E-Waste EPR Registration in India: Rules, Applicability, Responsibilities, Documents, and Process

India has emerged as one of the largest generators of electronic waste globally, with e-waste generation reaching approximately 13.97 lakh tonnes per annum in FY 2024-25 . To address this mounting challenge, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in November 2022, which came into force on 1st April 2023 . These rules supersede the earlier E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 and establish a comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for environmentally sound management of electronic waste in India.

Understanding the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022

The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 were published in the Gazette of India vide notification number G.S.R. 801(E) dated 2nd November 2022 . The rules aim to manage e-waste in a manner that protects health and the environment against adverse effects, while promoting the circular economy through scientific recycling and disposal .

E-Waste EPR Compliance helps regulated entities meet their responsibilities under the rules. The E-Waste EPR Portal provides the online system for registration, documentation, and returns.

Applicability of the Rules

The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 apply to every manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, dismantler, and recycler involved in the manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, refurbishing, dismantling, recycling, and processing of e-waste or Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) listed in Schedule I of the rules .

The rules regulate 106 types of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) under seven broad categories, including information technology equipment, consumer electricals, large and small electrical equipment, and solar photovoltaic panels . Some newly added categories include tablets, GPS devices, modems, electronic storage devices, and solar panels .

Responsibilities of Various Entities

Responsibilities of Producers

Producers are defined as entities that manufacture and sell covered items under their own brand, offer assembled products under their brand, or import covered items . Their key responsibilities include:

• Registration on the CPCB EPR Portal and obtaining EPR targets as per Schedule III and Schedule IV of the rules
• Fulfilling recycling targets through the purchase of EPR certificates from registered recyclers only
• Filing quarterly and annual returns on the portal
• Creating awareness through media, publications, and other communication channels
• Maintaining records of e-waste collected and channelized

EPR Registration for E-Waste enables producers to fulfil their statutory obligations. An EPR Certificate for E-Waste is used to demonstrate the recycling target fulfilment obtained through registered recyclers.

Responsibilities of Recyclers

Recyclers are required to:

• Register on the CPCB portal and process e-waste in an environmentally sound manner
• Obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
• Generate EPR certificates based on the quantity of e-waste processed
• Submit quarterly and annual returns on the portal

An E-Waste EPR Certificate is generated based on eligible recycling activity. An E-Waste Recycling Certificate supports traceability of material processed by registered recyclers.

Responsibilities of Bulk Consumers

Bulk consumers of electrical and electronic equipment listed in Schedule I must ensure that e-waste generated by them is handed over only to registered producers, refurbishers, or recyclers . Bulk consumers typically include government departments, educational institutions, and large corporations.

Documents Required for EPR Registration

For Producers

The following documents are required for EPR registration by producers :

• Company GST Certificate
• PAN Card of the company
• Company Identification Number (CIN) / Incorporation Certificate
• Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum (IEM)
• Self-declaration on company letterhead
• Awareness Plan (uploaded as PDF)
• Details of historical sales as per average life of EEE

For Recyclers

Recyclers must upload the following documents :

• Copy of CTE under Water and Air Acts issued by concerned SPCB/PCC
• Copy of CTO under Water and Air Acts issued by concerned SPCB/PCC
• Copy of Authorization under Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016
• PAN Card (Company and Authorized Person)
• GST Certificate
• Aadhar Card of authorized person
• Geo-coordinates of the facility
• Video of the recycling facility showing installed machinery
• Self-declaration confirming occupational safety and fire safety measures

Process of EPR Registration

The EPR registration process is conducted entirely through the CPCB E-Waste EPR Portal at https://eprewastecpcb.in/ . The step-by-step process is as follows:

An E-Waste EPR Application must be completed with the relevant entity details and supporting documents before submission through the portal.

1. Step 1: Portal Registration

   Visit the CPCB EPR portal and click on "Sign Up." Select the appropriate stakeholder category (Producer, Recycler, Refurbisher, or Manufacturer) and fill in the required details .

2. Step 2: Application Submission

   Login with the credentials sent via email. Initiate the registration process and fill in all required information. Upload the mandatory documents in PDF format and pay the requisite fees .

3. Step 3: CPCB Verification

   The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) verifies the application and issues a digital checklist of shortcomings, if any, through the portal within 25 days .

4. Step 4: Response to Shortcomings

   If shortcomings are identified, the applicant must respond within 7 working days through the portal. Producers may be given specific time slots for video conferencing to address queries .

5. Step 5: Grant of Registration

   Upon successful verification, CPCB grants registration and issues the EPR Registration Certificate along with EPR targets/obligations within 30 days . The registration is valid for 5 years for recyclers, with verification conducted within 3 months of granting registration .

Fee Structure

For Producers, the application fee is based on the annual E-Waste Recycling Target :

• < 50 MT: INR 2,500
• 50 to 100 MT: INR 7,500
• 100 to 1,000 MT: INR 1,50,000
• 1,000 to 5,000 MT: INR 10,00,000
• Above 5,000 MT: INR 15,00,000

For Recyclers, the new registration fee is INR 15,000, with renewal (after five years) at INR 7,500 plus INR 0.625/MT for quantity of EPR certificate transactions in the preceding five years .