Why is it Obligatory to Get an EPR Certificate in India?
Waste management is a challenge that governments across the globe are dealing with. Unimaginable dumping of plastic products and e-waste is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed; hence, EPR services have emerged as a crucial tool. Initially, few countries introduced EPR, a voluntary practice for producers, plastic product importers, and brand owners. But with time, governments introduced it as a mandatory practice to ensure better results and cumulative efforts from all sectors.
Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) :
2016 was the year when the groundwork for the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in India began. Today, we have a well-defined framework for the policy, and companies from all sectors actively participate. With the quick industry and organizational growth, it becomes essential to regulate the process; thus, an EPR certificate is obligatory. Organizations that wish to join this drive against plastic pollution should first understand what is an EPR certificate and the benefits of an EPR certificate.
What is an EPR certificate?
EPR certificate permits brands and organizations to practice plastic waste recycling and management process following set guidelines. Therefore, one of the most important advantages of the EPR certificate is that the yields received post-recycling are of good quality and can be easily used in manufacturing new, usable products. It is essential to understand that plastic waste can only be managed by attaining a circular economy, which means that plastics do not leak into the natural environment. This is also referred to as ‘upstream recycling.’ Initially, when the Indian government introduced this policy, there were several questions regarding the relevance of plastic recycling. There were several questions about the sustainability of the recycling process, the benefits companies would get, and what is an EPR certificate. However, with time organizations understood how to contribute to a better environment and simultaneously benefit their businesses. As a result, today, extended producer responsibility (EPR) services in India are a huge success, and more organizations are joining the league.
Approaches of Practicing EPR Services in India:
There are three ways in which companies can practice extended producer responsibility (EPR) services in India. These are:
1. Fee-based EPR: This model is best suited for small industries. Here, they need to pay an EPR fund that will be used to manage the plastic waste recycling process.
2. PRO-based EPR: An organization that does not know how to get an EPR certificate and wants to avoid the extra cost of setting up a recycling plant can use the PRO model. They either partner or hire with the producer responsibility organization (PROs). A PRO is well-equipped and proficient in managing waste.
3. Plastic credits-based EPR: Some organizations become part of the EPR services by collecting and supplying plastic waste to the recycling units. In this process, they are awarded plastic credits.
Documents needed for EPR Certification:
EPR license is a must for PIBOs. The government has laid clear guidelines on how a company can obtain the certification. Here is a detailed guide on how to get an EPR certificate:
- Office address proof and contact details
- A certificate stating the details of incorporation and directorate
- Details of importers like IE code
- Municipal corporation licenses and agreements.
- Copies of the signatory’s PAN and Aadhar
- Product details being manufactured by the company
- Copy of BIS license with ROHS compliance
- Estimate of plastic or e-waste generated at the facility
- EPR budget
- Agreements signed with waste management organizations and recyclers.
- Detailed plans describing awareness programs run by the company
Companies that understand the benefits of EPR certificates submit the right information without any discrepancies. The process can be completed online with the least effort and time.
Key Takeaways:
It is crucial for Producers, Importers & Brand Owners (PIBOs) to have EPR Registration, Certification as well as Compliance. Since the government has been rigorously working to ensure the successful implementation of extended producer responsibility in India, organizations must join hands and support the cause. EPR is not confined to the advantages of an EPR certificate or monetary benefits companies get from using recycled plastic. Still, it has a massive impact on nature and the future of humans. It is an obligatory movement against plastic waste to save our future. Reach out to our experts today to get started with EPR registration.
