Let’s start with the meaning of EPR Registration Certificate – EPR stands for Extended Producer’s Responsibility. EPR Certificate is required for Indian manufacturers, brand owners, recyclers, refurbishes and importers of E-waste, battery and plastic waste management products. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of the MoEFCC, Government of India, grants EPR authorization.
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What is an EPR certificate (in simple terms)
- An EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) certificate is a document issued by a recognized organization, certifying that a product or packaging fulfills the environmental management and performance standards outlined by the producer responsibility legislation. EPR certificates are typically required for products such as electronic goods, batteries, packaging materials, and tires, as well as other items that are subject to producer responsibility regulations.
- The EPR certificate serves as proof that the producer has taken responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products and packaging, including their collection, treatment, and disposal. This helps to ensure that the product does not become a burden on the environment or local communities, and that waste is managed in an environmentally responsible manner. The specific requirements and regulations vary by country, and it is important for producers and importers to familiarize themselves with the regulations in the countries where they do business.
- Having an EPR certificate can also help companies differentiate themselves from their competitors, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
How To Obtain An EPR Certificate For The Import Of E-Waste In India?
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) that is unwanted, obsolete, or defective is referred to as e-waste. It has become one of the world’s fastest-growing trash streams over time. Every year, India produces nearly 50 million tonnes of e-waste or electronic waste. The count is on, and it is expected to rise due to increased demand for electronic products, particularly after the pandemic. Add to that e-waste from other Indian countries, and the total grows exponentially. To combat this, an EPR certificate for the import of e-waste into India was implemented.
The introduction of an EPR certificate for importing e-waste in India is another critical aspect of proper waste management.
All Information Regarding Extended Producer Responsibility – Authorisation Or EPR Certificate
Producer Responsibilities Increased – The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) grants authorization to the producer. It is given for properly managing EPR with goals and plans for implementation. Furthermore, an EPR certificate is required for the import of e-waste.
Mandatory Guidelines for Obtaining an EPR Certificate for Importing E-Waste in India
- All environmental or third-party damages caused by improper e-waste management and handling must be borne by the producer, manufacturer, importer, refurbisher, transporter, dismantler, and recycler.
- Producers importing or selling EEE are now required to submit Form – 1 to the CPCB for an EPR certificate for the import of e-waste. If this is not done, appropriate legal action will be taken.
- For any violation of the provisions of these rules, the importer, along with all other people mentioned above, shall be liable to pay financial penalties as specified in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Only producers with EPR authorization will be permitted to import EEE. As a result, obtaining an EPR certificate for the import of e-waste is unavoidable.
- The CPCB is in charge of conducting random checks to ensure compliance with the e-waste rules. Furthermore, the Board must identify producers or importers who have not applied for EPR authorization or who are not following RoHS regulations. When necessary, the Board may seek assistance from the customs department or any other government agency.
- For the import of e-waste into India, both the Port and Customs Authorities must verify the Extended Producer Responsibility – Authorisation. Furthermore, the authorities have the authority to prosecute importers for violations of the Indian Ports Act, 1908/Customs Act, 1962.
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining an EPR Licence for Importing E-Waste in India
- To obtain an EPR certificate for the import of e-waste into India, one must be involved in the import or electronics manufacturing industries.
- Applicants must be either importers or business entities.
Documents Required For EPR Certificate For Import Of E-Waste
The following documents are required to obtain the EPR license in India –
- Legal documents of exporter/manufacturer
- Address proof
- Certificate of Incorporation
- IEC (Import Export Code)
- Certificate by Municipal corporations or local bodies, if applicable
- Directorate of Industries
- Contact details
- Copy of PAN card
- Details of the products, including model numbers and import history
- Details and documents of the authorised person signing the documents (Aadhaar card)
- Copy of BIS License (if applicable)
- Details of (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) RoHS compliance
- E-waste estimation
- Details of the recycler
- The estimated budget for the EPR
- EPR plan
- Details of the awareness programme to make people aware of the waste management
- Copy of agreement with the dealers, collection centres, recyclers, disposal and storage.
