Electronic waste, commonly called e-waste, refers to discarded electrical and electronic gadgets that have reached the end of their usability. Items like laptops, mobiles, televisions, printers, batteries, and other home appliances fall under this category. With rapid technological upgrades, e-waste is increasing at an alarming rate. Such devices often contain harmful substances including lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate the environment if not handled carefully. At the same time, these products also hold recoverable metals like copper, gold, and silver that can be recycled. Efficient e-waste management focuses on reuse, recycling, and safe disposal to safeguard nature and promote sustainable development.
The E-Waste Management Rules 2022 are applicable to every producer, manufacturer, refurbisher, dismantler, and recycler who deals with the manufacturing, sale, transfer, processing, or recycling of electrical and electronic items mentioned in Schedule I. These rules also cover components, spare parts, and accessories required to run such equipment. However, the provisions are not applicable to:
(a) Batteries (regulated separately under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022);
(b) Plastic packaging (covered under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016);
(c) Micro enterprises under the MSME Development Act, 2006; and
(d) Radioactive materials governed by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
1. Collection & Sorting: Gathering and categorizing e-waste into recyclable, reusable, and hazardous fractions.
2. Recycling & Resource Recovery: Recovering precious metals and components for reuse in new products.
3. Environmentally Safe Disposal: Eliminating toxic materials through eco-friendly methods.
4. Legal Compliance: Following CPCB guidelines and international norms for responsible disposal.
5. Public Awareness: Promoting responsible behavior among individuals and organizations towards safe e-waste disposal.
Effective management reduces ecological harm, conserves natural reserves, and supports a circular economy.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory mechanism making manufacturers, brand owners, and importers accountable for proper collection, recycling, and disposal of the electronic waste generated by their products.
Entities Requiring EPR Approval:
• Producers/Brand Owners of electrical & electronic goods.
• Importers bringing electronic products into India.
• Manufacturers of electronic and electrical items.
• Authorized e-waste dismantlers & recyclers.
Procedure for EPR Registration:
1. Filing of Application:
– Submit application to CPCB/SPCB with company profile, product details, and waste management strategy.
2. Submission of EPR Plan:
– Provide detailed collection, recycling, and safe disposal framework with measurable targets.
3. Authorization & Approval:
– On verification, CPCB/SPCB grants an EPR Authorization valid for a defined period.
4. Execution & Monitoring:
– Establish collection channels, recycle responsibly, and file compliance reports regularly.
5. Renewal of Authorization:
– Apply for renewal prior to expiry and comply with audits or inspections.
Advantages of Holding EPR License:
✔ Ensures eco-friendly waste handling.
✔ Prevents legal fines and penalties.
✔ Improves corporate social responsibility and brand trust.
✔ Promotes recycling and optimal resource utilization.
EPR Target For The Producer-Less Then Average Life of Products.
SCHEDULE III
[See rules 3(m), 6(2), 13(1), 13(2)]
| Sr. No. | Year (Y) | E-Waste Recycling Target (by weight) |
|---|---|---|
| i. | 2023-2024 | 60% of the quantity of an EEE placed in the market in year Y-X, where ‘X’ is the average life of that product. |
| ii. | 2024-2025 | 60% of the quantity of an EEE placed in the market in year Y-X, where ‘X’ is the average life of that product. |
| iii. | 2025-2026 | 70% of the quantity of an EEE placed in the market in year Y-X, where ‘X’ is the average life of that product. |
| iv. | 2026-2027 | 70% of the quantity of an EEE placed in the market in year Y-X, where ‘X’ is the average life of that product. |
| v. | 2027-2028 | 80% of the quantity of an EEE placed in the market in year Y-X, where ‘X’ is the average life of that product. |
| vi. | 2028-2029 onwards | 80% of the quantity of an EEE placed in the market in year Y-X, where ‘X’ is the average life of that product. |
Note:
(1) E-waste recycling target shall be reviewed and may be increased after the end of year 2028- 2029.
(2) The importers of used electrical and electronic equipment shall have 100% extended producer responsibility obligation for the imported material after end of life, if not re-exported.
(3) E-Waste recycling targets shall not be applicable for waste generated from solar photovoltaic modules or panels or cells.
EPR Target For The Producer After End Of Life of Products.
SCHEDULE - IV
[ See rules 3(m), 6(2), 13(1), 13(2)]
| Sr. No. | Year (Y) | E-Waste Recycling Target (by weight) |
|---|---|---|
| i. | 2023-2024 | 15% of the sales figure of financial year 2021-22. |
| ii. | 2024-2025 | 20% of the sales figure of financial year 2022-23. |
| iii. | 2025-2026 onwards | 20% of the sales figure of the financial year two years back. |
Note:
(1) Once the number of years of sales operation equals the average life of their product mentioned in the guidelines issued by Central Pollution Control Board, their extended producer responsibility obligation shall be as per Schedule-III.
