EPR Registration For Brand Owners :- Plastic waste Management

Governments and regulatory bodies are implementing EPR regulations as part of the push for sustainable practices. Brand owners need to prioritize EPR Registration to fulfill their obligations and comply with environmental laws.

It ensures that Brands take responsibility for the plastic waste generated throughout their products lifecycle including plastic packaging.

To simplify the process and meet EPR obligations with ease, Professional Utilities offer valuable assistance. We guide brands, importers, Producers (PIBOs) through the EPR authorization process, ensuring compliance.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding EPR registration for brand owners. It highlights the importance of EPR, its significance for brands, and outlines the necessary steps for registration.

The Central Pollution Control Board of India classifies plastics into four categories.

1. Rigid Plastic: It is a type of plastic material that is stiff and does not easily bend or deform under normal conditions. such as bottles, containers, toys, and automotive parts.
2. Flexible Plastic Packaging: Flexible plastic packaging is a type of packaging material made from thin, pliable plastic sheets. It is commonly used in packaging food items, beverages, personal care products, and household goods.
3. Multi Layered Plastic Packaging: Multilayered plastic packaging consists of different layers of plastic materials & other materials. It is commonly used for packaging food, pharmaceuticals, and other sensitive items that require specific preservation conditions.
4. Compostable Plastic: Compostable plastic is a type of plastic material that can decompose under specific conditions. Compostable plastics are often used for single-use items like bags, utensils, and packaging, with the aim of reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.

NOTE:- In case plastic being used in road construction then PIBOs are required to provide self-certification using proforma issued by CPCB.

The EPR registration procedure for brand owners can be divided into four stages as mentioned below:-

Applicants are required to provide above mentioned details as well as required documents as per the guidelines of plastic waste management for Brand owners.

Note: Once the application is filled, it takes up-to 15 days for licensing authority to respond and proceed further with the EPR registration procedure.

• Conservation of Environment: EPR registration for Brand owners ensures that businesses actively participate in reducing waste, promoting recycling, and minimizing the use of hazardous substances in their products. This contributes to conserving natural resources and preserving the environment for future generations.
• Cost Savings: Through EPR registration, businesses gain access to recycling infrastructure and networks, which can help reduce waste management costs. By implementing efficient waste management practices, companies can optimize resource utilization and streamline their operations.
• Legal Obligations: EPR ensures compliance with government regulations and avoids penalties or legal consequences. By fulfilling their EPR obligations, businesses maintain a positive relationship with regulatory bodies and safeguard their reputation.
• Enhanced Brand Image: EPR registration for Brand owners showcases a company's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
• Access to Recycling Infrastructure and Expertise: EPR authorization provides brand owners with access to established recycling infrastructure and expertise. This allows them to collaborate with authorized extended producer responsibility organizations and leverage their knowledge, networks, and facilities for effective waste management and recycling processes.

Also Check:- EPR Registration for Importer

The EPR certification for Brand owners can be cancelled by the respective authorities on the basis of the following:-

• If authorities find any inconsistency with details and documents then the application shall be rejected and the application fee will be fortified.
• Entities are not authorized to deal with any unregistered businesses or plastic waste processor.
• The Brand owners must fulfill the year-wise and category-wise EPR Target as specified in the registration certificate for the year in which EPR authorisation is granted.

• Brand owners are not allowed deal with unregistered entities
• Once the renewal for EPR registration is filled, authorities will commence the application process within 15 days
• Micro and small MSMEs businesses are exempted from EPR implementation
• On the rejection of EPR application the application fee will be fortified as per the rules.
• Brand owners have to ensure annual report are filled before june 30 of the following year
• If the Brand owners failed to meet their EPR target then, environmental compensation will be levied on them as per the PWM guidelines.