EPR Certificate: What It Is, Who Needs It & How to Get Registered in India (2026)

Overview

In India, businesses that import, sell, or handle products that generate waste must abide by environmental responsibilities. One of the important responsibilities is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It is the responsibility of producers, indian importers, and other specified entities to ensure that the waste generated from their products is properly collected, recycled, or disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.

EPR compliance applies to different waste streams in India under separate regulations and systems. These include plastic packaging, electronic waste, batteries, oil, and tyre waste. Therefore, EPR Certificate registration is not a single registration covering every type of waste. Businesses generally need to register under the EPR framework applicable to their specific waste stream.

In this guide, Brand Liaison explains what EPR is, who needs EPR registration in India, the major types of EPR, the registration process, required documents, and how PIBOs can maintain their EPR registration in 2026.

What is an EPR Certificate in India?

An EPR Certificate is a mandatory registration certificate that enables producers, indian importers, and eligible entities to fulfil their regulatory responsibilities for a particular waste stream. The Central Pollution Control Board issues the EPR Certificate to ensure proper collection and recycling of the waste produced from electronics, plastic, oil, batteries, and tyres.

For example, under the Battery Waste Management Rules, producers have EPR obligations for batteries sold in the market. They must fulfil those obligations through the prescribed recycling/refurbishment mechanism.

Who requires EPR Registration in India?

The following are the businesses that need EPR Registration in India:

• Indian Producers: Indian producers that produce electronics, oil, plastic, tyres, and batteries covered under the EPR applicable product checklist to sell in India.
• Importers: Businesses that bring EPR-covered products, materials, or packaging into India for sale or use.
• Brand Owners: Businesses that sell products under their own brand name, even if another company manufactures them.
• Recyclers: Businesses that collect and process waste to recover materials and make them suitable for reuse.
• Refurbishers: Businesses that repair, restore, or upgrade used products for their reuse in the Indian market.
• Plastic Waste Processors: Waste processors that collect, recycle, treat, or otherwise process plastic waste as permitted under the applicable rules.
• Other Covered Entities: Other eligible businesses specifically identified under the relevant waste-management rules as requiring EPR registration or compliance.

Under the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022, indian importers, producers, brand owners, refurbishers, and recyclers must register on the E-Waste EPR Portal where covered by the rules.

Under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) and specified plastic waste processors must register through the applicable centralized EPR system.

Under the Battery Waste Management Rules, producers and entities involved in manufacturing batteries are required to register through the online centralized system.

Thus, simply being a manufacturer does not automatically mean that the same EPR registration applies to every product. There must be identification of the waste category and business role first.

Why is EPR Registration Mandatory in India?

EPR compliance is an essential responsibility for waste management for eligible entities that import, sell, or place the notified products in the market.

Here are the reasons why it is mandatory in India:

• Legal Compliance for the Indian market
• Proper waste management
• Avoid legal issues
• Complete collection and recycling of the waste

Therefore, EPR registration is an important part of Indian product compliance and also for maintaining a sustainable environment.

The CPCB maintains dedicated EPR frameworks and portals for different categories of waste rather than one common registration for all products.

Different Types of EPR Registration in India

There are separate EPR frameworks for different waste streams in India. Some of these major categories relevant to businesses are:

For better understanding, here is the detailed overview of different categories of EPR certification in India.

EPR Registration for Plastic Waste

EPR Certification for Plastic waste is one of the main areas covered under India's EPR framework. Businesses fall under the plastic EPR system if they import or sell covered plastic packaging, or operate as specified plastic waste processors.

It covers different categories of plastic packaging and establishes responsibilities relating to activities such as:

• Recycling
• Reuse, where applicable
• Use of recycled plastic content
• End-of-life disposal

The applicable framework requires covered entities to register through the prescribed EPR system.

EPR Registration for E-Waste

EPR Registration for e-waste applies to notified electrical and electronic equipment listed under the applicable schedules of the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022.

CPCB states that eligible manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers must register on the E-Waste EPR Portal. For certain producer categories, the EPR recycling obligation is calculated according to the prescribed rules and schedules. 

EPR Certification for Battery Waste

Under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, there is an introduction of an EPR framework covering different types of batteries.

The eligible entities have responsibility for battery management before they sell them in the market and must meet the applicable recycling or refurbishment obligations. The rules require covered businesses to register through the online centralized portal.