(2) E-Waste recycling targets shall not be applicable for waste generated from solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells.
EPR Registration Guide for Manufacturers, Importers & Producers
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Registration is a compulsory requirement for all businesses dealing with electronic and electrical equipment (EEE). It ensures that producers, importers, and brand owners take responsibility for the collection, recycling, and safe disposal of e-waste. This registration is monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the latest E-Waste Management Rules.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, check if your organization is covered under the EPR framework:
✔ Manufacturers of electrical and electronic goods
✔ Importers or brand owners introducing products in the Indian market
✔ Companies selling electronics under their own brand
✔ Authorized e-waste recyclers and dismantlers
2. Document Collection
Essential documents required include:
✔ Company PAN and GST certificate
✔ Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration
✔ Detailed product list as per E-Waste categories
✔ Comprehensive EPR plan (collection, recycling, disposal)
✔ Agreement with CPCB/SPCB-approved e-waste recyclers
✔ Information about collection centers and take-back system
✔ Annual production or import records
3. Filing Online Application
✔ Visit the CPCB EPR Online Portal
✔ Complete the application form with company and product details
✔ Upload supporting documents in the required format
✔ Pay the applicable EPR registration fee (based on business scale)
4. Scrutiny & Approval
✔ CPCB evaluates the application, documents, and submitted EPR plan
✔ Additional clarifications may be requested during verification
✔ Once approved, an EPR Authorization Certificate is issued
5. Compliance & Reporting
✔ Begin collection and recycling of e-waste as per the approved plan
✔ Partner with authorized recyclers and take-back channels
✔ File annual compliance and recycling reports with CPCB
✔ Apply for timely renewal of EPR authorization
Processing Time & Validity
⏳ Average Approval Time: 25–45 working days
📜 Validity: Generally valid for 5 years (renewable)
Why Obtain EPR Registration?
✔ Mandatory compliance with Indian E-Waste laws
✔ Protects business from penalties and restrictions
✔ Promotes sustainable and responsible business practices
✔ Builds brand credibility and consumer trust
Looking to apply for EPR Registration for your business? Our experts can guide you through the complete process with hassle-free documentation and approval.
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 Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has framed the E-Waste Management Rules to regulate the handling, recycling, and safe disposal of electronic waste in India. These rules aim to reduce environmental hazards, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable use of resources.
1. Scope & Applicability
The rules cover:
• Producers, manufacturers, and importers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
• Brand owners, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
• Bulk consumers, refurbishers, recyclers, dismantlers, and collection centers.
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
• EPR Registration: Every producer and importer must obtain authorization from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• EPR Targets: Companies are required to collect and recycle a specific percentage of their marketed products.
• EPR Action Plan: Producers need to set up take-back systems, collection points, and partner with authorized recyclers.
3. Roles & Responsibilities
For Producers & Manufacturers
✔ Obtain EPR authorization and submit e-waste management strategies.
✔ Follow RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance.
✔ Establish collection and take-back mechanisms.
For Consumers & Bulk Users
✔ Hand over e-waste only to approved collection centers or recyclers.
✔ Avoid open burning or dumping of e-waste.
For Recyclers & Dismantlers
✔ Get approval from CPCB or SPCB before operations.
✔ Adopt eco-friendly recycling technologies.
✔ Maintain and submit records of e-waste processed.
4. Collection & Recycling Norms
✔ Producers must ensure collection and recycling of 50%–80% of their sales volume, depending on product type.
✔ Incentive schemes can be offered to consumers returning old gadgets for recycling.
5. Restriction on Hazardous Substances
✔ All electrical and electronic products must comply with RoHS standards.
✔ Use of harmful substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium is strictly restricted.
✔ Violations can result in heavy penalties, cancellation of EPR license, or product bans.
Penalties for Violation
• Monetary fines and legal actions under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• Suspension or cancellation of EPR authorization.
• Import restrictions and business limitations on non-compliant entities.
Recent Updates
• E-Waste Management Rules 2022: Introduced digital EPR system with strict monitoring.
• Circular Economy Promotion: Focus on reuse, repair, and refurbishing to extend product life.
• Online Compliance Reporting: Mandatory submission of e-waste collection and disposal data on the CPCB portal.
Why These Rules Are Important?
✔ Reduce toxic pollution from discarded electronics.
✔ Encourage responsible recycling and disposal.
✔ Protect human health from hazardous materials.
✔ Support India’s vision for a green and circular economy.
Looking for a reliable EPR E-Waste Consultant in Delhi? At ThinkTrek, we provide end-to-end consultancy for EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) E-Waste Registration under CPCB guidelines. Our expert team ensures a smooth and timely registration process for manufacturers, importers, and brand owners dealing with electrical and electronic equipment. From documentation to application filing and compliance support, we help you meet all legal obligations without delays or penalties. Choose ThinkTrek as your trusted EPR E-Waste Consultant in Delhi and stay fully compliant with India's E-Waste Management Rules.