EPR is a legally required waste management system that places the responsibility of a product’s entire lifecycle, right from manufacturing to its final disposal, on the producer. Instead of relying on consumers or local authorities to manage post-use waste, this approach ensures that manufacturers actively participate in reducing environmental impact.
By making producers responsible for proper waste collection and recycling, EPR plays an important role in promoting sustainability, reducing pollution, and preserving natural resources for future generations.
Understand EPR Certification | Meaning
EPR certification, short for Extended Producer Responsibility, is a legal obligation for businesses in India that deal with plastic packaging. If your company manufactures, sells, or imports goods that come in plastic wrappers, bottles, pouches, or containers, then you’re expected to take responsibility for what happens to that plastic after use. The idea is simple you if you’re putting plastic into the market, you should also help collect and recycle it once consumers are done using it. The helps reduce waste, keeps our environment clean, and ensures your business stays compliant with the plastic waste management rules, 2016.
By getting EPR certification, your brand shows that it has a proper plan in place to:
- Collect post-consumer plastic waste
- Send it to authorised recyclers
- Meet the annual plastic recycling targets as set by set by the Central Pollution Control Board
- What Businesses Need EPR Certification in India?
Check the list to know which businesses require securing an EPR certificate in India:
- Packaged Goods Manufacturer
- Retailers and E-commerce platforms
- Importers of plastic products
- Brand owners of single-use plastics
By securing an EPR certificate, these businesses commit to collecting and recycling the plastic waste they generate, meeting legal targets, and demonstrating environmental responsibility.
What Products And Sectors Fall Under The EPR Certification Rules?
In India, EPR certification applies to any business that handles plastic packaging, whether you make it, fill it, sell it, or import it. Here we mentioned a few points, please check the following:
- Food & Beverages – Sachets, pouches, bottles, caps, wraps for snacks
- Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) – Flexible and rigid packs for personal care, home care, detergent, and cosmetics.
- E-Commerce & Retail – Plastic mailers, polybags, wraps, and containers
- Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare – Medicine strips, vials, pill bottles
- Textile & Apparel – Polybags, garment covers
- Electronics & Appliance – Plastics shells, trays, and wraps for gadgets, accessories
- Automotive & Industrial – Liners, films, and creates used in spare parts, batteries
- Hospitality & Food Service – Takeaway containers, cutlery, cups.
Services We Offer Under EPR Compliance
At ELT Corporate, we offer EPR compliance solutions for all major categories of waste management.
- Plastic Waste Management
- E-Waste Management
- Battery Waste Management
- Tyre Waste Management
What is the Main Regulation Governing EPR Certification?
In India, EPR certification is primarily by the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Under these rules:
- Every producer, importer, or brand owner of plastic packaging must register with their state pollution control board and declare annual targets for collection, recycling, and disposal.
- The 2022 amendment introduced tighter targets, mandatory online reporting, and a centralised registration portal. So, businesses should plan collection networks and tie up with approved recyclers.
How Do You Apply For EPR Certification Step By Step?
Here are the steps to apply for the EPR certification easily:
- Collect your Business Details
- Register on the Portal
- Obtain Consent from SPCB/PCC
- Develop Your EPR Plan
- Submit EPR Application
- Get Your EPR Certificate in India
- Implement & Report
- Renew Before Expiry
Documents Required for EPR Certification
Here we have listed some of the important documents that are required for EPR Certification:
- Company Registration Proof
- Board Resolution or Authorisation Letter
- Product & Packaging Details
- SPCB/PCC Consent
- Recycling/Tie-Ups Agreements
- Financial Details
- Label Samples
For a proper list, you should contact our expert, as they will help you according to your requirements.
What is the Timeline for Obtaining an EPR Certification?
Most businesses complete EPR Certification in about 2-3 months if all paperwork is ready:
- Portal Setup & SPCB Consent – 3 to 6 weeks to register on the portal
- EPR Plan & Submission – 1 to 2 weeks to draft your collection/recycling plan, upload documents, and pay fees
- CPCB Review & Certificate Issuance – 3 to 4 weeks for the Central Pollution Control Board to clear your application and issue the digital certificate
Common Challenges in Getting EPR Certification
Even small slip-ups can slow down your EPR Certification. Here we have mentioned some of them and how a good regulatory consultancy can help you clear them quickly:
- Wrong Waste Number – Calculating plastic volumes by guesswork often misses the mark. We assist you in estimating accurate figures.
- SPCB Nod Takes Forever – State boards can drag their feet on your consent to operate. We take follow-ups so you don’t get stuck.
- No Recyclers on Board – Waiting to tie up with a recycler means missing collection targets. We connect you with approved partners right away.
- Report Delays – Skipping quarterly data uploads leads to penalties. We create a calendar and send you a reminder.
- Label Mistakes – Forgetting to print your EPR number exactly as required invites trouble. We proofread your labels before it’s too late.
With our expert team’s guidance, you’ll avoid these common pitfalls and get your EPR certification in good time without any kind of stress.
Why Choose ELT Corporate for EPR Certification?
Here are the reasons why we are the most trusted regulatory consultancy across India:
- 100+ Brands Served
- End-to-End Support
- Faster Approvals
- Zero Compliance Gaps
- Transparent Fees
