EPR for Plastic Waste

What is EPR for Plastic Waste?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste is a regulatory system under India’s Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016. It makes producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) responsible for managing the plastic packaging they put into the market, from collection to recycling or safe disposal.

Under EPR, PIBOs must:

  • Register with CPCB or the concerned State Pollution Control Board.
  • Meet annual recycling or recovery targets based on the quantity and type of plastic packaging sold or imported.
  • Submit annual EPR returns and maintain records of collection, recycling, and end‑of‑life disposal.

Why is EPR for Plastic Waste important for PIBOs?

EPR for plastic waste is important for PIBOs because it:

01

Makes compliance mandatory – no business can legally sell or import plastic‑packaged products without valid EPR registration.

02

Reduces environmental risk – ensures plastic waste is collected, recycled, or disposed of safely, helping brands avoid pollution‑linked reputational damage.

03

Supports business continuity – avoids penalties, legal notices, and possible suspension of operations for non‑compliance.

04

Builds brand trust – shows customers and regulators that the company follows sustainable, circular‑economy practices.

What are the required documents for EPR for Plastic Waste?

For EPR registration for plastic waste, PIBOs typically need:

  • PAN card and GST registration certificate of the company.
  • Company incorporation documents (Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA, or LLP deed, as applicable).​
  • Proof of address of the registered office and manufacturing/import locations.
  • Details of plastic packaging used (categories, quantities, and brands) and proposed collection/recycling plan.
  • Agreement or arrangement with authorized recyclers or waste processors (where applicable).

These documents are uploaded on the Centralized EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging (eprplastic.cpcb.gov.in) during online registration.

What are the penalties of not having an EPR certificate or missing the compliance deadline?

If a PIBO does not have a valid EPR certificate or misses the compliance deadline, it can face:

01

Monetary penalties under the Plastic Waste Management Rules and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, including fines that can run into lakhs per offence.

02

Environmental compensation (EC) for failing to meet EPR targets; paying EC does not remove the obligation to meet the recycling target.

03

Operational restrictions – authorities can restrict or stop the sale, import, or distribution of plastic‑packaged products until registration and compliance are achieved.

04

Reputational and legal risk – non‑compliance can lead to show‑cause notices, adverse publicity, and loss of trust among customers and partners.

By securing EPR registration on time and meeting annual targets, PIBOs stay compliant, avoid penalties, and contribute to India’s plastic waste reduction goals.