Urgent Notice for Plastic Waste Producers, Importers, Brand Owners, and Processors

Introduction to the EPR Registration Requirement for Plastic Waste

The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 were mainly introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in order to regulate the generation, collection, recycling, as well as disposal of plastic waste in India. Under these rules, Plastic Waste Producers, Importers, Brand Owners (PIBOs), and Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) are required to adhere to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, ensuring environmentally safe handling as well as standard processing of plastic waste.

This framework mandates that all concerned entities register themselves with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), or Pollution Control Committee (PCC), as applicable, and also comply with EPR targets in order to prevent environmental damage.

Key Changes You Need to Know

For this notification, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued an urgent notice dated 15 March 2024 regarding registration of Plastic Waste Producers and Processors on the Centralized EPR Portal.

1. The notice specifies that all PIBOs and PWPs must complete their registration on the EPR Portal by 31 March 2024.
2. Failure to comply will invite enforcement actions including imposition of Environmental Compensation and potential closure of operations.
3. Guidance materials, including a Guidance Manual and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), have been made available on the EPR Portal in order to help entities understand and complete the registration process.

What is the Date of Implementation?

The deadline for registration on the EPR Portal for all concerned entities is 31 March 2024.

Now, What to Do?

All PIBOs, PWPs, as well as brand owners should take immediate steps in order to comply with the notice. In simple terms:

• Check whether your entity falls under the scope of PIBO or PWP registration.
• Access the EPR Portal and review the Guidance Manual and SOP.
• Complete and submit your registration application before 31 March 2024.
• Ensure that all details, documents, as well as compliance commitments are absolutely accurate and up to date.
• Monitor your registration status regularly in order to address any queries from CPCB, SPCB, or PCC.

Brand Liaison provides full support for EPR compliance, including registration assistance, documentation guidance, portal support, as well as complete regulatory advisory. With extensive experience in EPR and plastic waste compliance, we help businesses meet deadlines, avoid penalties, and ensure smooth operations under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.