India’s environmental compliance landscape has transformed rapidly over the past few years. For importers of electronics, plastics, batteries, or packaged goods, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is no longer an optional formality—it is a legal obligation tied to licenses, trade, and product sales.
From July 2025, importers must print barcodes or QR codes on plastic packaging to trace their CPCB registration number. Similarly, from February 2025, all battery packs and equipment containing batteries must carry EPR barcodes. These requirements mark a shift towards traceability, transparency, and stricter monitoring by authorities.
This guide breaks down everything importers need to know about EPR in 2025—who needs it, how to register, costs, documentation, and how to stay audit-ready.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) means the obligation of producers, importers, and brand owners to take responsibility for the collection, recycling, or safe disposal of their products once they reach end-of-life.
While earlier EPR laws mainly targeted Indian manufacturers, amendments in E-Waste (2022), Battery Waste (2022), and Plastic Waste Rules (2022–2025) have brought importers under the same scrutiny.
For importers, this means:
Simply put, if you import and sell in India—you must register for EPR.
Any importer who brings products into India for sale, distribution, or as part of equipment, is covered under EPR rules.
Importer categories under EPR:
If you fall under more than one category, separate EPR registrations are required for each waste stream (Plastic, Battery, E-Waste).
| Entity Type | Authority | Fees | Obligations | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Importer | CPCB (if operating in 2+ states), SPCB (for single-state) | Slabs vary by category (Plastic: ₹10k–50k, Battery: ₹10k–40k, E-Waste: ₹2,500–₹15 lakh) | Register IEC/GST/CIN, barcode/QR, recycling targets, quarterly/annual returns | 5 years |
| Producer | CPCB | Same slabs as importer | EPR targets based on sales in India, awareness programs, RoHS compliance | 5 years |
| Brand Owner | CPCB/SPCB | ₹10k–50k (plastic category slabs) | Ensure EPR fulfilment for packaging and products marketed under brand | 1–3 years |
| Recycler | CPCB/SPCB | ₹15,000 + AMC ₹5,000 | Issue EPR certificates, submit quarterly reports, recycling capacity verification | 5 years |
1. Document Preparation
2. Portal Signup
3. Application Filing
4. Fee Payment
5. Approval & Certificate
6. Returns Filing
A foreign electronics importer entering India in 2024 imported laptops (EEE plus Li-ion batteries and plastic packaging). By registering under CPCB:
Result: The importer avoided penalties across five states and gained clearance for additional import shipments in early 2025.
Yes. Any importer of electronics, batteries, or plastic packaging must obtain CPCB registration before importing.
Plastic importers: ₹10k–₹50k. Battery importers: ₹10k–₹40k. E-waste importers: ₹2,500–₹15 lakh.
Non-compliance may lead to import restrictions, cancellation of IEC, penalties, and environmental compensation charges.
No. Importers must register separately for Plastic, Battery, and E-Waste streams.
Quarterly returns must be filed in sequence; annual returns by June 30 of the following year.
Even small importers fall under EPR. Fee slabs are designed to account for smaller waste volumes.
EPR compliance is now one of the most critical trade requirements for importers in India. With barcode mandates, stricter CPCB monitoring, and higher penalties, 2025 marks a turning point for sustainable imports.
By planning ahead—registering, filing returns, and partnering with recyclers—importers can not only avoid penalties but also build credibility as responsible businesses.
Need help navigating importer EPR compliance? Green Permits is here to simplify the process for you.
Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
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