Earlier this year, Sayed, a young entrepreneur from Pune, proudly opened his tyre recycling plant. His operations were going well — until an unexpected email arrived from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The message? His EPR return filing was delayed. Within days, his CPCB portal access was temporarily locked, and he faced the possibility of an Environmental Compensation (EC) fine.
Sayed’s story isn’t rare. Many recyclers and importers are unaware of the Tyre Waste Management Rules 2025 updates, which have reshaped how the industry reports, recycles, and stays compliant.
If you deal with tyres in any form — from manufacturing to retreading — understanding these new rules could save you lakhs in penalties and lost business time.
The Tyre Waste Management Rules 2025, an extension of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, are designed to make tyre producers and recyclers accountable for the environmental impact of their products.
The rules were first amended in 2022 to include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for tyres, and several refinements were added between 2023 and 2025.
Here’s what the 2025 framework means in simple terms:
In essence: The government has moved from paper-based compliance to a real-time, audit-friendly digital ecosystem.
Every stakeholder in the tyre value chain now falls under the EPR umbrella. Here’s how:
Even if you operate on a small scale, registration is mandatory. Without a valid CPCB registration number:
In short: Registration is your business license to operate in the tyre recycling ecosystem — not just a formality.
Getting registered may sound intimidating, but the process is straightforward if done correctly.
Here’s how most recyclers and producers can do it:
After verification, CPCB issues a unique EPR Registration Number, which you must display on all documents and returns.
Pro tip: Double-check that uploaded files are named correctly and are under the prescribed size — most rejections happen due to basic file errors, not compliance issues.
The EPR certificate mechanism isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s also an opportunity for recyclers to earn revenue and for producers to maintain compliance efficiently.
Here’s how the cycle works:
Why this matters:
This digital model rewards genuine recyclers who operate responsibly — every tonne recycled now has measurable value. At the same time, producers can avoid penalties by purchasing legitimate certificates instead of facing fines.
| Stakeholder | Return Period (FY 2024–25) | Extended Deadline (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producers & Importers | 1 Apr 2024 – 31 Mar 2025 | 15 Aug 2025 | Latest CPCB notice (Sep 2025) |
| Recyclers & Retreaders | 1 Apr 2024 – 31 Mar 2025 | 30 Jun 2025 | As per June 2025 extension |
Interpretation:
If you miss the above deadlines, your CPCB account may be suspended, and your certificate balance frozen until you clear pending EC dues.
Missing EPR targets is no longer a soft warning — it directly translates to financial penalties.
The CPCB’s 2024 Environmental Compensation Guidelines specify slab-wise EC rates for shortfalls in EPR fulfilment.
| Non-Compliance Level | EC per Kg of Deficit | Possible Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10% | ₹ 4.20 / kg | Late filing & warning notice |
| 10–30% | ₹ 6.30 / kg | EC payment + certificate lock |
| Above 30% | ₹ 8.40 / kg | EC + account deactivation until settlement |
Interpretation:
For a mid-sized producer dealing in 200 tonnes annually, even a 10% deficit could mean an EC of ₹84,000–₹1,26,000. Staying ahead of your EPR target can turn that loss into a profit if you sell surplus certificates later.
Many entrepreneurs assume that if tyres are recyclable, they can be freely imported. That’s no longer the case.
Under MoEF&CC and DGFT norms:
Why this matters:
Several businesses have lost containers at customs due to incorrect import classification. Always confirm your product code before import — the difference between “recycled rubber” and “waste tyre” can mean the difference between clearance and confiscation.
From our experience assisting recyclers across India, here are the top mistakes that often cause trouble:
Real-world example:
A recycler in Surat faced a ₹7 lakh EC penalty for missing monthly upload updates — not for pollution, but for incomplete digital records. Timely updates and periodic checks could have prevented it.
Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it builds credibility and long-term stability.
When you align early with the 2025 rules:
In short: Compliance isn’t a cost — it’s your competitive edge in the circular economy.
The Tyre Waste Management Rules 2025 mark India’s bold step toward a more transparent and responsible recycling ecosystem.
For recyclers, producers, and importers alike, the message is simple — be proactive, not reactive.
Start early, stay consistent with filings, and use digital tracking to your advantage.
If you treat compliance as a strategic investment, you’ll not only avoid penalties but also grow faster and more sustainably.
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It means you’re responsible for ensuring that a portion of the tyres you sell are collected and recycled through authorized recyclers.
Yes. Even if you process a small volume, the EPR portal requires all recyclers and retreaders to register.
Your portal access can be suspended, and you’ll be liable for Environmental Compensation (EC).
No. MoEF&CC strictly prohibits import of waste tyres for pyrolysis due to pollution risks.
Late filings, incorrect SPCB consents, and missing documentation uploads are the top three.