The Procedure For Obtaining An EPR Certificate To Import E-Waste In India
- An application for EPR – Authorisation must be submitted to CPCB in Form-1 within three months of these rules becoming effective.
- According to the new guidelines, applications for renewal/grant of EPR Authorisation/Registration for import of e-waste in India under the EWM Rules, 2016 can be submitted at https://eprewastecpcb.in/
- To obtain login credentials, all stakeholders, including PROs, producers, dismantlers, recyclers, refurbishers, bulk consumers, and manufacturers, must register on this portal.
- Following successful login, user instructions for applying to this portal will be made available.
- After logging in, the producer must check the menu on the left side of the screen to see if their service providers (PROs/recyclers/dismantlers) are already registered on the portal. Otherwise, they must request that service providers register on the website. Any application for an EPR certificate for importing e-waste into India that does not include the names of service providers will be considered incomplete.
- The Board will evaluate the EPR Plan after receiving the complete application. When all requirements are met, the CPCB issues an EPR certificate in Form 1(aa) for the import of e-waste into India. The authorization is granted by the Board within four months and is valid for five years.
- The authority to refuse or revoke the issuance of an EPR certificate for the import of e-waste into India is with the Board.
- The Central Pollution Control Board may refuse to issue an EPR certificate for the import of e-waste after giving the applicant a reasonable opportunity to be heard, according to the rules.
- In the event of a refusal, the producer loses the right to sell any EEE until the authorization is granted.
- The CPCB forwards the EPR Plan to the respective SPCB for monitoring after granting the Extended Producer Responsibility – Authorisation.
Renewal EPR Certificate for Import into India.
- Four months after it expires, a Form-1 application must be submitted to CPCB in order to renew the EPR Authorization for the import of e-waste into India.
- After receiving a compliance report from the relevant SPCB, which must be submitted to CPCB within three months of the date the application was received, the Board renews the authorization.
- In the event that the SPCB’s compliance report is not received by the CPCB within the allotted three months, the CPCB may renew the Extended Producer Responsibility Authorization after carefully considering the merits of the situation.
Timeline for Getting an EPR Certificate for Import into India
Within 120 days, the CPCB must grant EPR authorization for the import of e-waste. If an application is not complete, the Board verifies it and responds within 25 days with a checklist.
Note: A one-year contract will be signed. The EPR certificate will also be good for five years when importing e-waste into India.
Conclusion
To effectively manage e-waste, importers and manufacturers must obtain an EPR certificate. However, if importers or manufacturers do not obtain the necessary permits, they will be unable to operate in India. Furthermore, importers or manufacturers may face fines, debarments, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
Q-1. What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a strategy that aims to make the manufacturer of the product responsible for the entire life cycle of the product, including take-back, recycling, and final disposal.
Q-2. What are the benefits of implementing EPR in plastic waste management?
One of the many benefits of implementing EPR in plastic waste management is that it can decrease waste generation, mainly single-use plastics. Additionally, EPR promotes the Three R’s rule: recycling, reusing, and recovery. Implementing EPR can help to change people’s conscious consumption habits and promote better recycling practices.
Q-3. What are some challenges that must be addressed when implementing EPR in plastic waste management?
- Shifting the financial burden of waste management from local governments to producers of plastic packaging.
- Ensuring customer awareness and promoting the Three R’s rule (recycling, reusing, and recovery).
- Achieving transparency, efficiency, and cost-efficiency.
- Investing in sustainable solutions and investing in software products like MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) Management and Engagement
Q-4. Is EPR required for importers?
EPR licensing is required for both electronic manufacturers and importers. It is the authorization that assigns Extended Producer responsibility for E-waste management to importers and manufacturer
One Response
need to apply for e waste certificate… where can i get Form -1