All producers, importers and brand owners must comply with environmental regulations in India; producing, importing or selling anything that produces waste means you must comply with EPR (extended producer responsibility) regulations as well.
The information in this blog will give you all the details about obtaining an EPR certificate and the steps needed to register online for the EPR Certificate through the CPCB EPR Portal in a clear and simple-to-understand manner.
What is EPR Certificate?
The EPR Certificate is an official document issued by either the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or State Pollution Control Board. This certificate will confirm a company’s compliance with extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements according to the waste management laws of India.
Producers have to collect/recycle/manage the waste from their products using the EPR model.
The EPR model includes:
1-Plastic Packaging
2-Electronic Waste
3-Batteries
4-Tyres Imported products
Businesses without EPR Certification risk the possibility of being fined, delayed by customs clearance process, and/or having their products banned from sale.
Why is it Necessary to do EPR Registration?
Whether a manufacturer or an importer, you are always required to do extended producer responsibility registration.
Main Benefits:
a) Being legally compliant with environmental laws
b) Customs clearance without any hassle (EPR certificate for import)
c) Saving from fines and receiving without penalties letters
d) Getting better brand image
e) Helping the environment through proper waste management
Businesses worldwide are required to be registered for EPR if they are importing goods so that those goods can be cleared under EPR norms as per the customs regulations.
Who are required to Obtain EPR Registration in India?
The following ones need to do EPR registration:
1) Producer
2) Importer
3) Brand Owner (PIBO)
4) Manufacturer of plastic packaging
5) E waste producer
6) Battery importer
In case you are importing the regulated products, then it is mandatory to get an EPR certificate for import even before the shipment is cleared.
Ways to Obtain EPR Certificate in India?
A lot of enterprises are inquiring:
How to get an EPR certificate?
To simplify the matter here is the outline of the EPR registration:
Step 1: Documentation Preparation
1- Company incorporation documents
2- GST certificate
3- IEC (for import
You are ready to start your journey toward being a part of the CPCB’s EPR certificate program by following these steps:
Step 2: Register on the CPCB Portal
To register with CPCB you will apply through the CPCB EPR online registration page.
Step 3: Submitting Your Application
Now that you have established your user account and password in step two, you will complete your application online through the portal as instructed.
Step 4: Verification Phase by CPCB
CPCB will verify that you have complied with EPR by reviewing your application and supporting documents.
Step 5: Issuance of EPR Registration Certificate
If your application is approved, you will receive your EPR Registration Certificate
a) CPCB Registration Certificate
b) Certificate of Registration from CPCB
At this point, you have all the documents necessary to complete your EPR certification process.
What is CPCB EPR?
CPCB EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is the compliance system for waste management in India that is maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Using the CPCB apply online system through the CPCB’s website, any business may:
1- Obtain your CPCB registration number
2- Obtain the certificate of registration from CPCB
3- Track the status of your applications
4- Download your certificate of registration from CPCB once it has been issued
Through the use of the EPR system on the CPCB website, the CPCB will oversee the recycling of waste generated by all manufacturers according to their stated annual recycle targets for compliance.
EPR in Waste Management
CPCB’s EPR program for waste management requires that all manufacturers produce their product and accept responsibility for the waste by recycling those products.
In order to comply with the EPR program, companies must:
1- Comply with their annual recycling quotas;
2- Utilize the services of authorized recyclers to meet their quotas;
3- File annual recycling reports documenting their recycling efforts;
4- Keep a digital record of all products entering the waste stream.
Failure to comply with the EPR program can result in fines, or suspension or cancellation of your EPR license to do business in India.
EPR Registration for Importers
If you are importing regulated goods:
a) You need EPR registration for import.
b) Customs may ask for a certificate of EPR at import.
c) Failure to comply may result in shipments for EPR being blocked at customs.
Therefore, EPR registration online in India becomes significant for international traders.
Role of an EPR Consultant
The EPR registration is a mix of documentation, technical work with authorities, and coordination.
An experienced EPR consultant helps with:
a-Accurate application submission
b-Calculation of the waste target
c-Compliance with the portal
d-Getting approval on time
Thus, the extended producer responsibility registration becomes smooth and on time.
Challenges of EPR Registration
FAQs on EPR Certificate in India
1. What does EPR stand for?
EPR is an abbreviation for Extended Producer Responsibility.
2. Is EPR registration compulsory in India?
Yes, producers, importers, and brand owners who handle regulated waste types must register for EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility).
3. What are the steps to apply for an EPR certificate online?
You may apply for an EPR certificate online by visiting the CPCB EPR Portal and providing all necessary documents along with compliance details.
4. How long is the process of registering for EPR?
It will take varying amounts of time based on how accurate your documents are and how long it takes for the relevant authority to review them. Timely submission of documents helps speed up this process.
5. Do I need an EPR certificate to import my products?
Yes, you need a valid EPR certificate to import any product that is part of a regulated waste stream and has to pass through Customs.
6. What do you mean by CPCB registration?
CPCB registration refers to the process of obtaining a license from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in accordance with the laws that govern all aspects of compliance with environmental regulations.
Conclusion
Obtaining an EPR certificate is vital for conducting legal business in India. The increasing demand for compliance with environmentally responsible practices has made compliance with extended producer responsibility a legal obligation for both manufacturers and importers.
If you would like to register for EPR quickly and conveniently, then an experienced consultant can assist you with the EPR registration process under the CPCB EPR system.
Sustainable businesses begin by taking care of the environment through proper management of waste, which starts with registering for EPR correctly.
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