Professional Guidance for EPR Plastic Waste
Empowering sustainable practices by holding producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal, promoting recycling and reducing waste for a greener future.
5000+
Happy Clients
20+
Expert Advisors
25+
States Served
Get Free Consultation By Expert
Overview of EPR Authorisation for Plastic Waste Management
Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR is the responsibility assigned to any entity that introduces plastic items into the consumer market. EPR mandates the entity to manage plastic items in an environmentally sound manner until the end of their life. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) announced Plastic Waste Amendment Rules 2022 and laid down instructions for EPR Authorisation given by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to the Producer, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBO) along with Plastic Waste Processor engaged in recycling and other activities (waste to energy, waste to oil, and industrial composting).
EPR Authorisation aims to promote the reuse, recycling and integration of recycled plastic into production and end-of-life disposal of plastic products. EPR compliance is mandatory for all the above entities generating pre and post-consumer plastic packaging waste. It is vital to get registration from CPCB/ SPCBs/PCCs depending on the extent of their operation. For example, the PIBO will have to receive registration from CPCB if it operates in more than two states or UTs. If the PIBO operates in only one or two states or UTs, the registration must be obtained from the respective SPCB/PCC. Notably, the EPR Authorisation needs to be obtained before the commencement of production. The PIBOs are required to apply for registration in Form I along with an Action Plan deemed fit under Environment Protection Act, 1986 and meet all prerequisites as per the latest guidelines mentioned under Plastic Waste Management (PWM) (Amendment) Rules, 2022.
Importance of EPR Authorisation for Plastic Waste Management Business
With the PWM Amendment Rules 2022, some new guidelines were laid for the PIBOs to promote a circular economy and discourage the use of single-use plastic. One of them was to obtain EPR Authorisation for effectively managing plastic waste. Additionally, some other significant changes brought in the amended rules include :-
- Four new plastic packaging categories(Category 1,2, 3 and 4)have been introduced that must be covered under Extended Producer Responsibility. Also, recycling, reuse, use of recycled plastic content and end-of-life disposal have been identified as the crucial components of EPR. Specific targets have been introduced in each of the aboveelements for PIBOs.
- From now onwards, PIBOswill not be relieved of their EPR targets by simply paying compensation for the non-fulfilment ofthe target. If the targets are not met,they will be carried forward to subsequent years for up to 3 years.
- A list of PIBO-wiseactivities will be compiled by the SPCB in the state as per their EPR action plan and shared in the public domain. SPCB/PCC will validate information provided by State Nodal Agency and PIBO and submit it to the CPCB.
- A provision to sell surplus EPR certificates among the PIBOshas been introduced. If a PIBO or plastic waste processor falls short of the target, it can purchase certificates of equivalent quantity from PIBOs who have recycled more than their obligation.
Importance of Extended Production Responsibility Action Plan in EPR Authorization Process :-
EPR Action Plan is the soul of your application for getting EPR Authorisation for Plastic Waste Management. EPR Action Plan has to be carefully made and submitted by PIBOs (those operating in more than two states) to obtain registration from CPCB. PIBOs must fulfil EPR in all the States/UTs they are introducing their products. EPR target for a particular State/UT should be equal to the type & amount of plastic introduced in the market (post-consumer waste) in that specific state. The format of the action plan and the quarterly report has to be as per Annexures 1and 2 given in the SOP for PIBOs issued by the CPCB.
Documents needed for EPR Authorisation for Plastic Waste Management Business
The main documents required to obtain EPR Authorisation for Plastic Waste Management Business are :-
- Proof showing sale in more than two states (GST/ tax invoice and so on)
- ERP Plan providing necessary details
- Copy of permission from the concerned Department/Ministry for selling their product
- Copies of agreement with collection centres
- Copies of agreement with dealers
- Copies of agreement with Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) (in case of CEEW5)
- Copies of agreement with dismantlers/recyclers
- Self-declarations on Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (ROHS)
- Copy if DGFT permission / license (IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) certificate)
- Copy of agreement with PRO
Registration Process for EPR Plastic Waste Authorization
1.
Documents & Fee Submission
The applicant (PIBO /Plastic waste Processor) needs to fill out the EPR Authorization form -1 as per E-waste Rules, 2016, along with all required documents, EPR Plan and the stipulated fee.
Document Scrutiny by CPCB
CPCB thoroughly examines all applications, and shortcomings will be communicated. If CPCB does not send any response within one month of the receipt of the complete application, the certificate is most likely to be generated.
2.
Grant of EPR Authorization
The registration certificate is issued online to PIBOs within seven working days of submitting a complete application. Member Secretary, CPCB shall approve the EPR authorisation of Plastic Waste Management.
3.
Mandatory Half-yearly Progress Report for PIBOs
PIBOs must submit half-yearly reports to SPCB/PCC by giving statements on plastic waste collection and its utilization during the last six months. The validation of the report may be done through Form IV submitted by the recyclers/ and Form V submitted by Urban Local Body (ULBs)/ field inspector etc.
Renewal of EPR Authorisation
The renewal will be based on the compliance status received by the CPCB from SPCB/PCC, subject to the submission of the half-yearly progress report. A renewed registration is valid for three years and is issued within 15 days. Renewal requests, however, must be made four months in advance of the expiry of the present certificate.
How will Greenshield Enviro Assist You ?
One-Stop
Solution
Greenshield Enviro provides one - stop support for all your Legal requirements and waste management services. Our team comprises experts from the domain who answer all your queries accurately.
End-to-End Guidance
Our team understands how valuable your business is to you! We offer complete end-to-end support throughout your compliance and regulatory approval process.
Timely
Assistance
Greenshield Enviro experts are known for their quick response rate. We ensure that our communication with our clients is always prompt, upbeat and seamless.
