EPR Registration for E-Waste

EPR Registration or Certificate for E-Waste

Being a country witnessing rapid development and industrialization, India has constantly been one of the worst performers in terms of environmental safety index in the world, generating more than two million metric tons of waste every year. Furthermore, rapid advancements in commercial sectors like information technology and communication encourage the production and use of electronic goods. Furthermore, as electronic devices are updated quickly and frequently, users are forced to replace their outdated equipment with newer models, which produces more trash. It is vital to immediately put a stop to the growing waste stream. Without a doubt, recycling is the first option that comes to mind.

This compelled the Indian government to establish regulations and enforce tougher mechanisms for certain individuals and corporate entities operating, managing, or handling environmental pollution through the Extended Producers Responsibility, EPR authorization. Read further to learn about EPR authorization for e-waste, its benefits, the process to gain EPR authorization, and post-compliance for EPR authorization.

Meaning of EPR for E-Waste Management

EPR stands for Extended Producers Responsibility and is a government policy that extends the responsibility for the treatment of electronic wastes and their disposal in an environmentally sound manner by producers, importers, manufacturers, and brand owners. The key objective of EPR guidelines is to ensure that manufacturers and producers take responsibility for minimizing the impact of the waste generated by their products.

Producers must collect waste from their products' life cycle through the take-back process or eco-friendly recycling, ensuring registered recyclers handle the process with the Pollution Control Committee or Board. The Central Pollution Control Board or CPCB under the Government of India gives authorization for EPR. Under Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, guidelines have been issued by the CPCB for collection, storage, transportation, segregation, recycling, and disposal in an ecologically safe and secure manner.

E-Waste management rules, 2022

On November 2, 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change released the E-Waste Management Rules 2022. It became operative on April 1, 2023.

This rule requires all producers, manufacturers, recyclers, and refurbishers to register on the EPR portal for the collection of e-waste produced during the production, refurbishing, or disposal of any electrical or electronic equipment and make sure that the waste is recycled or disposed of. Under the relevant category, such as manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, or recycler, the entities must register on the EPR online portal. An entity must register under each category independently if it fits into more than one. Any firm that conducts business without registering is breaking the law.

This rule also mandates that all entities are required to file annual and quarterly returns in the prescribed format on the site by the end of the month following the quarter or year to which the return relates.

Who Can Apply EPR E-Waste?

The CPCB requires EPR registration for producers, manufacturers, bulk users, importers, recyclers, dismantlers, and collection centres to comply with E-Waste (Management) Rules in India, which have been explained in detail below:

1. Producers: Anyone who produces and supplies electrical and electronic devices, in tandem with their components, materials, parts, and spares, which include hazardous substances, qualifies as a producer for these regulations, irrespective of how they sell their products through an agent, merchant, internet shopping platform, etc.. It also covers any person who undertakes to market any foreign electronic and electrical equipment, in addition to its components, consumables, parts, or spares, under his own brand.

2. Importers: These regulations apply to anyone importing potentially dangerous material-containing electronics and electrical devices, along with the elements, supplies, replacement parts, and consumables that go with them.

3. Brand Owner: These regulations extend to any brand owners who deal in hazardous substance-containing electronics and electrical devices, including the elements, supplies, replacement components, and consumables accompanying them.

Benefits of EPR E-Waste Management

The advantages of having an EPR certificate go beyond being merely legally compliant. Let's quickly go over the advantages of EPR compliance:

1. Promotes sustainable use of resources:  An organized EPR strategy helps companies deconstruct obsolete items for reuse or recycling, enhance their lives, and make sustainable use of resources.

2. Encourage environmentally responsible growth: EPR, as an extended producer responsibility, seeks to minimize pollution, optimize the conservation of natural resources, and limit the production of hazardous electronic waste.

3. Constructive Environmental Impact: Are you familiar with the methods used for trash disposal? Either electronic garbage is disassembled or it is burned. Sadly, nothing can be done through these methods to lessen the effects of trash on the environment. In addition, the informal sector in India treats 97% of the waste. Consequently, the EPR authorization reduces reliance on conventional and unfriendly waste disposal techniques.

4. Lowering Expenses and Improving Productivity: Businesses can reduce operating expenses and generate long-term savings by following the EPR registration requirements and other pertinent regulations. Furthermore, companies could reduce their manufacturing costs and boost productivity by implementing responsible product designs and low-cost packaging.

5. Promotes business branding: In the present era, when consumers favour ecologically and socially responsible enterprises, having an EPR registration indicates a company's consistent dedication to safeguarding the environment and social corporate practices. As a result of EPR registration, businesses can improve their reputation and customer confidence, increasing client retention and market competitiveness.

Documents for EPR E-Waste Management

•  KYC of the Authorized Person
• MSME Registration Certificate
• Copy of the RoHS certification
• Letter, Directorate of Industries
• GST Registration Certificate Copy
• List of Products along with Image.
• Proof of Address of the registered office
• Copy of CA Certified Declaration Letter
• Copy of Valid BIS Certificate, if applicable
• Certificate of Incorporation/Partnership Deed
• Municipal Corporation, or Registrar of Companies
• Mobile number and email ID of the authorized person
• Copy of Certificate or Document: Import Export Code
• Proof of the manufacturer's or importer's legal address
• Awareness Plan, Implementation Methodology, and Budget for EPR
• Information about the electrical and electronic equipment sold each year
• Model numbers, production history, and other product specifics are provided.

EPR E Waste Certificate Apply Online

                                    

1. Filling out the application: Producers, importers, manufacturers, and brand owners need to create login credentials for the CPCB e-waste portal and fill out the form under the EPR e-waste management portal.

2. Submission of the application: An applicant has to submit all necessary documents related to company registration and the product as well. 

3. Payment of Application Fee: An applicant fee must be paid online through the CPCB EPR e-waste portal. applicant can choose multiple payment sources like RTGS, IMPS, NEFT, UPI, etc.

4. Verification of the Application: Following receipt of an application, the competent authority, CPCB, may entirely review the application and undertake an inquiry for clarification.

5. Receipt of the Authorization Letter: The authority will issue a letter of authorization for the management of e-waste if it determines that the application is true and full in every way. An EPR authorization for the management of e-waste is valid once it is granted for five years.

Responsibility of PIBO

• Producers are in charge of gathering and directing trash from products that adhere to the exact same electrical and electronic device code.
• To create a framework for channelling e-waste collected from distributors, authorized service centres, and "end-of-life" product waste created by the producers.
• Producers are required to set up an awareness campaign, raise awareness through media, publications, posters, advertisements, and other forms of communication, and provide product usage manuals with the devices.
• Through their website, producers must give customers or large consumers contact information such as an address, email address, toll-free phone number, or helpline number.

Role of Agile Regulatory

EPR authorisation financially incentivizes manufacturers to build for recycling and produce goods that last longer. Extended producer responsibility also acts as a strategy for preventing planned depreciation. Businesses that have acquired EPR authorization might greatly benefit from cost savings, improved productivity, and, above all, assistance in creating a safe and secure environment.  If you wish to acquire an EPR authorization for e-waste management, refer to Agile Regulatory for acquisition and any guidance required related to the same.

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