E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices and electrical equipment that are no longer functional or needed. This includes items such as computers, smartphones, televisions, printers, batteries, and household appliances. As technology advances rapidly, the accumulation of e-waste has become a significant environmental concern. Many electronic devices contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can pollute the environment if not disposed of properly. However, e-waste also contains valuable resources such as gold, silver, and copper that can be recycled and reused. Proper e-waste management involves recycling, reusing, and responsibly disposing of electronic items to minimize environmental damage and promote sustainability.

These rules shall apply to every manufacturer, producer refurbisher, dismantler and recycler involved in manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, refurbishing, dismantling, recycling and processing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment listed in Schedule I, including their components, consumables, parts and spares which make the product operational but shall not apply to
(a) waste batteries as covered under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022;
(b) packaging plastics as covered under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016;
(c) micro enterprise as defined in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act,2006 (27 of 2006); and
(d) radio-active wastes as covered under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of1962) and rules made there under.

1. Collection & Segregation: Sorting e-waste into reusable, recyclable, and hazardous categories.
2. Recycling & Recovery: Extracting valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper for reuse.
3. Safe Disposal: Ensuring hazardous components are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
4. Regulations & Compliance: Following government policies and international standards for e-waste disposal.
5. Awareness & Responsibility: Encouraging individuals and businesses to recycle and dispose of e-waste responsibly.

Proper e-waste management helps reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainability.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a legal framework that mandates manufacturers, importers, and producers of electronic products to take responsibility for the proper disposal and recycling of e-waste generated from their products.

Who Needs EPR Registration?
• Manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipment.
• Importers of electronic goods.
• Producers (companies selling electronics under their brand).
• E-Waste Recyclers & Dismantlers (who handle discarded electronics).

Steps for EPR Registration:

1. Application Submission:
• Register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) depending on jurisdiction.
• Provide company details, product categories, and e-waste management plans.

2. EPR Plan Submission:
• Outline waste collection, recycling, and disposal strategies.
• Set targets for recycling and waste management.

3. Approval & Certification:
• After review, authorities issue an EPR Authorization Certificate valid for a specific period.

4. Implementation & Compliance:
• Ensure proper collection and recycling mechanisms.
• Submit periodic reports on waste management activities.

5. Renewal & Monitoring:
• Renew registration before expiry.
• Comply with audits and government regulations.

Benefits of EPR Registration:
✔ Ensures environmental sustainability.
✔ Avoids legal penalties and regulatory issues.
✔ Enhances brand reputation and corporate responsibility.
✔ Encourages recycling and resource recovery.

EPR Registration Process for Manufacturers & Importers

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Registration is a mandatory requirement for producers, manufacturers, and importers of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) to ensure proper management of e-waste. The registration is governed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended).

1. Eligibility Check
Before applying, ensure your business falls under the EPR framework:
1. Manufacturers of electronic/electrical products
2. Importers or brand owners of EEE
3. Producers selling under their brand
4. E-waste recyclers and dismantlers

2. Document Preparation
Gather the required documents:
1. Company PAN card & GST certificate
2. Certificate of Incorporation (for companies)
3. Product list with category as per E-Waste rules
4. EPR plan (waste collection, recycling strategy, etc.)
5. Agreement with authorized e-waste recyclers/dismantlers
6. Details of collection centers and take-back systems
7. Annual production/import data

3. Online Application Submission
1. Visit the CPCB EPR Portal
2. Fill out the EPR Registration Form with business and product details
3. Upload all required documents
4. Pay the necessary EPR registration fee (varies based on business scale)

4. Review & Approval by CPCB
1. CPCB verifies the application, documents, and waste management plan.
2. If required, CPCB may ask for additional details or corrections.
3. Once approved, EPR Authorization Certificate is issued.

5. Implementation & Compliance
1. Start collecting and managing e-waste as per the EPR plan.
2. Work with authorized e-waste recyclers or take-back mechanisms.
3. Submit annual reports on waste collection and recycling to CPCB.
4. Renew EPR registration as required.

Timeline & Validity

⏳ Processing Time: 25–45 days after submission.
📜 Validity: Typically valid for 5 years (subject to renewal).

Why is EPR Registration Important?

✔ Legal compliance with government regulations
✔ Avoid penalties and business restrictions
✔ Environmental responsibility and sustainability
✔ Brand reputation and consumer trust

Would you like assistance in applying for EPR registration for your business?

To apply for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Registration, manufacturers, importers, and producers of electronic products must submit specific documents to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) (depending on jurisdiction).

1. Business Registration Documents
1. PAN CARD OF THE ORGANIZATION
2. GST CERTIFICATE
3. IEC CERTIFICATE
4. CERTIFICATION OF INCORPORATION
5. AUTHORISED PERSON - MAIL ID, MOBILE PHONE NO., PAN CARD COPY
6. NAME OF PRODUCTS TO BE IMPORTED & PLACING IN THE INDIAN MARKET (TO BE SELECTED FROM SCHEDULE 1 ATTACHED)
7. SALES DATA SINCE FY **** TILL FY 2024 (*** - Depends on the life of the product) IN KG, IF ANY, ITEM WISE (ITEM CODE TO BE SELECTED FROM SCHEDULE 1).

The E-Waste Management Rules were introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) to regulate the disposal, recycling, and management of electronic waste in India. These rules ensure environmental sustainability and prevent hazardous e-waste pollution.

1. Applicability
These rules apply to:
• Manufacturers, producers, importers, and brand owners of electrical & electronic equipment (EEE).
• Retailers, consumers, bulk consumers, and e-waste recyclers.
• E-waste collection centers, dismantlers, and refurbishers.

2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
• EPR Registration: Producers & importers must register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• EPR Targets: Companies must collect and recycle a fixed percentage of the products they introduce into the market.
• EPR Implementation Plan: Manufacturers must establish collection centers, take-back schemes, and work with authorized recyclers.

3. Responsibilities Under E-Waste Rules

For Producers & Manufacturers
✔ Register under EPR and submit an e-waste management plan.
✔ Ensure products comply with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standards.
✔ Implement a take-back or collection mechanism.

For Consumers & Bulk Consumers
✔ Dispose of e-waste only through authorized collection centers or recyclers.
✔ Avoid dumping e-waste in landfills.

For Recyclers & Dismantlers
✔ Obtain proper authorization from CPCB or SPCB.
✔ Ensure environmentally safe recycling processes.
✔ Maintain records of e-waste handled and submit reports.

4. Collection & Recycling Targets

✔ Companies must collect and recycle 50% to 80% of their sales volume (based on product type) within a phased timeline.
✔ Incentives may be provided for consumers who return old electronic products for recycling.

5. Prohibition on Hazardous Materials

✔ RoHS compliance is mandatory, restricting hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium in electronic products.
✔ Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, or product bans.

Penalties for Non-Compliance
• Fines and legal action under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• Cancellation of EPR authorization for repeated violations.
• Business restrictions and import bans on non-compliant companies.

Latest Updates & Amendments
• E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 introduced a digital EPR framework and stricter compliance norms.
• Focus on Circular Economy: Promotes refurbishment and extended product life.
• Mandatory Online Reporting: Companies must report e-waste collection & disposal data on the CPCB portal.

Why are E-Waste Rules Important?
✔ Protects the environment from toxic e-waste pollution.
✔ Encourages responsible disposal and recycling.
✔ Reduces health risks caused by hazardous substances.
✔ Supports India’s commitment to a sustainable, circular economy.