How to File EPR Battery Annual Returns on CPCB Portal

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At EcoVolt Industries, the compliance head stared at the CPCB portal with concern. The deadline for filing their EPR Battery Annual Return was only a week away, but the team was confused about what data to upload. Their sales numbers were ready, but the portal’s “Generate Report” button left them puzzled.

Many Indian producers find themselves in the same position each June — rushing to complete filings at the last minute. The process doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and understanding of CPCB’s portal, filing your EPR Battery Annual Return can be simple, accurate, and quick.

1. Why Annual Return Filing Matters for Battery Producers

Filing your annual return is not just another task — it’s proof that your organization is responsibly managing its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, make it mandatory for all registered producers, importers, and manufacturers to submit their annual return to CPCB by June 30 of the following financial year.

The data you submit ensures:

  • Verification of your recycling and refurbishing performance against assigned EPR targets.
  • Accountability for the waste batteries introduced into the market.
  • Validation that EPR certificates obtained from recyclers match your declared obligations.

Neglecting to file can lead to delays in renewals, compliance penalties, or even suspension of registration. It’s the regulatory foundation of your EPR journey.

2. Prepare Before You Log In: Data & Documents Checklist

To ensure a smooth filing experience, gather the following data before logging into the CPCB portal. Many producers face rejections because documents are missing or incorrectly formatted.

Document / Dataset Purpose Where to Find It
Year-wise battery sales (in kilograms) Used to calculate your EPR obligation Sales records or ERP system
Battery types and compositions Determines EPR targets for each chemistry Registration form or product list
EPR certificates from recyclers Evidence of recycled quantities CPCB portal downloads
Awareness activity details Required for annual returns CSR or marketing department
Proof of GST, PAN, and CIN Validates company identity Registration data
Invoices of waste battery sales Optional support for daily sales Internal accounts

Pro tip: Ensure all files are under 2 MB, preferably in PDF format. Use consistent naming (e.g., “FY24_SalesData.pdf”) and avoid spaces or special characters.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Filing EPR Battery Annual Returns

Step 1: Log In to the CPCB Battery EPR Portal

Visit the official website https://eprbattery.cpcb.gov.in.
Use the same authorized email ID and password you used during registration.
If your organization has updated its contact details, complete a profile amendment first so your login credentials remain valid.

Step 2: Access the Return Section

After logging in, go to the Return tab on the left-hand menu and click Generate Report.
Select the financial year or quarter you wish to file. A new window will open displaying your registered entity’s name and details.

Check that your GST, CIN, and authorized person’s name match your registration records. Incorrect data should be corrected before continuing.

Step 3: Review and Confirm EPR Obligations

The system auto-populates your EPR target summary, based on the sales data submitted during registration.

Check for:

  • Correct battery categories (portable, industrial, automotive, or EV).
  • Accurate weight and composition of batteries sold.
  • Alignment with your EPR certificates from recyclers.

Click Save & Next once you’ve confirmed everything.

Step 4: Add Awareness Program Details

Producers must report awareness initiatives promoting safe battery disposal. For quarterly returns, this section is optional. For annual returns, it’s mandatory.

You can include:

  • Workshops or webinars on battery recycling.
  • Campaigns run with dealers or collection partners.
  • Educational content for customers (flyers, posters, online videos).

Upload a short summary and any proof documents (posters, attendance sheets, media snippets).

Step 5: Upload Supporting Files and Data

Attach the following PDFs under the relevant tabs:

  • Sales summary for the financial year.
  • EPR certificates or recycler acknowledgments.
  • Awareness program documentation.
  • Balance sheet or GSTR-9 for the previous financial year (if requested).

The portal will validate each upload automatically. Avoid large file sizes and keep filenames clean and readable.

Step 6: Submit the Return

Navigate to the Submission tab. Review all details once more.
Click Submit and confirm when prompted.

Once complete, a message — “Return Submitted Successfully” — appears on your dashboard. You can then download your acknowledgment receipt, which serves as proof of compliance.

Important: You cannot file returns out of order. Each quarter must be completed before the next one becomes available.

4. Common Errors to Avoid

Mistake Effect How to Prevent It
Skipping the awareness section in annual filing Submission rejected Always include even a brief summary
Uploading Excel or image files instead of PDFs Upload failure Convert all files to PDF before upload
Selecting the wrong financial year Data mismatch Verify FY before generating the report
Forgetting to save before submission Data loss Use “Save & Next” at each stage
Entering sales in units instead of kilograms Recalculation error Record data in dry weight (kg) only

Building an internal checklist for these steps helps ensure accuracy every time.

5. Tracking and Acknowledgment After Submission

Once you’ve submitted your return:

  • The portal automatically assigns a Submission ID for tracking.
  • You can download the acknowledgment from Returns → View Submitted Reports.
  • Any feedback or remarks from CPCB officers will appear under your portal’s “Remarks” section.

If CPCB requests clarification, respond promptly with supporting data. Delay in clarifications may postpone renewal approval.

6. What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If your annual return is not filed by June 30:

  • CPCB may suspend your registration until compliance is restored.
  • You could be liable for environmental compensation.
  • Renewal applications will not be processed until pending filings are completed.

Filing on time saves not just penalties but also administrative stress during renewals.

7. Advantages of Timely Filing

  • Business Continuity: Renewal and verification happen faster when records are consistent.
  • Transparency: Data uploaded regularly helps CPCB track national recycling performance, and your brand appears in good standing.
  • Reputation: Consistent compliance signals your company’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Audit Readiness: All supporting files stay organized and accessible during CPCB audits.

Conclusion

EPR compliance is not just about avoiding penalties — it reflects your company’s integrity in managing environmental responsibility. With the CPCB portal now streamlined, filing your EPR Battery Annual Return can be done in a single session if you’re prepared with the right data.

Start early, verify each entry, and file before June 30 every year to stay compliant and worry-free.

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FAQs

By June 30 of the following financial year for which the data applies.

Only for the annual return; quarterly returns can skip it.

No, but you can raise a correction request through CPCB’s helpdesk.

No, each registered entity must file separately.

CPCB can impose environmental compensation and delay renewal of your registration.