When Ramkishan, a small battery recycler from Panipat, Haryana, received a notice from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in early 2025, he thought it was just another document update. But the notice mentioned a new requirement under the Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2025 — one that could suspend his recycling authorization if left unattended.
Like hundreds of Indian recyclers, Ramkishan had registered under the 2022 rules. But the 2025 amendment introduced new QR-code labelling, packaging exemptions, and stricter CPCB portal filings — details many small producers and recyclers were still catching up with.
This blog breaks down the Battery Waste Management Rules 2025, explaining what changed, why it matters, and how Indian recyclers & producers can stay compliant without disrupting operations.
The Battery Waste Management Rules 2025, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) through S.O. 958(E) dated 24 February 2025, amend the earlier BWM Rules 2022.
In simple terms, these rules ensure that every battery producer, importer, assembler, and recycler in India takes responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their batteries — from production to collection, recycling, and safe disposal.
India’s battery market is growing rapidly — especially lithium-ion batteries for EVs and electronics. Without efficient waste management, toxic metals like lead and cadmium can leak into the environment, creating liability and pollution risks.
For business owners, this amendment means tighter compliance deadlines, higher traceability, and bigger penalties for non-compliance. But it also opens the door to EPR credits, cost savings, and better market credibility for those who adapt early.
💬 As per CPCB’s 2025 guideline, “Timely EPR registration ensures eligibility for battery certificate trading and prevents EC (Environmental Compensation) penalties.”
| Aspect | 2022 Rules | 2025 Amendment Update | Impact on Businesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labelling | Mandatory printed mark + BIS marking | Digital QR/barcode allowed with EPR number | Reduces printing cost and errors |
| Packaging | All batteries under labelling rules | Exemption for packs covered under Legal Metrology Rules | Simplifies for OEMs already LM-compliant |
| Heavy Metal Marking | “Pb” / “Cd” required | Not required if Cd ≤ 0.002 % & Pb ≤ 0.004 % | Easier compliance for Li-ion producers |
| EPR Targets | Fixed as per Schedule II (70 %) | Increased gradually to 90 % by FY 2026–27 | Encourages recycling tie-ups |
| CPCB Portal | Manual and digital mix | Fully digital portal with traceability | Transparency & data integration |
Insight: The 2025 amendment leans toward digital transparency and ease of tracking, cutting manual paperwork but raising the need for timely portal compliance.
Under Rule 4 of the Battery Waste Management Rules, the following entities must register on the CPCB EPR Battery Portal:
As per CPCB’s 2025 portal update, all registrations must be renewed 60 days prior to expiry, and returns filed quarterly to avoid EC penalties.
Step 1 – Apply on the CPCB EPR Portal:
Visit eprbatterycpcb.in and create a login for your business category (Producer, Recycler, Refurbisher).
Step 2 – Upload Mandatory Documents:
Step 3 – Review and Verification:
CPCB verifies the submission and approves the EPR Registration Number within 15–20 working days.
Step 4 – Annual Returns & EPR Fulfilment:
Upload annual data on batteries produced, collected, and recycled.
Recyclers must generate EPR certificates via the portal to help producers offset their targets.
Step 5 – Renewal & Audit:
Renew the license before expiry and keep records for 5 years.
CPCB or SPCB may audit at any time under Rule 14.
Business Tip: Many SMEs in 2025 are outsourcing EPR filings to authorized consultants to avoid documentation delays and portal errors.
In September 2024, CPCB issued Environmental Compensation (EC) guidelines to penalize delays in EPR targets and reporting.
| Violation Type | Penalty/EC Guideline (Indicative) | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Failure to Register under CPCB | ₹ 1 lakh – ₹ 5 lakh + suspension of operations | Supply chain disruption & loss of OEM contracts |
| Delay in EPR Return Submission | ₹ 10,000 per day of delay | Accrues EC charges + audit flag |
| Target Shortfall (< 70 %) | EC = ₹ 20,000 × (deficit tonnage) | Reduced credit eligibility |
| False Declaration / Document | Criminal prosecution under EP Act 1986 | Legal liability & brand risk |
| Operating Without Authorization | Immediate closure + EC up to ₹ 1 crore | Shutdown & blacklisting |
Interpretation: The 2025 framework signals a shift from “voluntary recycling” to “strictly traceable accountability.” Businesses that ignore EPR deadlines now face quantifiable financial losses.
Back in 2023, Ramkishan’s unit handled a few tons of lead-acid batteries monthly. By 2025, as EV batteries entered his supply chain, his team had to adapt fast. After receiving the CPCB notice, he consulted an environment advisor and registered under the new portal within a week.
He integrated QR-based tracking for each recycled batch, and soon OEM clients started preferring his services because of traceable EPR certificates.
What began as a compliance burden turned into a market advantage.
“I used to fear paperwork,” Ramkishan laughs. “Now CPCB’s portal is my selling point.”
According to CPCB data (Mar 2025), over 1,800 producers and 1,200 recyclers have registered nationwide — a 45 % increase from 2023.
While the intent is clear, many SMEs face practical issues:
The solution? Dedicated EPR consultants (like Green Permits) help manage data accuracy, timelines, and liaison with SPCB/CPCB so business owners can focus on operations.
The next phase of battery regulation is moving towards AI-driven traceability and cross-sector integration with EV OEM data.
By 2027, India aims for a fully circular battery economy where no battery ends up in landfills.
Businesses that adapt now — like Ramkishan did — will not only remain compliant but also become the preferred partners for OEMs and government tenders.
The Battery Waste Management Rules 2025 aren’t just a regulatory update — they’re a blueprint for India’s sustainable manufacturing future.
Whether you’re a recycler, producer, or importer, understanding and acting on these rules is essential to avoid penalties and stay ahead of the curve.
Early CPCB registration and digital labelling can save you time, money, and stress — while positioning your business as environmentally responsible and future-ready.
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It updates the 2022 rules to include QR/barcode labelling, packaging exemptions, and revised EPR targets.
All battery producers, importers, recyclers, and refurbishers operating in India.
Environmental Compensation (EC) up to ₹ 1 crore and possible license suspension.
Generally 15–20 working days after complete document submission.
Yes, but they can use printable stickers or digital labels linked to their EPR portal data.
