Over the past few decades, the enormous amount of waste generated in India is beyond imagination and has led to worsening the climatic situation. Thus far, India contributes to a fifth global plastic pollution & third e-waste pollution thereby creating an urgency for MoEFCC & CPCB to streamline this area thereby introducing the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR.
Indian Economy is moving fast and is adapting to environmental sustainability like many other countries in the world. Bringing EPR in this regime would play a vital role. EPR holds the producer responsible for extending their support in managing the post-consumer waste in order to complete the lifecycle of the product.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an approach wherein the Producer is assigned an extended responsibility in managing & controlling the post-consumer waste. The producer can be referred as “Waste Generators” who can be a Manufacturer/Producer, Importer & Brand Owner having a considerable effect on designing, manufacturing/ procuring, packaging, distribution etc. EPR aids in identification of such Producers and encourages in implementation of sustainable practices by holding company accountable for waste management.
What are the Various Laws Governing EPR?
There are various laws governing EPR norms in India. Few of them are as follows:
- Plastic Waste Management Rules (PWMR)
- E-Waste (Management) Rules (EWMR)
- Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR)
- Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules (for tyres & used oil)
The Ministry governing these rules are Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) & the regulatory body is Central Pollution Control board (CPCB).
Benefits of EPR Registration
The fundamental agenda to introduce EPR in India was mitigation of waste through various disposal channels and minimize pollution in the country. However, along with the waste management EPR encouraged companies to pursue sustainable practices. Following are some key benefits of EPR;
- Waste Management- EPR encourages & promotes various channels through which proper disposal & management of waste is completed.
- Promotes Sustainability- Introduction of EPR had promoted the urgency of adopting sustainable practices in the country.
- Awareness- EPR compliance consist of general awareness campaign as a mandatory obligation on part of the producers. The campaigns spreads awareness amongst the citizen about the recycling process, disposal of waste through proper channels, demand of sustainable products to reduce pollution etc.
- Brand Boosting- The businesses following the guidelines laid by CPCB, who have a well-defined waste management strategy often introduces themselves as environment friendly companies thereby boosting their brand value.
- Recycling & Re-using Culture- EPR had motivated companies & society in development of recycling & re-using of products through its awareness campaigns. A large no. of people has shifted to purchasing products that are easily recyclable or re-usable making a global impact.
Implementation of EPR
EPR promotes various methods of managing post-consumer waste like collection, segregation & recycling of product to complete the lifecycle. Like the term “Waste Generators” we also have the term “Waste Processors” who are the recycler, refurbishers & dismantlers playing a crucial role in assisting the producers for disposal of products through right channels.
All the waste disposed by the consumers then moves forward in a proper channel to the waste processors for further recycling or conversion of waste to oil/energy. Considering the variety of products and their effects on environment, the EPR guidelines are adjusted to various streams of Waste Management.
Aside regulating the waste management, CPCB is creating awareness in the country as well on proper utilization of these recycling channels, educating on the lifespan of the products (for e-waste), segregating the hazardous chemicals, re-using few products post de-contamination etc thereby creating a complete cycling from manufacturing to recycling.
Stakeholders Eligible for EPR Certification in Mumbai
The primary step in EPR compliance is getting the registration done through online CPCB portal. Additionally, in the guidelines provided by CPCB, they have specified the categories who must register themselves in this segment. EPR registration for various products is done broadly in the below-mentioned categories;
|
Sr. No |
Certification |
Manufacturer |
Producer |
Importer |
Brand- Owner |
|
1 |
Plastic Waste |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
2 |
E-waste |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
|
3 |
Battery Waste |
Yes |
|
|
|
Companies must register with the relevant regulatory bodies before import or manufacturing of the products that requires EPR registration. At the time of filing application, the producer’s need to provide specific information, w.r.t, the product manufactured/imported, the anticipated amount of waste to be generated & the channel of disposal for waste management. Based on the details submitted CPCB can track the companies waste management strategy and make sure that the companies adhere to the guidelines provided by them.
What is the Process of EPR Registration in Mumbai?
- Evaluating the Category- The first step is to identify under which category the company needs to file the application, viz, Manufacturer, Producer, Importer, Brand Owner.
- Documentation: Before initiation of the process, ensuring the availability of all the required set of documents.
- Filing the application: Applying the EPR registration through online registration of CPCB by compiling all the documents. All the required formats of CPCB needs to be filled alongside the KYC & other details of the company.
- Verification: CPCB/ MPCB officials shall verify the application and the documents submitted within the prescribed timeframe. In case of any deficiencies in the application, it shall be updated to the company and they can rectify the same.
- Rejection/Grant: CPCB official can reject the application in case of non-response on the deficiencies or violation of any CPCB norms. However, before rejection or refusal, CPCB shall give enough time to respond. In case of no deficiency or submission of application in an appropriate manner, CPCB shall Grant the Certificate within 120 days from the date of application submitted.
List of Documents Required for EPR Certification in Mumbai
The companies need to submit the following documents to get EPR certificate in Mumbai:
- KYC details of the company
- KYC details of the authorized person
- Product details
- Process flow charts
- Approximate estimation on waste generation
- Copy of Agreements with the waste processors
- Purchase & sales data
- Any other documents
The list of documents may vary subject to the products and can be shared in detail by our team.
What are the EPR Annual Compliance?
EPR Annual Compliance is an essential step in completion of the entire EPR process. Once the EPR registration is completed, the company must file an annual compliance at the end of every financial year. Now, the question arises how to do this compliance and what all needs to be submitted. The compliance is majorly divided into 3 parts; procurement of recycling credits, general awareness campaign & filing of annual return. CPCB has imposed penalties & EC (Environmental Compensation) charges for non-compliance making this a priority for all the stakeholders to complete the task within the timeframe to avoid any repercussions from the CPCB.
How Exim Advisory Can Help You in Getting EPR Certification in Mumbai?
We at EXIM advisory can assist you with the following:
- Providing expertise & guidance
- Compilation of all the required set of documents for EPR registration
- Submission of EPR application to the relevant authorities
- Assisting in streamlining the waste management process
- Co-ordinating with the relevant authorities & waste processors
- Resolving all the queries raised by the department
- Assuring on time submission of the EPR annual compliance