Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is no longer optional for Indian importers. Whether you bring in electronics, plastic packaging, batteries, or packaged consumer goods, the rules now mandate registration on the CPCB EPR portal before you can legally import and sell in India.
From July 2025, every importer must ensure barcodes or QR codes linked to their EPR number are printed on packaging and product brochures. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has tightened enforcement under the E-Waste, Plastic Waste, and Battery Waste Management Rules.
If you are an importer, this guide gives you the step-by-step roadmap—covering documents, portal signup, fees, and return filing—so you can stay compliant, avoid penalties, and protect your business growth.
Any business that imports goods with plastic packaging, batteries, or electronic components into India must register as a “Producer” on the CPCB portal. This includes:
Even if you don’t manufacture locally, importing finished goods makes you liable under EPR.
Before creating an account on the EPR portal, prepare the following:
Visit the CPCB’s EPR portals depending on your product category:
Create your login credentials using company email, mobile OTP, and IEC/GST details.
Once logged in, fill your application in parts:
CPCB charges depend on waste category and sales/import volume.
E-Waste Importer / Producer Fee Slabs
Battery Importer Fee (Turnover-Based)
Plastic Importer Fee
Annual Maintenance Charge: ₹5,000 for all entities
Importers must ensure foreign suppliers print these on packaging before export.
| Entity | Authority | Fees | Obligations | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Importer | CPCB (if >2 states) / SPCB (≤2 states) | ₹2,500 – ₹15L (EEE), turnover slabs for batteries, TPA slabs for plastics | Register IEC, print barcode/QR, file quarterly & annual returns | 5 years |
| Producer | CPCB | Same as importer | Register brand + products, awareness plan, meet recycling targets | 5 years |
| Brand Owner | CPCB / SPCB | ₹10k – ₹50k (plastics) | Ensure packaging waste collected via PWPs | 1–3 years |
| Recycler | CPCB / SPCB | ₹15,000 (registration), AMC ₹5,000 | Issue EPR certificates against actual recycling | 5 years |
A Singapore-based electronics company importing laptops into India applied for EPR in late 2024. Their average annual import was 80 MT of EEE, putting them in the ₹7,500 fee slab.
By registering before the July 2025 barcode deadline, they avoided shipment delays at customs and secured their CPCB certificate in 28 days. They also tied up with an authorized recycler in Delhi, ensuring smooth return filings across 5 states.
Depends on waste type — ₹2,500–₹15L (EEE by weight), ₹10k–₹40k (batteries by turnover), ₹10k–₹50k (plastics by TPA).
Yes. Each waste stream has its own CPCB portal. Multi-category importers must register under all applicable rules.
You still need Plastic EPR registration as a PIBO, since packaging enters the Indian market.
Delayed or missed returns can lead to suspension of registration, financial penalties, and restrictions on imports.
If you operate in ≤2 states, SPCB grants registration; if >2 states, CPCB handles it. SPCBs may also inspect storage facilities.
Technically no. Customs may clear consignments, but CPCB can penalize you later. Best practice: secure EPR before imports.
EPR compliance is no longer just for large manufacturers. Importers are now in the spotlight—with barcoding, quarterly returns, and stricter CPCB oversight.
If you’re an importer of electronics, batteries, plastics, or packaged goods, the time to act is now.
Green Permits Consulting can help you navigate the entire importer registration process — from documentation and portal filing to barcode compliance and return filing.
Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
Mobile: +91 78350 06182
