EPR Compliance under Plastic Waste Management Rule, 2022 and amended thereafter
The objective of this rule is to regulate and streamline plastic waste management in India, emphasizing the principles of a circular economy and reducing environmental pollution. Key compliance requirements include:
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Plastic Categorization
Annual Reporting
Environmental Compensation
Circular Economy Support
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
PIBOs (Producers, importers, and brand owners) PWP (Plastic Waste Processors), ULB (Urban Local Bodies) & SIMP (Seller of Plastic Raw Material, Importer of Raw Material, Manufacturer of Raw Material &
Small/Micro Producers) are required to:
Plastic Categorization
Category I: Rigid package plastic
Category II: Flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic)
Category III: Multilayered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic)
Category IV: Plastic sheet or like used for packaging as well as carry bags made of compostable plastics
Annual Reporting
PIBOs must submit annual returns that include recycling certificates and details on waste disposal.
Environmental Compensation
Non-compliance with EPR obligations can lead to fines under the "polluter pays" principle.
Central Pollution Control Board shall lay down guidelines for imposition and collection of environment compensation on Producers, Importers & Brand-Owners, recyclers and end of life processors, in case of
nonfulfillment of obligations set out in these guidelines, and the same shall be notified.
The Environment Compensation, as applicable, shall be levied by Central Pollution Control Board on the Producers, Importers & Brand-Owners operating in more than two states with respect to non-fulfillment of
their Extended Producer Responsibility targets, responsibilities and obligations in these guidelines.
The Environment Compensation, as applicable, shall be levied by respective State Pollution Control Board on the Producers, Importers & Brand-Owners operating in their jurisdiction (for Producers, Importers &
Brand-Owners not operating in more than two states/Union Territory‘s), Plastic Waste Processors which includes recyclers and other waste processors – waste to energy, waste to oil, co-processors, with respect to
non-fulfillment of their Extended Producer Responsibility targets or responsibilities and obligations set out under these guidelines. In case, the State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee does not
take action in reasonable time, the Central Pollution Control Board shall issue directions to the State Pollution Control Board /Pollution Control Committee.
Circular Economy Support:
The rules promote recycling, trading EPR certificates, and developing eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packaging.
Special Provisions for Solar Equipment:
Manufacturers of solar photovoltaic panels are required to store and maintain records of related e-waste and submit annual returns as per CPCB guidelines.
These rules emphasize accountability, digitization, and the promotion of a circular economy.
