India’s tyre industry has been growing at double-digit rates for years. But with that growth comes a hidden challenge — mountains of discarded tyres. Each year, India generates over 270,000 tonnes of waste tyres, much of which is burnt or processed in unauthorized units.
Recognizing the environmental risks of unregulated tyre disposal, the government introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules. This mandates that manufacturers, importers, and recyclers are responsible for the safe collection and recycling of end-of-life tyres.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has now fully operationalized an online EPR registration and compliance portal for waste tyres. This blog breaks down what businesses need to know in 2025 — from registration and reporting to penalties and practical benefits.
Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, is a regulatory mechanism that shifts waste management responsibility from consumers and local authorities to businesses that place products on the market.
For tyres, it means that every manufacturer, importer, recycler, and retreader must ensure that waste tyres are collected, processed, and recycled scientifically. The system tracks the flow of waste through EPR certificates, ensuring that only authorized recyclers handle recovery of rubber, steel, and carbon materials.
In essence, EPR turns waste tyres into a circular economy opportunity — one where materials are reintroduced into production, rather than ending up in landfills or polluting the air through open burning.
The CPCB’s framework applies to four main categories of entities:
No company can legally operate or trade in waste tyres without registering on the CPCB’s EPR portal. Doing so ensures transparency and creates a verified network of compliant recyclers and producers.
Start by visiting the official portal (https://eprewastecpcb.in).
Create an account by selecting your user type — Producer, Importer, Recycler, or Retreader.
Provide company details such as PAN, GST, CIN, address, and authorized person credentials. An OTP verification is sent to your registered email and phone.
Once logged in, upload supporting documents:
Accuracy and consistency across all documents are crucial. Any mismatch between addresses or licenses can delay approval.
CPCB reviews applications within 30 working days. Incomplete or incorrect applications are flagged through a digital checklist visible on the portal dashboard. Once the checklist is cleared and the application verified, a digital registration certificate is issued — valid for five years.
EPR targets are the backbone of compliance. They determine how much waste each producer or importer must collect and recycle each year, based on their sales or import volumes.
All entities must submit periodic reports:
Returns must be filed in sequence — you cannot submit Q2 before Q1 is accepted.
For FY 2024–25, the CPCB has extended the filing deadline to 15 August 2025 to give companies more time to adjust to the new system.
CPCB charges nominal fees to process applications and maintain the EPR platform. These vary by user category:
| Entity Type | Initial Registration (₹) | Renewal Fee (₹) | Annual Maintenance (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycler / Retreader | 15,000 (valid 5 years) | 7,500 + ₹0.625 per MT transacted | 5,000 |
| Producer / Importer | ₹2,500 (below 50 MT) to ₹15 lakh (above 5000 MT) | Same as registration | 5,000 |
Registrations remain valid for five years, after which renewal must be initiated at least 120 days before expiry.
EPR certificates are the proof of compliance in the tyre recycling ecosystem.
Here’s how they work:
This transparent trading mechanism ensures accountability and prevents double counting of recycled quantities.
CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards actively monitor compliance. Failure to meet obligations can attract severe penalties:
| Violation | Possible Action | Impact on Business |
|---|---|---|
| Operating without registration | Suspension or closure notice | Business interruption |
| False or incomplete data | Revocation of registration | 1-year ineligibility for re-registration |
| Non-filing of returns | Monetary penalty under the Environment (Protection) Act | Up to ₹5 lakh or more |
| Shortfall in EPR targets | Environmental Compensation (EC) | Based on quantity gap |
| Tampering with evidence or inactive facility videos | Legal action and blacklisting | Permanent disqualification risk |
Regular audits and inspections are part of CPCB’s verification process, so maintaining authentic, updated data is critical.
While many businesses treat EPR as a legal requirement, forward-thinking companies see it as an opportunity.
Here’s why registering early and maintaining full compliance pays off:
For example, a tyre recycler in Pune reported that being EPR-compliant helped them secure long-term supply contracts from two major automobile manufacturers who prioritize sustainability partners.
| Task | Entity | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1–Q4 Quarterly Return Filing | Producers, Importers, Recyclers | 15 August 2025 |
| Annual Return Submission | All stakeholders | June 2025 onward |
| Certificate Transactions | Recyclers → Producers | Throughout the year |
| Profile or Data Amendments | All Registered Users | As required |
CPCB encourages regular log-ins and updates through OTP verification whenever company details change. Failing to update profile data can affect renewals.
EPR compliance is not just an environmental responsibility — it’s a strategic business move. The waste tyre sector is now closely regulated, digitally monitored, and increasingly transparent.
By aligning early, companies can reduce legal risks, enhance their sustainability scores, and become part of India’s evolving circular economy.
If your business deals in tyres — whether manufacturing, importing, or recycling — this is the right time to streamline compliance and secure your operations for the long term.
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All tyre manufacturers, importers, recyclers, and retreaders engaged in production, import, or waste processing of tyres.
Five years from the date of issue, subject to renewal.
The CPCB has extended the deadline for returns to 15 August 2025.
CTE, CTO, PAN, GST, authorization certificates, process flow, and geotagged facility visuals.
You may face Environmental Compensation, registration suspension, or other penalties.
