EPR Registration in India 2026: Plastic, E-Waste, Battery, Tyre & Used Oil
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in India is no longer limited to only plastic and e-waste. CPCB currently operates or supports separate EPR frameworks and portals covering major waste streams including plastic packaging, e-waste, batteries, waste tyres and used oil. The exact registration category, target, certificate mechanism and annual-return requirement depends on the applicable waste-management rules.
Current EPR areas to check
- Plastic packaging
- Electrical and electronic equipment / e-waste
- Battery waste
- Waste tyres
- Used oil
Do not treat every EPR registration as the same certificate
The phrase “EPR certificate” is commonly used in business discussions, but legally and operationally the process differs by waste stream. A producer may need registration on a CPCB portal, may have annual EPR obligations, and may fulfil those obligations through registered recyclers and electronic certificates/credits where the relevant rules provide for them.
| Waste stream | Who commonly needs to check EPR | Typical compliance focus |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic packaging | Producers, importers and brand owners dealing with plastic packaging | Registration, category-wise obligations, recycling/reuse/end-of-life targets, annual reporting |
| E-waste | Producers of covered electrical/electronic equipment | Registration, EPR targets and fulfilment through registered recyclers under the current e-waste framework |
| Battery waste | Producers/importers of covered batteries | Registration, collection/recycling obligations and EPR certificates under Battery Waste Management Rules |
| Waste tyres | Covered tyre producers/importers and related obligated entities | EPR targets and fulfilment through registered recyclers/retreaders as applicable |
| Used oil | Covered producers/importers under the used-oil EPR framework | Registration, EPR obligation and recycling/re-refining compliance |
1. Plastic packaging EPR
Businesses introducing plastic packaging into the Indian market should first determine whether they are a producer, importer or brand owner under the Plastic Waste Management framework. Registration and ongoing obligations are linked to the type and quantity of plastic packaging placed on the market. Do not rely on a generic “plastic EPR certificate” description without checking the packaging category and current portal requirements.
2. E-waste EPR
The current e-waste framework is built around producers of covered electrical and electronic equipment and registered recyclers. The older 2016-era model should not be described as the current system without checking the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 and subsequent amendments/notices.
3. Battery EPR
Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 introduced a dedicated EPR system for batteries. Producers should review the CPCB battery EPR portal and current SOPs for registration, targets, recycling obligations and certificate accounting.
4. Waste tyre EPR
Waste tyres have their own EPR framework. Businesses dealing with tyres should separately examine producer/importer obligations, target calculation and the role of registered recyclers or retreaders rather than assuming plastic or e-waste rules apply.
5. Used oil EPR
CPCB also maintains a dedicated used-oil EPR area with rules, communications, SOPs/guidelines, FAQs and an EPR portal. Lubricant/base-oil businesses should check this framework specifically.
How to identify which EPR registration applies
- List every product and packaging material placed on the Indian market.
- Identify whether the entity is a producer, importer, brand owner or another obligated category under each waste rule.
- Map products to the relevant schedule/category in the applicable rule.
- Register on the correct CPCB portal before relying on a consultant-generated “certificate”.
- Track quantities placed on market/imported/manufactured in the ERP or compliance register.
- Fulfil annual EPR obligations only through permitted channels and registered counterparties.
- Reconcile portal data, recycler certificates and annual returns before submission.
Common compliance mistakes
- Using one EPR registration for a different waste stream.
- Calling an old authorisation or consultant letter a current CPCB registration certificate.
- Failing to update product quantities when new SKUs or imports begin.
- Buying EPR certificates/credits from an entity that is not validly registered for the relevant waste stream.
- Ignoring annual-return and portal reconciliation requirements after registration.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of EPR are there in India?
There is no single universal count for all environmental regimes, but CPCB currently maintains distinct EPR frameworks/portals for major streams including plastic packaging, e-waste, battery waste, waste tyres and used oil.
Is an EPR certificate permanent?
Do not assume so. Registration validity, amendments, annual obligations and ongoing compliance depend on the applicable rules and portal.
Can one EPR registration cover plastic and e-waste?
No. They are separate regulatory frameworks with different registrations and compliance obligations.
Official references
- Central Pollution Control Board — EPR portals and waste-management resources
- CPCB — Waste-management rules and EPR sections
Reviewed 19 August 2026. EPR rules and portal procedures change frequently; verify the applicable CPCB/MoEFCC rule and portal before registration or certificate procurement.
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