When Meera Industries, a mid-sized FMCG manufacturer in Gujarat, was ready to expand its product line in early 2024, the company faced an unexpected roadblock. Its shipments were held at customs because it lacked an EPR Plastic Registration Certificate.
What seemed like a minor compliance oversight quickly became a major setback — two weeks of halted production, delayed deliveries, and financial losses.
Stories like Meera’s are now common across India. With the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2025, EPR compliance is no longer optional. It’s a legal and operational necessity for any business dealing with plastic packaging or imports.
This guide will walk you through every step — from understanding EPR to completing your registration and staying compliant with CPCB’s 2025 framework.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is India’s regulatory mechanism to ensure that the producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) take responsibility for the lifecycle of their plastic products — right from production to recycling or disposal.
Introduced under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and strengthened through subsequent amendments, EPR ensures that plastic waste is collected, processed, and recycled sustainably.
In 2025, the CPCB expanded its mandate through new amendments that make digital traceability and QR/barcode labeling compulsory on plastic packaging to track registered producers.
Failing to register under EPR can lead to:
For importers, unregistered shipments are no longer cleared at ports. For manufacturers, the absence of EPR registration can block business with registered partners.
Simply put — no registration, no business.
If your company uses, produces, sells, or imports plastic packaging, you are required to register on the CPCB EPR Portal (eprplastic.cpcb.gov.in).
Eligible entities include:
Each entity must register individually under its applicable category to legally operate.
| Provision | Earlier (2022) | Now (2025 Update) |
|---|---|---|
| Barcode/QR on Packaging | Not mandatory | Mandatory for all PIBOs from 1 July 2025 |
| Entities Required | PIBOs only | Includes Manufacturers & Traders |
| Registration Validity | 1 year | Renewal validity increased to 3 years |
| Portal | Limited modules | Unified CPCB Portal: eprplastic.cpcb.gov.in |
| Penalty | Generic EC | Explicit daily penalties under Section 15 (EPA, 1986) |
Go to eprplastic.cpcb.gov.in and click on “Apply for EPR Registration.”
Create your user profile by providing:
Tip: Double-check that your address matches your GST certificate — mismatched data is a top reason for rejection.
| Document | Purpose / Remarks |
|---|---|
| PAN & GST Certificates | Identity verification and legal proof |
| CIN/IEC (for importers) | Business registration & import license |
| Consent to Operate (CTO) | Environmental clearance by SPCB/PCC |
| District Industries Centre (DIC) Registration | For manufacturing facilities |
| Process Flow Diagram | Required for plastic producers |
| Signed Undertaking & Cover Letter | Self-declaration of authenticity & compliance |
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format and signed by the authorized representative.
As per CPCB guidelines, the following fee structure applies:
| Plastic Waste Generation (TPA) | Registration Fee (₹) | Annual Processing Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| < 1,000 | 10,000 | 2,500 |
| 1,000–10,000 | 20,000 | 5,000 |
| > 10,000 | 50,000 | 12,500 |
Fees are payable through the integrated payment gateway on the CPCB portal.
Once submitted, CPCB reviews the application digitally.
New registrations remain valid for 1 year, and renewals are granted for 3 years.
After registration, every PIBO must:
Avoiding these errors ensures faster processing and prevents rejections.
| Entity Type | EPR Validity | Fee Range (₹) | Processing Time | Penalty for Violation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Producer / Importer / Brand Owner | 1 year (3-year renewal) | 10,000–50,000 | 15–30 days | ₹1 lakh per day (EPA Act) |
| Plastic Waste Processor | 5 years | 5,000–50,000 | 15 days | License suspension, EC levy |
| Year | Plastic Waste Generated (MT) | Recycled (%) | Landfilled (%) | Registered PIBOs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4.1 million | 58% | 38% | 3,250 |
| 2025 (Projected) | 4.5 million | 64% | 32% | 6,100 |
The surge in EPR registrations indicates increasing compliance awareness and enforcement.
For many companies, early EPR compliance has turned into a competitive edge.
An electronics importer in Noida who registered in 2024 secured supply contracts with two major retail chains that only source from compliant partners.
Within months, they saw higher sales, smoother customs clearance, and stronger brand reputation.
Compliance is now a business enabler, not a burden.
In a regulatory landscape that’s becoming more transparent and traceable, EPR Plastic Registration is the foundation of sustainable business growth in India.
For companies planning to expand, export, or even retain domestic credibility, timely registration is not just about avoiding penalties — it’s about building a responsible, resilient brand for the future.
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CPCB, after verifying the documents and fees.
New registration – 1 year; Renewal – 3 years.
Yes, through authorized Indian representatives or importers.
Yes. From July 1, 2025, all registered PIBOs must print a barcode or QR code linked to their CPCB registration number.
Your registration may be suspended, and penalties imposed under the Environment Protection Act.
