In the current international economy, it is not optional to be green, it is a necessity. The extended responsibility of the producer (EPR) is a powerful politics of politics through which importers, producers and owners are obliged to assume responsibility for the environmental aspect of the product, particularly when consumed or in the cycle of the end of life.
For Indian importers, it has now become mandatory to obtain an EPR certificate for importation in India under different waste management regulations. With the changing rules and an increase in the increase towards sustainability, particularly with the 2025 updates on the cards, fulfilling is of the utmost importance for the perfect operations.
In this blog, we will carry it through everything you should know about the EPR certificate For importation in India: meaning, process, necessary documents, incurred costs and compliance requirements.
What is an EPR certificate?
The EPR certificate is a sanction of the government issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which allows the company to import, manufacture and sell certain products with the condition that they are responsible for the elimination of their waste after consumption.
The fundamental objectives of EPR are:
- Promote environmental sustainability by minimizing waste.
- Responsible for producers for the elimination of products at the end of life.
- Promoting recycling and reuse through organized waste management strategies.
Essentially, EPR puts responsibility for the management of waste from producers and importers instead of consumers and governments, promoting a circular economy.
[Read more Information regarding EPR for Plastic Waste]
Is it a mandatory EPR certificate for importers in India?
Yes, certainly. According to the guidelines issued by the CPCB and in accordance with several rules for waste management (plastic waste rules, electronic waste rules, battery waste management rules, etc.), importers are required to obtain an EPR certificate before importing goods to India.
Failure can lead to:
- Strong fines.
- Confiscation of goods in customs.
- Revocation of import licenses.
- Legal procedures under environmental legislation.
Importers who trade with appliances, plastics, batteries and tires have to obtain EPR authorization to legally operate within India. And even other importers who do not exchange these items, but import items that are wrapped in plastic containers or transport bags or plastic sheets or as material, it is also required to obtain EPR for plastic waste before import consignments reach customs.
Goods that need an EPR certificate of importation
EPR compliance is necessary by importers who handle the following categories of goods:
1. Plastic waste
- Packaging articles
- Single -use plastics
- Multi -layer plastics
- Plastic transport bags
- Any imported article that is wrapped in any type of plastic packaging.
2. E-Sachos in
- Mobile phones, laptops, computers
- TVs, refrigerators, washing machines
- Electronic Gadgets and Toys
- Printer cartridges, CFL, LED bulbs
3. Battery waste
- Lead-acid batteries
- Lithium ion batteries (used for mobiles, electric vehicles, etc.)
- Nickel-Cadmium batteries
4. Tire
- Imported tires (new and used)
- Rubber articles for the use of the vehicle
Other waste categories in EPR (according to the latest updates)
In addition to the previous basic categories, CPCB has also expanded EPR coverage to include:
- Used oil lubricant, imported base oils, manufactured, sold nationwide.
- Construction and demolition waste:
The part of waste waste, such as cement concrete, bricks, cement, etc. It will be accounted for to evaluate the responsibility objectives of the extended producer. - Vehicles at the end of life:
Description of vehicle objectives at the end of life for vehicles that the producer has introduced into the domestic market - Solar waste:
The photovoltaic solar panels and modules are now under scrutiny for subsequent elimination, and expected EPR mandates enter into force by 2025.
Tip: keep updated by frequently controlling the CPCB notifications and gazettes for categories.
Documents required for the EPR certificate for importation
Here is a verification list of documents required for an application process without problems:
- Company bread card and GST certificate.
- Importer Export Code (IEC)
- MSME certificate.
- Bread of the authorized person.
- Image of the imported article.
- Details and product specifications (catalogs, brochures)
- Import and sales data of the last two financial years.
- Electricity invoice.
- Property test as rent or lease.
Professional Council: Having all the documentation in the hand decreases the risk of rejection.
Specific format tips
- Product image: Include product label and image packaging to confirm plastic/electronic relevance.
- Import data format: Load in Excel or CSV, categorized by HS code, invoice number, weight (kg) and value (₹).
Process to obtain the EPR certificate for importation in India
The EPR certificate application is a uniform process:
1. Registration in CPCB Portal
Record an account on the official CPCB EPR registration portal.
2. Send the required documents
Load all documents as required in the prescribed format.
3. Pay applicable rates
Online payment of registration/application rates.
4. Scrutiny and evaluation
CPCB officials verify the information sent. The consultations, if any, need to be answered immediately.
5. EPR Certificate Convention
After a successful verification, the EPR certificate is granted.
[For More Information regarding Read Step by Step guide for EPR Registration Process]
EPR certification rates and terms
Fee:
- The rates differ according to the product category and the billing of the company.
- It usually varies from ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 1,00,000 and more for large importers.
- Some categories include additional environmental compensation charges.
Míneas de Tiempo:
- Application processing: 30–90 days
- Validity of the certificate: 1–3 years, depending on the type of product and the rules.
- Specific variations of the State: Some states may require additional documentation through SPCB even if the authorization of CPCB is achieved.
How the EPR objectives are calculated
The objective calculation for each type of EPR is different, but intends to capture the waste generated by the obligated entities.
For plastic packaging, CPCB assigns objectives based on:
- Weight and type of packaging material used (in MT).
- Recycling milestones (for example, 70% recycling of plastic waste in year 2).
Example: If around 10 TM of plastic packaging with the products in fiscal year 2023–24 and 14 TM in 2024-25, its objective for 2025–26 would be around 6 TM (50% of the average of two years).
Compliance and renewal after certification
Once they get the EPR certificate, importers must do the following:
- ANNUAL REPORTS: FILE Compliance Reports from EPR to CPCB.
- Waste collection objectives: achieve recycling objectives (sales volume percentage).
- Renewal: In most cases, such as the EPR of plastic, the registration does not need to be renewed, but the lack of compliance with the obligations could result in the revocation of the registration.
- Avoid cancellation: Non -conformity would lead to cancellation or suspension of the EPR sanction.
Being ahead of compliance does not cause interruption in business.
Common mistakes to avoid during the CPCB EPR application
- Presentation of expired electricity documents or rental agreement.
- Load images of products without packaging.
- Ignoring CPCB email consultations (leads to automatic rejection).
- Discover the type of entity (producer, importer, brand owner, recycler, seller, etc.)
- Mention amounts that take into account the expected information and the unit
Advantage of importers with the EPR certificate
Achieving an EPR certificate presents several benefits:
- Legal compliance: Prevents fines, seizures of products and litigation.
- Soft customs monitoring: simplifies the customs process through EPR documentation.
- Improved brand reputation: place the brand with ecological practices, improving customer confidence.
- Sustainability Leadership: makes its brand a green leader.
- Long -term business stability: Future prevents its business against changing regulations.
ALIGNMENT WITH THE GLOBAL OBJECTIVES OF ESG
Having an EPR certificate improves your ESG profile (environmental, social and government), which makes your commercial investment friendly and internationally credible.
- Admits the UN SDG 12: responsible consumption and production.
- Build trust with foreign clients and investors focused on sustainable supply chains.
Common challenges and expert advice
Applicant’s challenges:
- Incorrect presentation of the document: incompatible or lacking paperwork.
- Portal Failure: system failures on the CPCB portal that slow down submission.
- Incorrect consultant selection: the hiring of inexperienced consultants results in rejections.
Expert advice:
- Always cross verification documents.
- They have scanned high resolution ready copies.
- Make all your complete registration without problems for an experienced consultant.
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