Arun, a Mumbai-based importer of premium cosmetic containers, had a smooth shipment schedule for years. But in August 2025, one container didn’t clear customs. The officer simply asked:
“Please provide your CPCB EPR Registration Number.”
Arun didn’t have one.
What followed were six days of demurrage charges, frantic consultant calls, multiple document uploads, and a compliance lesson he wished he’d learned earlier.
This is exactly what many Indian importers are experiencing in 2025 — because the rules have changed, and the checks are now strict.
This guide explains everything you need to know to stay fully compliant.
In 2025, plastic packaging importers became a key part of CPCB’s enforcement drive. Earlier, EPR rules were mostly aimed at producers and brand owners — but new customs instructions now require importers to show active EPR registration at the port.
Under PWM Rules, an importer is treated as a Producer because they are placing plastic packaging onto the Indian market for the first time.
This includes importers of:
Since July 2025, CBIC has instructed customs officers to verify EPR registration for all plastic-related imports.
Shipments can be held until the importer uploads a valid CPCB registration.
Short Story:
A Delhi importer of medical syringes faced a 9-day delay because his IEC name didn’t match the GST name in the CPCB application — a simple mismatch that cost nearly ₹1.6 lakhs in port charges.
Importers often face CPCB rejections because of missing or mismatched documents. The 2025 process requires more accuracy than previous years.
| Document | Required For | Format | Common Errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEC | Importer verification | Name mismatch with GST | |
| GST Certificate | Entity validation | Wrong state code | |
| Packaging Data | Target calculation | XLS/PDF | Using units instead of kg |
| Authorized Person KYC | Verification | Blurry upload | |
| Action Plan | Compliance roadmap | Too generic | |
| Signature File | Portal signing | JPG/PNG | Wrong aspect ratio |
Interpretation:
These errors account for over 60% of CPCB rejections among importers — especially IEC/GST name mismatches.
The CPCB portal is unified for producers, importers, and brand owners, but the steps differ slightly when selecting “Importer.”
This determines the fields CPCB expects you to fill.
Tip:
If your IEC and GST show different addresses, upload a board-resolution declaring the principal place of business.
Choose from Category A, B, C, or D based on what you import:
Upload:
Outline how you will meet your annual recycling target, including:
Ensure correct file formats.
Fee depends on annual plastic waste introduced in India.
CPCB takes 15–25 working days to issue registration.
Mini Story:
A Surat importer completed the entire process in 40 minutes because he prepared all data in advance — illustrating how preparation reduces delays.
| Criteria | Value (2025) |
|---|---|
| Fees | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 (based on waste slab) |
| Processing Time | 15–25 working days |
| Validity | 1 year initially |
| Renewal Validity | 3 years |
| Return Filing Deadline | 30 June annually |
Interpretation:
Importers planning new consignments should apply at least 30 days before shipment to avoid customs delays.
Many importers assume EPR is just another registration — but the details matter.
Short Anecdote:
A Kolkata importer underreported packaging waste to reduce fees.
CPCB flagged inconsistencies during verification, resulting in a ₹3-lakh Environmental Compensation.
Ignoring EPR registration is now risky — especially under new customs protocols.
Mini Case:
An Ahmedabad importer ignored EPR for two years.
His registration was auto-suspended, and he had to pay EC before reactivation — delaying shipments for 3 weeks.
Importers don’t need in-house recycling facilities — they can outsource everything through CPCB-registered partners.
This section ensures importers map out responsibilities clearly before their imports begin.
Before importing anything in 2025, ensure:
This checklist reduces 80% of importer compliance errors.
Importing plastic packaging in India has changed dramatically. EPR is no longer optional — it’s one of the first compliance checks at customs.
Early registration saves:
Taking action now protects your supply chain and keeps your shipments moving smoothly.
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Yes. If you import any kind of plastic packaging into India, you must get EPR registration from CPCB before selling or distributing your products.
You mainly need company details (GST, PAN, CIN), past plastic import data, packaging category details, and the basic KYC of the authorized person.
Once your documents are correct, approval usually takes 15–30 working days, depending on CPCB’s review and the accuracy of your data.
You must meet yearly EPR targets by working with registered Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) and file your annual return before June 30 each year.
Customs can stop shipments, CPCB may impose penalties, and your business can face legal action for selling unregistered plastic packaging in India.
