In 2024, Voltmax Energy Pvt. Ltd., a mid-sized lithium battery importer from Pune, found its cargo stuck at the Mumbai port. The reason? Their EPR registration number was missing from invoices. Weeks of delay cost the firm ₹58 lakh in pending orders.
But within three months of obtaining EPR registration and linking with certified recyclers, Voltmax not only cleared its compliance backlog — it also began earning recycling credits that offset future costs.
Their story captures the new reality: EPR isn’t just paperwork. Under India’s evolving Battery Waste Management Rules, it’s the gateway to smoother logistics, credibility with OEM partners, and long-term sustainability.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is more than a rule — it’s a shift in accountability. It ensures that whoever places a battery on the market is also responsible for ensuring its safe collection, recycling, or refurbishment once it reaches the end of life.
Think of it as the “reverse supply chain” for the battery industry.
India’s battery market is projected to cross ₹40,000 crore by 2025, driven by EVs, solar storage, and portable electronics. Without regulation, this would lead to uncontrolled metal waste — lead, lithium, and cobalt — that can contaminate soil and water.
The EPR framework ensures:
Every producer, manufacturer, or importer — no matter how small — must therefore register with CPCB before selling or importing any battery product in India.
EPR applies to every entity involved in manufacturing, importing, refurbishing, or selling batteries or equipment that includes them.
You must register if your company:
Even companies that import batteries for in-house use are legally treated as producers.
The biggest misconception among new businesses is that only “battery manufacturers” need registration. In fact, brand owners, traders, OEMs, and importers all fall under EPR obligations.
Registering under the Battery Waste Management Rules involves structured online steps through the CPCB portal.
| Step | Action Required | Key Details / Documents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Create an Account | Register on eprbattery.cpcb.gov.in | Company PAN, GST, CIN, and Authorized Person details |
| 2 – Fill the Form (A–F) | Enter general info, battery categories, sales data, material composition, and upload documents | The portal automatically calculates recycling targets after submission |
| 3 – Upload Supporting Files | PAN, GST, CIN, IEC (if importer), Air/Water consent, DIC registration | Ensure details match business documents exactly |
| 4 – Pay the Fee Online | Fee based on annual turnover | ₹10,000 (< ₹5 Cr), ₹20,000 (₹5–50 Cr), ₹40,000 (> ₹50 Cr) |
| 5 – CPCB Verification | Application processed within 15 working days | Validity: 5 years |
| 6 – Renewal | Apply 60 days before expiry | Renewal fee same as registration fee |
A producer who follows these steps can typically get a registration certificate within two to three weeks, provided the GST and CIN details match CPCB records.
EPR compliance differs by battery chemistry, since each involves unique materials and recycling efficiencies.
| Battery Type | Common Use | Key Metals Recovered |
|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid | Automotive, UPS, inverter | Lead (Pb) |
| Lithium-ion | EVs, solar packs, consumer electronics | Lithium (Li), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), Aluminium (Al) |
| Nickel–Cadmium | Industrial tools | Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd) |
| Zinc-based | Small electronics | Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) |
| Refurbished / Second-life | Repaired or reassembled units | Mixed metals |
Each producer receives a target expressed as a percentage of sales from previous years. For example, if a company sold 1,000 kg of lithium-ion batteries five years ago, it must recycle an assigned portion (say 40–60%) of that material in 2025 through authorized recyclers.
Once registered, producers must meet their obligations by obtaining EPR certificates from approved recyclers.
Each certificate represents the verified quantity of recycled metals such as lead, nickel, lithium, or cobalt.
Example:
If your company sells 800 kg of EV batteries in 2020–21, and your 2025 target is 400 kg (50%), you can fulfill this by purchasing 400 kg worth of verified EPR certificates from registered recyclers.
This model not only ensures compliance but also encourages recyclers to expand capacity — creating a transparent, credit-based ecosystem.
In February 2025, the Ministry of Environment introduced major updates to simplify compliance and traceability.
These changes have reduced operational confusion for importers and manufacturers, making 2025 the most streamlined year yet for EPR compliance.
EPR isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing responsibility. Every registered producer must submit quarterly and annual returns through the CPCB portal.
| Return Type | Timeline | What to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterly | Within 30 days after each quarter | Sales data, recycled quantity, EPR certificates purchased, awareness campaigns conducted |
| Annual | By June 30 of the following year | Consolidated report of sales, recycling, EPR target achievement |
Missing return deadlines can delay renewal or even lead to registration suspension. Many businesses hire consultants or compliance partners to ensure timely filings.
Failing to meet EPR obligations can have serious financial and operational consequences.
Possible actions include:
For example, several Delhi-based battery importers in 2024 faced penalties of ₹5–₹10 lakh each for non-filing of annual returns.
The takeaway: staying compliant costs far less than recovering from a suspension notice.
A Gujarat-based EV component company initially treated EPR as a legal burden. But after integrating compliance into its operations, it discovered a new advantage — by reclaiming metals from used modules, it reduced raw material costs by 8% within a year.
Compliance not only helped avoid fines but turned waste into a profit stream. This is the power of aligning sustainability with business strategy.
By registering early, companies gain:
In short, EPR compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about future-proofing your business.
The sooner you integrate EPR into your operations, the easier it becomes to scale responsibly.
Navigating CPCB’s portal, calculating recycling targets, and managing annual returns can be overwhelming. That’s where Green Permits helps.
Our experts provide:
With our experience in environmental compliance, we help you focus on growth while staying fully aligned with the latest EPR norms.
📞 +91 78350 06182 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
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The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through its online battery EPR portal.
Yes. Every importer of batteries or battery-containing equipment must register and meet collection targets.
Five years, with renewal required 60 days before expiry.
They are proof of recycled metal recovered by authorized recyclers, which producers purchase to meet targets.
CPCB can impose environmental compensation and suspend registration until compliance is achieved.
Yes. All recyclers and refurbishers must register with State Pollution Control Boards on the same CPCB portal.
