When Rohit Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd., a mid-sized lithium battery recycling company based in Pune, applied for its EPR authorization, the founder expected a quick approval. But a small mistake — uploading non-geo-tagged images — delayed the entire process by two months, affecting supply contracts and EPR certificate sales.
Such delays are more common than most recyclers realize. Whether you are a new entrant in the recycling business or already operating a plant, obtaining proper EPR authorization is not just a regulatory checkbox — it is the legal backbone that allows you to operate, generate EPR credits, and maintain trust with your clients.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy mechanism under which manufacturers and importers of batteries are responsible for managing end-of-life waste generated from their products. But this system depends on registered recyclers, who perform the actual recycling and issue verifiable recovery certificates.
Under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 (as amended in 2025), no recycler can operate or issue certificates without registration on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) EPR Portal.
For recyclers, this authorization provides:
This process also helps build transparency — every kilogram of recovered metal is traceable, ensuring a circular and compliant ecosystem for battery waste in India.
Every entity involved in dismantling, recovering, or refining materials from waste batteries must apply for authorization. This includes:
Even if your plant only performs physical separation or smelting, registration under EPR is mandatory. The SPCB uses this information to verify your plant’s technology, installed capacity, and environmental safeguards before approving your license.
Let’s walk through how a recycling unit can successfully obtain EPR authorization and start operating legally in India.
Visit the official EPR Battery Portal (www.eprbatterycpcb.in) and select the Recycler Registration option. You’ll create login credentials using your business details and authorized signatory’s contact information.
After OTP verification, your account will be created. This login ID will be used for:
Why this matters: Your login becomes your official compliance identity — losing access or entering incorrect details can lead to submission errors and delays.
Before starting the application, ensure you have clear and properly named PDF copies (under 2 MB each) of these documents:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| GST, PAN, CIN | Basic company identity proofs |
| Valid Consent under Air & Water Acts | Proof that your unit is legally allowed to operate |
| Authorization under Hazardous Waste Rules | Required for facilities processing any waste or sludge |
| DIC Registration | For units registered with District Industries Centre |
| Process Flow Diagram | Must show input, output, and intermediate steps of recycling |
| Geo-tagged Photographs | Of plant location, waste storage, machinery, and processing area |
| Short Video Clip | A 360° walkthrough of your facility for CPCB’s verification |
Tip: Use clear filenames and check that all documents have the same business name as in GST.
The EPR portal divides the form into six key sections:
The form also asks for details of waste procured and recycled in the last three financial years. Even if your facility is new, you must enter “0” for previous years instead of leaving fields blank.
| Installed Capacity (Tonnes per Year) | Application Fee (₹) | Annual Processing Fee (25%) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1,000 | 10,000 | 2,500 |
| 1,000 – 5,000 | 20,000 | 5,000 |
| Above 5,000 | 40,000 | 10,000 |
Note: The same amount applies during renewal, and payment is made through the portal’s online gateway.
Delays in fee payment can lock your submission temporarily, so ensure timely transactions.
Once your application is submitted, the concerned SPCB or PCC (Pollution Control Committee) processes it within 15 working days.
If additional information is required, you’ll receive an email or dashboard notification.
In some states, if the board fails to process the application within this period, deemed registration is automatically granted.
Within 30 days of approval, an on-site audit may be conducted to verify machinery, environmental measures, and operational capacity. The audit confirms that your plant actually performs the functions mentioned in your application.
After receiving authorization, your recycler account will be activated with an EPR Wallet on the portal.
You can start generating certificates for every tonne of metal recovered and sold to registered producers.
The key metals include:
For instance, if your plant recycles 500 kg of lithium-ion batteries and recovers 100 kg of cobalt and 50 kg of nickel, you’ll be able to issue EPR certificates worth that quantity. These certificates can be traded with producers through the CPCB system.
Business relevance: This becomes a direct revenue source for recyclers. The more accurately you record your recovery data, the faster you can generate EPR credits and sell them to producers meeting their compliance targets.
Your authorization remains valid for five years, but quarterly reporting is mandatory.
You must file:
Returns include data on waste procured, processed, and metals sold. Late submissions attract penalties or suspension.
Before renewal, SPCB officers review your return history, so missing reports can delay the renewal process.
| Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Operate only with registered producers and refurbishers | Transactions with unregistered entities are invalid and can cause cancellation |
| Maintain transparent recordkeeping | All invoices, lab reports, and metal sale documents should match portal entries |
| Display authorization details on-site | Registration number and validity must be visibly displayed in the plant |
| Comply with new labeling norms (2025) | Barcodes or QR codes with EPR registration numbers must appear on battery or packaging |
| Cooperate during audits | Failure to assist inspection teams can result in suspension or fines |
Non-compliance can lead to serious business disruptions:
Real-world case: In 2024, a Delhi-based recycler lost its EPR privileges for submitting duplicate metal sales invoices. The suspension prevented it from issuing new EPR certificates for a full year, severely impacting cash flow.
Securing EPR authorization early has clear operational and financial benefits:
Green Permits Consulting Private Limited assists recyclers across India in obtaining, renewing, and maintaining EPR authorizations seamlessly. The team ensures document accuracy, portal filing, and audit preparedness from start to finish.
Call +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a consultation today to keep your recycling business fully compliant.
The concerned SPCB issues it via the CPCB’s centralized EPR Battery Portal.
Five years, subject to quarterly and annual return compliance.
Yes, through the portal’s digital wallet, ensuring transparency and traceability.
Operations are considered non-compliant, and trading access is suspended until renewal.
Yes. A fresh application must be filed reflecting the new capacity and equipment details.