EPR Registration for battery waste is mandatory for businesses that:

• Manufacture batteries under their own brand
• Sell batteries under their own brand that are manufactured by another entity
• Import batteries
• Import equipment containing batteries

The applicable EPR obligations depend on the battery category and quantities placed on the market.

EPR Compliance for Used Oil

EPR Compliance for Used Oil is another important EPR category in India. This regulatory framework places EPR responsibilities on eligible entities involved in the sale and import of lubricating oil and on eligible recyclers, according to the applicable provisions.

CPCB maintains a dedicated EPR Registration for Used Oil section containing rules, communications, SOPs, guidelines, an EPR portal and FAQs.

Producers dealing with lubricating oil should therefore check whether their activity falls within the applicable used-oil EPR category and understand their registration and recycling obligations.

EPR Registration for Tyre Waste

EPR Registration for tyres is also covered under an EPR framework. Businesses involved in selling or importing tyres must fulfil EPR obligations, while recyclers handling waste tyres are subject to separate requirements.

CPCB maintains a dedicated EPR Registration for Tyre Waste section containing applicable rules and guidelines. The exact obligation depends on the eligible entity's role and the applicable provisions.

What documents are required for EPR Registration?

The list of documents may vary depending on the EPR category.

However, businesses are commonly required to provide:

1. Basic Company Documents

• Certificate of Incorporation
• PAN
• GST Certificate
• CIN, where applicable
• Company address proof

2. Details of Authorised Signatory

• Authorised person's details
• Contact information
• Supporting declarations
• Other information requested by the applicable EPR portal

3. Product-Related Information

• Product list
• Product category
• Brand details
• Product quantity
• Sales or import data
• Packaging information, where applicable

4. Other Information

• Manufacturing facility details
• Recycler details
• Waste processor details
• Recycling arrangements
• Facility authorisations, where applicable

A top EPR Registration consultant always verifies these documents against the latest requirements of the relevant EPR system for a smooth certification process.

How to Get EPR Registration in India?

EPR registration procedure in India differs for different waste categories; here is a general EPR registration process for easy understanding:

Step 1: Identify the Applicable EPR Category

Firstly, the eligible entity needs to identify whether their business falls under:

• Plastic Waste
• E-Waste
• Battery Waste
• Used Oil
• Tyre Waste

This is important because each category has different definitions, portals, documents, targets, and compliance requirements.

Step 2: Determine Your Business Category

Next, identify your role under the applicable rules.

It can be:

• Manufacturer
• Producer
• Importer
• Brand Owner
• Recycler
• Refurbishers
• Waste Processor

For example, an entity that imports electrical and electronic equipment has different obligations from a company that only manufactures products for another brand.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

The document requirements differ according to the EPR category and applicant type. The applicant must collect and prepare the authentic documents to reduce application delays and rejection chances.

For example, CPCB's plastic EPR framework requires information such as PAN, GST, and CIN along with other registration details. Ensure that all the details are correct.

Step 4: Create an Account on the Relevant EPR Portal

After preparing the documents, the applicant needs to register on the portal applicable to its waste category to initiate the registration process. However, there is not one single portal for every EPR category.

The relevant CPCB system depends on whether the application concerns plastic waste, e-waste, battery waste, used oil, or tyre waste. CPCB's website provides separate sections and links for these EPR systems.

Step 5: Provide Business and Product Information

After creating an account, the applicant generally needs to provide information about the business and relevant products.

The information must be consistent with the company's official records.

Step 6: Calculate the Applicable EPR Obligation

EPR obligation is one of the most important parts of the registration process. The applicants must calculate the correct obligations to avoid any issues. This is not necessarily the same for every company.

It may depend on factors such as:

• Product category
• Quantity placed on the market
• Previous sales
• Waste generation
• Business category
• Applicable financial year
• Recycling targets
• Specific provisions of the relevant rules

So, CPCB specifies phase-wise recycling obligations for eligible entities.

Step 7: Submit the Application and Pay Applicable Fees

Once the required information and documents have been prepared, the applications submitted through the relevant portal along with the applicable fee, where prescribed. CPCB examines the application before granting registration.

An online application process involving company information, battery details, sales data, battery material information, documents, and payment of applicable fees.

Step 8: Grant of the EPR Registration Certificate

After successful application submission, CPCB issues the EPR Certificate to the applicant after carefully reviewing.

The registration allows the eligible businesses to operate under the applicable EPR framework subject to the conditions and continuing compliance requirements.

