In early 2024, a Delhi-based FMCG startup was gearing up for its first major product launch. The packaging was designed, distributors were lined up, and advertising had begun. But just days before dispatch, the supplier halted the shipment.
“We can’t move forward until your CPCB EPR registration is verified.”
That single oversight caused a three-week delay, missed retail slots, and financial losses running into lakhs. The team learned a hard lesson—compliance is not optional.
If you manufacture, import, or sell goods packed in plastic, this story is your warning. EPR registration is not just paperwork—it’s your license to operate responsibly in India’s evolving compliance ecosystem.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the foundation of India’s plastic waste management system. It ensures that the responsibility for a product does not end when it is sold; it continues until the plastic packaging is collected, recycled, and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
Under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2025, every business involved in plastic packaging—Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs)—must:
The goal is to push industries toward a circular economy where plastics are not just used, but reused and recycled, creating a closed loop of sustainability.
The Plastic Waste Management Rules define PIBOs as:
If you fall into any of these categories, registration under the CPCB’s online portal is mandatory. Without it, your products cannot legally enter the Indian market.
Why registration matters:
The CPCB also mandates that PIBOs only deal with registered recyclers, producers, and waste processors to ensure every link in the supply chain is compliant.
The registration process is completely online and can be completed through www.cpcbeprplastic.in.
Before you begin, prepare the following:
| Step | Description | Approx. Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sign Up | Create an account on the CPCB EPR Portal using your official email and verify via OTP. | Instant |
| 2. Fill the Application Form | Upload the required documents, select your PIBO category, and submit basic information. | 1–2 hours |
| 3. Review by CPCB/SPCB | CPCB reviews the application and issues a deficiency note (if required) within 25 working days. | 15–30 days |
| 4. Grant of Registration | Once verified, a digital registration certificate is issued online. | Within 30 working days |
| Plastic Waste Generated (TPA) | Application Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| < 1,000 tonnes | 10,000 |
| 1,000 – <10,000 tonnes | 20,000 |
| >10,000 tonnes | 50,000 |
25% of this fee is also payable annually as processing charges at the time of return filing.
Once registered, PIBOs are expected to follow a structured compliance regime. These obligations ensure accountability across the plastic lifecycle—from production to recycling.
Each PIBO must collect and recycle a specific percentage of plastic packaging equivalent to what it places on the market. These targets increase year-on-year and vary by plastic category (Rigid, Flexible, Multilayered, Compostable).
All PIBOs must file returns online, providing data on plastic placed in the market, recycled quantities, and certificates obtained from recyclers. Returns are due every quarter and annually by 30 June following the financial year.
All waste processing and recycling must be done through registered Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) on the CPCB portal.
Every invoice, certificate, and recycling proof must be retained for at least three years and be available for verification by CPCB or SPCB officials.
Failing to comply can lead to suspension of registration, heavy fines, and even stoppage of production or import operations.
The 2025 amendment brings important changes every PIBO should be aware of.
Starting 1 July 2025, every PIBO must print either a barcode or QR code on plastic packaging, product brochures, or outer bulk packs. This code must include the company’s CPCB EPR registration number.
This change ensures traceability across the supply chain and enables authorities and consumers to verify compliance.
CPCB will publish a quarterly list of PIBOs that have provided complete and accurate information. This list acts as a public verification tool — appearing on the list will enhance your brand’s reputation for transparency and compliance.
A new rule empowers regulators to take strict action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Non-compliance can lead to:
In short, compliance isn’t optional — it’s a brand safeguard.
| Return Type | Frequency | Information to Include | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterly Return | Every 3 months | Quantity of packaging introduced, recycled amount, certificates obtained | Within 30 days of quarter end |
| Annual Return | Once a year | Full summary, awareness initiatives, recycled content details | By 30 June every year |
Pro tip: Always ensure your quarterly filings are complete. The portal does not allow submission of annual returns if quarterly reports are pending.
Avoiding these simple mistakes can save weeks of delay and thousands in penalties.
The Struggling Importer:
A Chennai-based importer was unable to clear shipments because its IEC and GST details didn’t match on the EPR portal. The application was rejected twice. After correcting these details, approval came through in a week — saving future import blocks.
The Early Brand Owner:
A Mumbai beverage brand registered months before the 2025 deadline. When the barcode compliance rule took effect, their packaging was already updated. CPCB listed them as a compliant brand, boosting retailer confidence and online sales.
These examples prove that proactive compliance not only saves time but also adds tangible business value.
While EPR rules may seem like a regulatory burden, forward-thinking businesses are using compliance to strengthen their market position.
In short, EPR compliance isn’t just about following the law — it’s about running a future-ready business.
EPR compliance for plastic packaging is no longer a choice; it’s the standard for responsible business in India. The upcoming 2025 amendments make compliance visible, traceable, and enforceable.
Registering early, filing returns diligently, and aligning with certified recyclers will save your company time, cost, and reputational risk. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, taking action today ensures you stay ahead of tomorrow’s regulations.
📞 Need Help with CPCB EPR Registration or Annual Return Filing?
Call: +91 78350 06182
Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a Consultation with Green Permits — India’s trusted environmental compliance and certification partner.
All producers, importers, and brand owners using plastic packaging in India must register with CPCB.
Usually 30 working days, provided all documents are correct and verified.
Between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000 depending on the quantity of plastic introduced annually.
From 1 July 2025, PIBOs must print barcodes or QR codes carrying their EPR registration numbers.
Fines and suspension under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and removal from CPCB’s active PIBO list.
