Four additional documents for the EPR for plastic packaging are released by India.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India released a supplemental document on April 3, 2023, as part of the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging waste. The EPR framework for plastic packaging materials, as introduced by the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, along with its dedicated portal site, has caused concern among industry associations and other representatives.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India published four notices regarding the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging on April 19, May 9, May 19, and June 7, 2023, respectively. Since their implementation in accordance with the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, the framework and online portal for plastic packaging EPR have prompted a number of concerns. The CPCB’s supplementary documents provide additional information and a postponement of dates for the correct implementation of EPR.

The documents contain,
Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBO)
1. Producers: –
? Confirm that the plant has implemented appropriate fire safety, occupational safety, and health precautions. However, Offsite/Onsite Disaster Management Plans are not required for registration.
? In the applications Section 13 (Other Information), provide specifics regarding the manufacture of products other than plastic packaging.
? MSME (Micro and Small category) Producers may submit an application for Consent to Operate (CTO) in order to request provisional registration on the EPR Portal. The initial validity period will be six months, and an additional six months may be added. Until October
31, 2023, certain provisions will be accessible.
? At the time of registration, the provisional EPR Target for plastic packaging purchased by unregistered brand owners will be generated. During the annual return submission, the final EPR objective will also be disclosed. These regulations will apply to producers who register by June 30, 2023.

2. Importers: – Provision for auto-registration for importers whose total plastic waste generation (pre + post) is less than 1 TPA.

3. All PIBOs: –
? On the EPR website, there is an option for uploading transaction details in batch together with its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

? The time segments of the late charge mechanism have been loosened for the current year (see table below). Until December 31, 2023, a 50% late fee will be added to the current rates.

What next?
Plastic Waste Processors (PWP)
The deadline for generating EPR certificates for 2022-23 transactions has been extended to June 30, 2023.

To know more on EPR responsibilities for any category please contact :- pooja.h@globalpccs.com