If you’re involved in an online business in India, you must know the term EPR in India. EPR means Extended Producer Responsibility that makes producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for the waste generated by their products. In this blog, you will learn everything about EPR, whether e-commerce is required to be under EPR, what EPR is, and how it works with companies.
What is EPR?
EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility, which is a regulation made by the Government of India. It ensures that companies take responsibility for the full life cycle of the products they make or sell. This includes how the product is disposed of after use. If you sell products that create waste, such as electronics, plastics, tyres, or batteries, EPR applies to you.
The goal of EPR is to reduce waste, promote recycling, and protect the environment. It also supports the idea of a circular economy, where materials are reused instead of being thrown away.
Who Needs EPR in India?
EPR in India is a rule that has to be strictly followed to maintain an eco-friendly environment and avoid penalties from the Government. It is required for:
- Producers: Those who manufacture goods.
- Importers: Those who bring goods into India.
- Brand Owners: Those who sell under a brand name, even if they don’t make the product.
- E-commerce seller: Online sellers fall into one or more of the above groups if they make or import products or sell under their own brand.
Since July 1, 2022, major e-commerce platforms must also check whether their sellers are EPR compliant. This means if you sell products through Amazon, Flipkart, or other Platforms, you may be asked to provide your EPR registration.
Why is EPR Compliance Important?
There are many reasons why EPR compliance is important:
- Legal Mandate: The Central Pollution Control Board has emphatically stated that EPR is the law.
- Don’t Get Penalties: Flouting EPR regulations will cost you a lot of money. Brands have been penalised crores of rupees.
- Marketplace Regulation: Online marketplaces will disapprove of your products if you are not compliant.
- Brand Trust: Increasingly, people are becoming more concerned about the environment. Complaint with EPR is a big indicator of your brand care.
Products That Require EPR Registration
EPR in India is applicable to the following board product categories:
- Plastic Packaging: Plastic wraps, bags, and containers of any type.
- Electronic Waste: Products such as mobile phones, laptops, and televisions.
- Batteries: Batteries for automobiles and small equipment.
- Tyres: Used and old tyres.
If your products fall under any of these categories, you are obligated to register for EPR.
How Does EPR Affect E-Commerce Platforms?
Online platforms now have to check that their sellers follow EPR rules. Here’s what that means.
- Sellers must register on the CPCB portal.
- Sellers must label their packages and submit EPR reports.
- Platforms may remove or block listings if EPR is not followed.
So, if you are a seller, even if small, you need to be ready with your EPR documents.
Steps to Get EPR Compliance
Getting EPR in India may sound tough, but it can be simple if you follow these steps:
- Register on the CPCB Portal: Go to the official CPCB website. Sign up as a producer, importer, or brand owner. You will need your company details, product information, and other documents. Once approved, you will receive your registration number.
- Pick Your Product Category: Choose the correct waste type for your product. The categories include plastic packaging, electronic waste, used batteries, and tyres. You must only register for the ones that match your products.
- Partner with a PRO: Producer Responsibility Organisation, which helps you follow the EPR rules. They will collect and recycle waste on your behalf and help you prepare the reports. Choosing a good PRO makes the process smooth.
- Submit Reports: You must report how much product you sell and how much waste is collected or recycled. These reports are usually filed every quarter or once a year. Accurate reporting is key to staying compliant.
- Renew Certificate: Your EPR registration is valid for five years. Before it ends, you must renew it. Don’t miss the renewal deadlines to avoid penalties or removal from online platforms.
A Checklist for E-commerce Sellers
The following is a basic checklist to ensure you remain compliant:
- Register as an EPR in India
- Product waste category classification
- Good PRO appoint
- Quarterly returns file
- EPR Certificate renewal
- Act early on the platform or CPCB notice
Recent Changes in EPR Rules
New regulations have been released by the Government under the E-Waste Management Rules. The updates have increased the monitoring of recycling, digital barcoding, and tighter evidence of recycling. Producers, PROs, and recyclers have to provide proof of actual recycling carried out. This keeps the process transparent.
Advantages of EPR in India
Following EPR in India is not only about being legal. It is advantageous to your company in various ways:
- Enhanced Brand Image: If you adhere to EPR, it indicates that you are environmentally friendly. This creates the brand image of your business and distinguishes you.
- Long-term Cost Saving: You can save additional fees in the future by managing waste more effectively. This can save money on storage, shipping, and disposal over time.
- Improved Platforms Support: Online marketplaces can favour or support sellers that are EPR compliant. This will give you access to more buyers and faster growth.
- Safer, Stronger Business: Preparation and regulation compliance prevent bans, legal cases, and unexpected visits. This sets you steady and puts you on the growth path.
End Note
Is EPR compliance necessary for e-commerce in India? The answer is yes. If your product is made of plastic, electronics, tyres, or batteries, whether you are an emerging retailer or a large enterprise, you have to register for EPR in India. Be well-prepared with a good PRO, file your reports in advance, and keep yourself informed about new regulations.
Your contribution makes your business flourish while considering the environment. Join India’s movement towards responsible plastic use by partnering with integrated companies like Banyan Nation and following Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles to reduce waste, boost cycling, and build a greener future.