India’s Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 and the 2025 Amendment have transformed the way businesses deal with imported batteries. Importers of lithium-ion, lead-acid, and EV batteries are no longer just responsible for customs clearances — they now shoulder end-to-end environmental accountability.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has made it clear:
No importer can operate without EPR registration.
From July 2025, all imported batteries must carry a barcode/QR code linked to the CPCB EPR license number.
Annual and quarterly compliance filings are non-negotiable.
This guide covers everything battery importers must know — rules, obligations, fees, penalties, and compliance steps — with a focus on practical implementation.
Why EPR Matters for Importers
Importers are treated as “Producers” under Indian law because they place batteries on the Indian market. The government wants clear accountability for the collection, recycling, and safe disposal of every imported battery.
For importers, EPR is not just a legal formality. It impacts:
Customs clearances – CPCB registration is increasingly checked at ports.
Key takeaway: Importers have relatively lower fees, but higher operational compliance (returns, barcoding, SPCB reporting).
Step-by-Step Guide for Importer EPR Registration
Sign Up – Create login at CPCB’s Battery Portal.
Enter Company Details – GST, PAN, IEC, CIN.
Upload Documents – IEC, GST, PAN, consents.
Select Battery Type – Lithium-ion, Lead-acid, Nickel-Cadmium, Zinc, EV.
Import Data – Year-wise quantity (in kg) placed on Indian market.
Pay Fees – Based on turnover slab.
CPCB Review – 15 working days to approve / raise queries.
Receive Certificate – Valid for 5 years.
File Returns – Quarterly and annual returns mandatory.
Recent Updates Importers Must Track
Barcode/QR Mandate (July 2025): Non-compliance = suspension of registration.
Cross-Category Importers: If you import electronics + batteries + plastics, you need separate EPR registrations.
EPR Certificates: Importers must purchase EPR certificates from registered recyclers for compliance.
RoHS Declarations: For EEE + batteries, importers must self-certify RoHS compliance.
Quarterly Returns: Missing one quarter blocks the next filing.
Case Study: How Compliance Saved a Foreign Importer
In 2024, a German electronics company importing EV batteries into India faced scrutiny at customs. Because they had:
Registered with CPCB under the ₹20,000 fee slab
Printed barcodes on packaging (as per upcoming 2025 rule)
Filed quarterly returns correctly
Their consignments were cleared without delay, and they avoided penalties across five states. Competitors without compliance faced detention of goods worth crores.
Compliance Timeline for Importers
Activity
Timeline
EPR Registration
Before first import shipment
Quarterly Returns
Every 3 months (sequential)
Annual Return
By 30 June every year
Registration Renewal
Every 5 years
Barcode Mandate
Effective 1 July 2025
Facts & Numbers for 2025
Importer Registration Fee: ₹10,000–40,000 based on turnover
Plan Early: Don’t wait until the shipment arrives — register CPCB well in advance.
Barcoding Compliance: Coordinate with packaging vendors before July 2025.
Hire Experts: Green Permits can handle filings, queries, and liaison with CPCB/SPCB.
Cross-category Watch: If importing batteries + electronics + plastics, get separate registrations.
Track Updates: Rules are evolving — penalties will only get stricter.
FAQs
Is EPR registration compulsory for all battery importers?
Yes. Every importer must register with CPCB under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.
What are the new updates for 2025?
From July 2025, barcoding of EPR numbers is mandatory on batteries and packaging.
What are the fees for importer registration?
₹10,000 to ₹40,000 depending on annual turnover.
Can one importer register for multiple categories (EEE + Batteries)?
No. Each category (EEE, batteries, plastics) requires a separate registration.
What happens if quarterly returns are missed?
The system will not allow filing of subsequent returns until the missed return is filed.
What penalties apply for non-compliance?
Suspension of license, financial penalties, seizure of goods, and blacklisting by CPCB.
Conclusion
Battery importers in India are entering a new compliance era. With barcode mandates, CPCB portal filings, and SPCB oversight, there is no margin for error. Importers who plan ahead, register early, and partner with compliance experts will enjoy smooth customs clearance and long-term market access.
