When Trinity Appliances Pvt. Ltd., a growing electronics manufacturer in Pune, expanded its product line in early 2024, the team expected challenges in production and logistics — not compliance. Within weeks of their first shipment, they received a notice from the Pollution Control Board for operating without a valid EPR registration.
The team had assumed that having a GST number and factory license was enough. But under the new E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, every producer and manufacturer dealing with electronic or electrical equipment (EEE) must be registered under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.
Their experience is not unique — many Indian businesses face similar disruptions. This guide will help you understand the complete EPR registration process for e-waste in 2025, with clear steps, required documents, official fees, and compliance benefits.
Understanding EPR for E-Waste in India
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) concept ensures that every producer or brand owner remains accountable for the waste generated by their products. The goal is to promote responsible recycling and reduce the burden of electronic waste on the environment.
Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, the following four categories of entities are required to register on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) EPR Portal:
- Manufacturers – Companies that produce electrical and electronic equipment or their parts.
- Producers – Businesses that sell under their own brand or import electronic goods into India.
- Refurbishers – Entities that repair or restore used electronics for resale.
- Recyclers – Units that process e-waste to recover valuable materials such as metals and plastics.
No business under these categories is allowed to operate without registration on the official CPCB EPR Portal: https://eprewastecpcb.in.
Registering under this system demonstrates compliance and enables smooth trade operations, especially for importers and exporters.
Step-by-Step Process for EPR Registration (2025 Update)
Getting registered for EPR might sound complex, but the process is completely digital and user-friendly. Below is the latest step-by-step outline of how a business can register on the CPCB EPR Portal.
| Stage | Key Steps | Details & Timelines |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sign Up on the Portal | Visit eprewastecpcb.in, choose “New Registration,” and enter your basic company details, GST number, and email ID. | OTP verification ensures authenticity. Your registered email and mobile will be used for all future communication. |
| 2. Application Form Filling | Choose your business category (Manufacturer, Producer, Recycler, or Refurbisher). Fill in the address, facility details, authorized person information, and geo-coordinates of the site. | The address in your application must match your GST and Consent to Operate (CTO) certificates. |
| 3. Upload Required Documents | Attach scanned copies of CTE, CTO, PAN, GST, CIN/IEC, and authorization under the Hazardous Waste Rules. Upload geo-tagged photos or video of your operational facility. | All files must be clear, valid, and uploaded in PDF format. Incorrect or missing documents can delay approval. |
| 4. Review and Submit | After submission, CPCB reviews your application. Incomplete applications receive a digital checklist with remarks. | Applicants must respond within 7 working days to address any discrepancies. |
| 5. Grant of Registration | Once approved, you receive a digital registration certificate valid for five years. | CPCB may verify your facility physically or virtually within three months of approval. |
| 6. Renewal and Annual Filing | Apply for renewal at least 120 days before expiry. Submit quarterly and annual returns on the same portal. | Producers must also upload awareness details and EPR certificate transactions annually. |
By following these steps carefully, most applications are processed within 30 working days.
Documents Required for EPR Registration
The document list varies slightly depending on your business category. However, the following documents are mandatory for all:
- Certificate of Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) under the Air and Water Acts.
- GST Certificate and PAN Card.
- Authorization under the Hazardous and Other Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
- CIN or IEC Certificate (for companies or importers).
- Geo-tagged images and a short operational video of the unit.
- Self-declaration on company letterhead confirming data authenticity, occupational safety, and fire measures.
For Producers, additional documents include:
- Chartered Accountant (CA)-certified sales data of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) placed on the market, year-wise.
- Self-declaration of compliance with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standards (EN 50581).
Submitting accurate and complete information is essential. False declarations can lead to suspension or cancellation of registration.
