If you’re an importer bringing plastic packaging or goods wrapped in plastic into India, there’s a major shift you can’t afford to ignore. From July 2025, importers face stricter Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance norms — including mandatory registration with CPCB, barcode/QR codes on packaging, and quarterly return filing.
What used to be seen as a “producer or brand-owner problem” is now a direct importer obligation. And without EPR registration, your shipments could be stopped at customs. This guide breaks down what EPR means for importers, the step-by-step registration process, the new 2025 amendments, and the penalties for non-compliance.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is India’s policy framework that makes producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) responsible for the plastic waste they introduce into the market.
Under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016 and subsequent amendments (2022, 2025), importers are treated at par with domestic producers and brand owners. This means:
In short: Yes — plastic importers need EPR registration in India.
Many importers assume EPR applies only to manufacturers or large FMCG brands. That’s no longer true.
The rules are clear:
Tip: If you operate in more than two states, you must register with CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board). If you operate in one or two states only, registration is with the SPCB (State Pollution Control Board).
To make things clearer, here’s a comparison table:
| Entity | Authority | Key Documents | Fees | Obligations | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Importer | CPCB (if >2 states), SPCB (≤2 states) | IEC, GST, PAN, CIN, supplier declarations | ₹10,000–₹50,000 (depending on waste generated) | EPR registration, barcoding/QR codes, quarterly & annual returns | 1 year (renewable) |
| Producer | CPCB | GST, CIN, Manufacturing consents | Based on MT waste generated | Collect, recycle, return filing, use of recycled content | 3 years |
| Brand Owner | CPCB/SPCB | PAN, GST, CIN, product data | Similar slabs | Ensure waste management for branded products | 3 years |
| Recycler | SPCB + CPCB validation | CTE/CTO, video proof, recycling capacity | ₹15,000 + AMC | Issue EPR certificates for processed waste | 5 years |
1. Gather Documents
2. Portal Sign-Up
3. Upload Documents
4. Submit Action Plan
5. Pay Fees
6. Review & Approval
7. Receive Registration
Since July 2025, customs officers will not clear shipments of plastic raw materials or packaged goods unless importers provide proof of CPCB registration.
From 1 July 2025, every plastic packaging unit imported must display a barcode or QR code linked to CPCB’s PIBO registration number. This applies to:
Importers now must ensure a certain percentage of recycled content in packaging (phase-wise target under 2025 amendment).
Importers must file returns on the CPCB portal, disclosing:
In 2024, a foreign electronics company importing packaged laptops registered under the ₹10,000 slab with CPCB.
By proactively registering, they avoided penalties and ensured seamless business across 5 states.
Non-compliance can be costly:
Yes. Whether you import packaged food, electronics, or chemicals — registration is mandatory.
Between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000 depending on annual plastic packaging waste generated.
Shipments can be held at customs, and penalties under Environment Protection Act may apply.
Yes, from July 2025, barcodes or QR codes with CPCB registration number must be on packaging.
On CPCB’s Plastic EPR Portal (cpcbeprplastic.in).
Plastic packaging importers in India can no longer stay under the radar. With customs linking clearance to CPCB registration and new barcode mandates from July 2025, EPR compliance is now a business-critical obligation.
Taking early action — gathering documents, registering on CPCB portal, and aligning suppliers — ensures smooth operations and avoids costly disruptions.
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