EPR - Need of the hour!

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a show-cause notice to 479 Brand Owners under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime is underway as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. According to these rules, it is the responsibility of Producers, Importers, and Brand-owners to ensure the proper management of their plastic packaging waste through processes such as recycling, re-use, or appropriate end-of-life disposal methods like co-processing, waste-to-energy, plastic-to-oil, roadmaking, or industrial composting.

To facilitate the effective implementation of the EPR framework, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, introduced the Fourth Amendment to the Plastic Waste Management Rules on February 16, 2022.

In this amendment, the "Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic Packaging" were incorporated into Schedule II of the Rules. These guidelines require Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) to complete the registration process through a centralized online portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The guidelines necessitated the registration of specific entities, including brand owners, on the EPR portal. These entities were prohibited from engaging in any business activities without obtaining this registration. Moreover, they were restricted from engaging with unregistered entities.

However, upon reviewing the transaction details provided by Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs), the CPCB discovered certain transactions that had taken place with unregistered Brand Owners, in direct violation of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

Consequently, the CPCB issued directives on April 19, 2023, mandating the affected entities to register themselves on the EPR portal by May 4, 2023. Regrettably, it has been observed that none of these entities have applied for registration as required. Therefore, the CPCB has initiated a show-cause notice against these entities, with the following actions to be taken:

1. Closure of operations for the non-compliant unit.
2. Imposition of environmental compensation for the failure to comply with the provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

We strongly encourage all businessmen to give serious consideration to the EPR Registration requirements and take the necessary steps to register themselves accordingly.

Our organization is readily available to provide assistance and support throughout the registration process.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us at team@taxtru.in/+91 9953357935 for expert guidance and support in completing the EPR Registration successfully.