Businesses must continue to fulfil their applicable targets, maintain records and submit returns or other information as required.

What are the EPR Compliance obligations after registration?

EPR registration does not mean that a company has completed all its environmental responsibilities.

After registration, the business may need to:

Meet EPR Targets

The company must meet the recycling, collection, processing or other targets applicable to its waste category.

Work With Registered Entities

Where the rules require it, waste must be managed through registered recyclers, refurbishers or waste processors.

For e-waste, for example, CPCB requires applicable producers to meet EPR obligations through registered e-waste recyclers.

Maintain Records

Companies should maintain proper records of:

• Products placed on the market
• Waste generated
• Waste collected
• Waste recycled
• EPR certificates
• Recycler transactions
• Returns and submissions

Submit Returns

Certain EPR frameworks require periodic or annual returns and other compliance submissions.

Renew or Update Registration

Businesses must monitor the validity and conditions of their registration and update information whenever there is a relevant change.

For example, the Battery Waste Management Rules specifically require producers to file for renewal before expiry and inform CPCB of changes to registration information.

What happens if a business does not comply with EPR requirements?

Depending on the applicable rules and circumstances, non-compliance with EPR rules and obligations results in:

• Imprisonment of up to 5 years
• Fines up to ₹1,00,000, or both
• Environmental compensation based on unmet e-waste targets
• Prohibition orders restricting manufacturing, import, or sale
• Seizure of non-compliant products
• Customs blocks, marketplace restrictions, and daily penalties for continuing offences
• Liability may also extend to directors and responsible officers who may face personal prosecution unless they prove due diligence and lack of knowledge

Businesses should therefore treat EPR as an ongoing compliance responsibility rather than a one-time certificate.

Do Overseas Manufacturers Need EPR Compliance in India?

No, a foreign manufacturer does not need EPR compliance in India even if products fall under an applicable EPR framework, and it acts in a role covered by the relevant rules.

The exact requirement can depend on:

• Product category
• Import structure
• Indian importer
• Brand ownership
• Nature of the product
• Waste category
• Applicable EPR rules

However, they should assess their Indian supply before deciding who will hold the applicable registration and fulfil the associated obligations.

How Long Does EPR Registration Take?

The timeline for EPR Registration in India depends on:

• EPR category
• Type of applicant
• Documents preparation
• Accuracy of product information
• Verification requirements

It usually takes 15-30 working days

PIBOS can reduce delays by preparing correct documents, company, product, quantity, and waste-management information before filing the application.

How Much Does EPR Registration Cost?

The cost of EPR registration varies based on:

• Applicable waste category,
• Applicant type
• Government/portal fees
• Testing
• Documentation requirements where applicable

There is no single fixed EPR registration fee applicable to every category or business.

Companies should first identify their EPR category and then check the applicable fee structure before budgeting for registration.

What are the Mistakes that businesses should avoid during EPR Registration?

Producers often face delays or compliance issues because of avoidable mistakes.

Some common problems include:

1. Selecting the Wrong EPR Category
2. Incorrect product classification
3. Wrong details in company details
4. Incorrect quantity data
5. Choosing unregistered recyclers
6. Avoiding post-compliance support
7. Missing regulatory updates

How Can Brand Liaison Assist With EPR Registration?

EPR requirements can become complex when a business deals with multiple products, brands, imports, or waste categories.

Brand Liaison is the top EPR Registration Consultant in Delhi that assists Indian producers, importers, brand owners, and other eligible businesses with the EPR registration and compliance process.

Our support can include:

• Applicability assessment for EPR Compliance
• Document preparation
• Assistance in application submission
• EPR portal support
• Regular industry updates
• Technical support
• EPR target completion and compliance guidance
• Renewal and modification support
• Post-registration compliance assistance

With 12+ years of experience, Brand Liaison assists businesses that require EPR for plastic waste, e-waste, batteries, used oil, or tyre waste in identifying the correct regulatory framework and getting the certificate smoothly.

Conclusion

EPR registration has become an important part of environmental compliance for eligible businesses dealing with notified products and waste streams in India.

The registered businesses must comply with separate frameworks for plastic packaging, e-waste, batteries, used oil and waste tyres, with each having its own registration process, obligations and compliance requirements. CPCB currently maintains dedicated systems and regulatory resources for these categories.

With proper classification, documentation, and ongoing compliance management information, Brand Liaison, a trusted EPR Registration Consultant in India, makes the EPR registration process more structured and helps avoid common regulatory issues.