Extended Producer Responsibility [EPR] is a legislative strategy implemented by industrialized nations to encourage and promote the reuse, recycling, and eco-friendly disposal of electronic and polymer waste. EPR lays the responsibility of disposing of this waste on the manufacturer of the goods itself. EPR rules are put in place to ensure that the manufacturers/producers take the responsibility of minimizing the impact of the waste generated by their products.

The producers are required to collect back the waste generated from their products when such products reach the end of their life cycle. This can be done either by promoting the collection (take-back process)  of the waste generated post the consumption of their products or by encouraging the recycling of such products in the most eco-friendly manner possible. Recycling should be done or assigned only to the recyclers registered with the respective Pollution Control Committee or Board.

EPR is issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to producers who are responsible for the generation of e-waste or plastic waste, or polymer waste, or bulk users of these wastes.

As per the E-waste Management (Management) rule, 2016, EPR authorization means permission for the generation, handling, collection, reception, storage, transportation, refurbishing, dismantling, recycling, treatment, and disposal of e-waste, granted to the manufacturer, dismantler, refurbisher, and recycler.

EPR is an E-Waste channeling registration provided under CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). EPR shall apply to all manufacturers, importers, suppliers/dealers, users, bulk consumers, distributors, e-retailers engaged in the manufacture, sale, transition, storage, and processing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment specified in Schedule 1, including its components, consumables, and spare parts.

Applicable on:

  1. Bulk consumer means the majority of consumers of electrical and electronic devices, such as central government or government agencies, public sector companies, banks, educational institutions, international organizations, international agencies, partnerships and public or private companies registered under the Factories Act of 1948 (63 of 1948) and the Companies Act of 2013 (18 of 2013) and health-care facilities with a turnover of more than one crore or more than 20 employees;
  2. Collection Center means a center or collection point or both established by the producer individually or as an association to collect e-waste to channel the e-waste to the recycler and to play the role stated in the producer's Extended Producer Authorisation and have facilities in compliance with the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board, including the collection center formed by the dismantler or recycler, which should form part of their authorization issued by the State Pollution Control Board where the facilities are situated;
  3. Dealer means any individual or company that purchases or receives electrical and electronic equipment and its components or consumables, or parts, or spare parts from producers for sale as listed in Schedule I of these Rules;
  4. E-retailer means a person or business organization that uses the Internet, telephone, or electronic network to sell its goods;
  5. Manufacturer means an individual or organization or business as specified in the Companies Act, 2013 (2013), or business as specified in the Factories Act, 1948 (1948), or Small and Medium Enterprises as defined in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (2006), which has electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing facilities
  6. Producer means any person who, irrespective of the selling technique used, such as distributor, seller, e-retailer, etc.;

a. manufactures and offers to sell electrical and electronic equipment and its components or consumables, or parts, or spare parts under its own brand; or

b. offers to sell electrical and electronic equipment assembled under its own name, and its components or consumables or parts, or spare parts manufactured by other manufacturers or suppliers; or

c. offers to sell imported electrical and electronic equipment and its components or consumables, or parts, or spare parts;

​​7. Recycler means any individual engaged in the recycling and reprocessing of electrical and electronic waste equipment or assemblies or components thereof and having facilities as laid down in the Central Pollution Control Board guidelines;

8. Refurbisher means any company or undertaking registered under the Factories Act, 1948, or the Companies Act, 1956, or both, or district industrial centers engaged in the refurbishment of used electrical and electronic equipment for those rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ques. 1. Does EPR apply to small startups or D2C brands?

Ans. Yes. In 2026, "Startup" status does not grant an exemption. If you sell products in plastic packaging or deal in electronics, the EPR mandate applies to you.

Ques. 2. What is the "Polluter Pays" principle in this context?

Ans. It means that the producer is liable for the environmental cost of their product. If a company fails to meet its recycling targets, it must pay "Environmental Compensation" fines.

Ques. 3. Can I fulfill my EPR targets by myself?

Ans. While you can set up your own collection centers, most businesses partner with a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) or buy EPR Credits from authorized recyclers.

Ques. 4. What are EPR Credits?

Ans. EPR Credits are digital certificates issued by registered recyclers. When a recycler processes waste, they generate credits which PIBOs can purchase to meet their legal obligations.

Ques. 5. Is there a deadline for filing annual returns?

Ans. Yes, typically, annual returns for the previous financial year must be filed by June 30th to avoid heavy penalties and late fees.

Ques. 6. What happens if I import electronics without an EPR certificate?

Ans. Customs authorities can hold your shipments, and the CPCB may impose bans on your future imports until the legal environmental permit is secured.

Ques. 7. Do I need separate registrations for plastic and e-waste?

Ans. Yes, each waste category is governed by different rules and managed through separate digital portals under the CPCB.

Ques. 8. Is EPR compliance a one-time process?

Ans. The registration is valid for a specific period (usually 5 years), but return filing and target fulfillment are annual and quarterly requirements.

Ques. 9. Are "White Category" industries exempt from EPR?

Ans.Not necessarily. While they may have fewer pollution board requirements, if they use plastic packaging or sell electronics, the EPR policy still applies.

Ques. 10. How does Corpzo assist with EPR?

Ans. At www.corpzo.com, we handle everything from registration and documentation to procuring EPR credits and filing your annual returns accurately.