle the plastic waste generated by their products. This helps increase the recycling rates and reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or the environment.
· Creating Jobs and Income Opportunities: EPR authorization promotes the establishment of a recycling industry in India, creating jobs and income opportunities for the local population.
· Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Recycling plastic waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding the production of virgin plastic. This helps India to achieve its climate change goals and reduce its carbon footprint.
· Strengthening Waste Management Infrastructure: EPR authorization requires producers to establish a collection and recycling system for their products. This strengthens the waste management infrastructure in India and reduces the burden on local authorities.
EPR Registration Process
The EPR registration process is simple. The applicant should file an EPR registration application online in the prescribed form. The application should be submitted along with all the supporting documents. After the application is submitted, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will scrutinize the application. In case, the board needs any additional information, the applicant shall furnish the same. After scrutinizing the application and additional documents, the board will decide on the approval or rejection thereof.
After the EPR registration is obtained, the applicant should ensure EPR compliances with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and relevant regulations made thereunder. The producers should comply with the approved EPR plan. The applicant shall maintain all the documentation relating to the e-waste channelization. Further, they are required to file the yearly return in the prescribed form. Non-compliance with the EPR regulations and rules can lead to penal actions by the relevant authorities.
Following were the explicit requirements relating to EPR registration in India. In case you need any assistance with EPR registration and compliances, feel free to contact the ASC Group.
