Plastic Importers & EPR Compliance (PIBO)

If you are importing plastic packaging, packaged goods, or electronic items into India, you now carry a legal responsibility under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2025 have made compliance stricter than ever. Importers, also known as PIBOs (Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners), must register with the CPCB, declare plastic packaging data, pay registration fees, add barcodes or QR codes on packaging from July 2025, and file quarterly returns.

For many businesses, this process feels overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide — to break down importer-specific EPR rules in plain business language.

Why Importers Are at the Centre of EPR Compliance

The Indian government wants businesses to move towards a circular economy, where plastic waste is managed responsibly. Importers are key players in this chain because they introduce packaged goods and raw materials into the country.

Here’s why you can’t afford to ignore EPR compliance if you’re an importer:

• It’s mandatory: Importers must register on the CPCB EPR portal to operate legally in India.
• Customs checks: Without valid EPR registration, your shipments can be stopped at ports.
• Traceability: From July 2025, every plastic package you import must display a barcode/QR code linked to your EPR number.
• Accountability: Importers must file quarterly and annual returns to show how much plastic was placed in the market and recycled.

Importer vs Other Stakeholders – Who Does What?

Entity	Authority	Validity	Fees	Key Obligations
Importer (PIBO)	CPCB (if >2 states) / SPCB (if ≤2 states)	1 yr (new), 3 yrs (renewal)	₹10,000–₹50,000	IEC, GST, PAN, barcode/QR on packaging, quarterly returns
Producer (EEE/Battery)	CPCB	5 yrs	₹2,500–₹15,00,000	Meet EPR targets, RoHS compliance, annual returns
Brand Owner	CPCB/SPCB	1–3 yrs	₹10,000–₹50,000	Register, prepare EPR action plan, fulfill recycling targets
Recycler	CPCB/SPCB	5 yrs	₹15,000 + AMC	Issue EPR certificates, recycling audits

The key takeaway: Importers are treated on the same footing as Indian producers and brand owners.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Importer EPR Compliance

1. Register on CPCB EPR Portal

• Sign up on the portal and create login credentials.

2. Gather and Upload Documents

• Import Export Code (IEC)
• GST & PAN
• CIN (if applicable)
• Aadhar/PAN of authorized signatory
• DIC registration (if applicable)

3. Provide Business & Plastic Data

• Plastic packaging used in the last two financial years
• Category-wise data (rigid, flexible, multilayer, compostable)
• Waste generated, pre- and post-consumer

4. Submit an EPR Action Plan

• Describe how you plan to manage waste obligations
• Show tie-ups with registered Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs)

5. Pay Fees Online

• <1,000 TPA → ₹10,000
• 1,000–10,000 TPA → ₹20,000
• 10,000 TPA → ₹50,000
• Plus 25% annual processing fee when filing returns

6. Obtain CPCB Registration Certificate

7. Implement Barcode/QR Code (from July 2025)

• Barcodes or QR codes must display your EPR Registration Number
• These must be printed on packaging, product brochures, and bulk packs

8. File Returns

• Quarterly Returns – Submit packaging and recycling details
• Annual Return – Due by June 30th each year

Need help with CPCB Importer Registration?
Don’t risk customs delays or penalties.

Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
Mobile:  +91 78350 06182

Book a Consultation with Green Permits

Recent Regulatory Updates Importers Must Track

• Plastic Waste Amendment, Jan 2025: Mandatory barcoding on plastic packaging.
• Battery Waste Amendment, Feb 2025: Importers of batteries or equipment with batteries must also print QR/EPR numbers.
• Cross-Category Importers: Importers dealing in both electronics and plastic packaging must register separately under both frameworks.
• Fees & Validity: PIBO fees range between ₹10,000–₹50,000; new registration valid for 1 year, renewals for 3 years.

Case Study: A Foreign Electronics Importer

In 2024, a European electronics importer entered India with packaged gadgets. By registering with CPCB under the ₹20,000 fee slab, they:

• Secured CPCB approval within 30 days.
• Added EPR QR codes to all packaging before July 2025.
• Filed quarterly returns showing tie-ups with three Indian recyclers.
• Avoided penalties at customs across five states.

This proactive approach not only prevented disruptions but also gave them a compliance edge over competitors.

Common Mistakes Importers Should Avoid

• Following old, pre-2022 EPR rules.
• Missing the barcode/QR compliance deadline.
• Believing producer or brand-owner registration covers importers (it doesn’t).
• Filing returns late or not at all.
• Working with unregistered recyclers — their certificates won’t be accepted.

FAQs

Conclusion

For importers, EPR compliance is now a license to operate in India. With rules tightening around barcoding, quarterly returns, and multi-category registrations, businesses need to act now to avoid penalties.

At Green Permits, we make this process simple: from importer registration to barcode integration and return filing, we handle compliance end-to-end.

Importing into India? Make compliance hassle-free.
Green Permits helps importers register with CPCB, manage EPR barcodes, and file quarterly returns — all under one roof.

• Faster CPCB/SPCB registration
• IEC, GST, CIN, PAN documentation handled
• Barcode / QR compliance for July 2025
• Annual & quarterly return filing support

Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
Mobile:  +91 78350 06182

Get Expert Support for Importer EPR Compliance →