EPR Registration Fees — Official CPCB Structure (2025)
Below is the latest CPCB-approved fee structure for entities registering under the E-Waste Management Rules:
| Category | Type of Activity | Registration Fees (INR) | Validity / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycler | New registration | ₹15,000 | Valid for 5 years |
| Renewal (after 5 years) | ₹7,500 + ₹0.625 per MT of processed e-waste | Renewal fee includes capacity-based charges | |
| Refurbisher | New registration | ₹15,000 | Valid for 5 years |
| Renewal | ₹7,500 + ₹0.625 per MT | ||
| Manufacturer | One-time registration | ₹15,000 | No renewal required unless details change |
| Producer | Based on annual e-waste generation target | ₹2,500 to ₹15,00,000 | ₹10,000 for new or small producers |
| All Stakeholders | Annual maintenance charges (AMC) | ₹5,000 | Payable yearly on portal |
Note: Fees are non-refundable and payable only through the online payment gateway on the CPCB portal.
How EPR Certificates Are Generated and Used
Once registered, producers and manufacturers are assigned annual recycling targets. To meet these, they must purchase EPR certificates from authorized recyclers.
EPR certificates represent the quantity of metals (like copper, aluminum, or iron) recovered through proper recycling. Each certificate corresponds to a specific weight of processed e-waste.
| Metal Group | Key Materials | EPR Target Fulfilment Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Precious Metals | Gold (Au) | Gradual target increase: 20% in FY 2023–24 to 100% by FY 2028–29 |
| Non-Ferrous Metals | Copper (Cu), Aluminium (Al) | 100% obligation |
| Ferrous Metals | Iron, Steel | 100% obligation |
These certificates are traded on the portal. Producers must upload proof of certificate purchases in their annual returns to demonstrate target compliance.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to register or meet your EPR obligations can lead to significant penalties:
- Operating without registration can result in fines under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, including imprisonment in severe cases.
- False information or inactive facilities may lead to registration suspension after CPCB inspection.
- Failure to meet EPR targets can trigger Environmental Compensation (EC) payments, and targets will be carried forward to the next year.
Timely compliance not only avoids penalties but also protects your brand reputation and business continuity.
Real-World Example — A Smooth Compliance Journey
A Bengaluru-based importer, NeoVolt Tech, registered as a producer under CPCB in 2024. They reported annual sales of 5 metric tonnes of laptops and accessories. Their 2024–25 target required them to offset 0.5 MT worth of metal recovery through EPR certificates.
By partnering with an authorized recycler and filing their quarterly returns on time, NeoVolt Tech achieved full compliance and secured future imports without delays. The process also helped them showcase their sustainability efforts to global clients.
Why Businesses Should Prioritize EPR Registration
Complying with EPR regulations is no longer optional — it’s a part of responsible business growth. Here’s why early registration matters:
- Prevents operational interruptions and government penalties.
- Strengthens your company’s ESG and CSR credentials.
- Builds brand trust among environmentally conscious clients and consumers.
- Simplifies future expansion, especially for import/export-based operations.
- Supports India’s circular economy and sustainability goals.
Conclusion — Compliance Made Simple
EPR Registration is more than a legal checkbox — it’s a foundation for sustainable business operations in India. By completing registration early, maintaining accurate records, and fulfilling annual targets, you can focus on growth without compliance worries.
At Green Permits Consulting, we help businesses simplify the process, prepare documents, and manage the entire CPCB registration from start to finish.
📞 Call Us: +91 78350 06182
📧 Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
Book a Consultation with Green Permits to get your EPR registration or renewal done quickly and accurately.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
All manufacturers, producers, recyclers, and refurbishers dealing with electronic or electrical equipment (EEE) listed in Schedule I must register with CPCB.
Five years for recyclers and refurbishers. Manufacturers have a one-time registration, and producers must renew after five years.
Yes. If a company functions under more than one category (for example, as both producer and recycler), separate registrations are required.
Penalties include suspension of registration, environmental compensation, or legal action under the Environment Protection Act.
Producers purchase certificates from registered recyclers to offset their recycling targets each year.
Apply online through the official CPCB portal: https://eprewastecpcb.in .
