Understanding EPR and Its Importance

These days, increasing amounts of e-waste has caused a serious cause of concern among people. This is also the reason central government and state governments have taken serious steps towards resolving the issue. There are a number of policy options available for organizations these days. The responsibility for the post-consumer segment of some specific goods on producers may be an option.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
It is a strategy approach under which producers of certain goods are allotted substantial responsibility (financial and/or physical). This is important for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.
Such responsibility is assigned for supplying incentives to prevent wastes right at the source. It will promote product design specifically for the environment. It also supports the attainment of goals related to public recycling and materials management.
Most of the reputed organizations offering services of EPR prefer extension of EPR to new products, groups of product, and waste streams such as electronics electrical and appliances.
EPR Registration – The Procedure
Your trusted EPR affiliate will draft & file the application with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Thereafter, the team will follows-up with Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB).
Two Major Categories of Electronic Electrical and Equipment are Covered under the Rules:
1. IT and Telecommunication Equipment
2. Consumer Electricals and Electronics (Refrigerators, TVs, Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, lamps containing fluorescent and mercury)
Central Pollution Control Board makes it mandatory for producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment to obtain Authorization for EPR.
The Central Pollution Control Board (“CPCB”) has offered a notice, emphasizing the mandatory requirement for all producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“EEE”) to obtain EPR Certificate (Extended Producer Responsibility – Authorization), under the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016. This can be obtained by applying in Form-I.

The EPR Authorization is required to be obtained for making sure that the product has reached the end – of – life EEE. These products are usually generated from the products of the producers and channelized to authorized recyclers or dismantlers.
Failure to Get EPR
Authorization is considered as a violation of the Rules. Hence, it will be punishable under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This means that the individual will get imprisonment for up to 5 years. The person may also require submitting fine up to INR 1 Lac or with both (fine and imprisonment).
Documents Required
You would require the following documents for obtaining Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) from Central Pollution Control Board:
– Copy of IEC, GST, Pan Card & Aadhar Card Copy
– Certificate of incorporation of PVT LTD / LTD.
– List of all products with Model No. and Quantity (you can give approximate estimation)
– In case, there has been a previous sale, the document for the same is required.
– Submit date of first sales (including day, month, and year)
– Quantity of sales
– Details of sold products with model number
– Native country
– Toll free number
– Official website
The Procedure for Obtaining EPR Certificate from Central Pollution Control Board:
Step 1: Get connected with the organization.
Step 2: Supply all of the necessary documents for central pollution control board.
Step 3: The company will assign a dedicated consultant, experienced in managing the entire process of getting EPR certificate from CPCB.
Step 4: The EPR specialist will offer you detailed consultation and help complete the procedure of obtaining certificate for extended producer responsibility.
Step 5: The expert will draft and even file the application with CPCB.
Step 6: The EPR consultant will also follow-up with CPCB to know about the progress of procedure.
Step 7: You will be delivered the final copy of EPR certificate through email and courier.