EPR for Plastic Waste Compliances – The Basics
The growing numbers of environmental waste generated from single-use plastics are a major problem in India. According to CPCB’s records– India produced 4,126,997 tons of Plastic Waste back in 2020-21.
It’s the key reason forthe Central Pollution Control Board to introduce EPR for Plastic Waste Compliances for eco-friendly management of Plastic Waste.
The CPCB has imposed a specific set of EPR for Plastic Waste Regulations to –
- Provide EPR for Plastic Waste Authorization Certificate from CPCB’s portal only
- Return the same amount of Plastic Waste generated in the environment back to the market for each FY
- Streamline the process of collection, and eco-friendly Plastic Recycling all over India
- Mandate the applicability of EPR for Plastic Waste Management Rule on PIBOs, PWPs, and Recyclers
- Specify Recycling targets for each FY on PIBOs and PWPs according to Import or Sales data for the last respective FY
- Simplify the process of exchanging Transferrable EPR Credit Points from registered Recyclers.
Recent Guidelineson EPR for Plastic Waste Compliancesfor Filing Annual Returns
Recently, CPCBhas mandated certain guidelines on Annual Return Filing for fulfilment of EPR for Plastic Waste Compliances in India.
These revised guidelines on Filing Annual Returns are applicable on PIBOs and PWPs who took their EPR Registration in 2022-23 FY.
Some of the key highlights mentioned in the guidelineinclude-
- Every PIBO and PWP registered in 2022-23 FY gets an extended deadline till 31st May, 2024 to File Annual EPR for Plastic Waste Compliances in India.
- Any delay in Filing Annual Return after 31st May, 2024 leads to applicable penalties under the Environmental Compensation Act, EC.
- However, the applicability ofpenalty depends upon the capacity type of the Plant and the extent of violation.
- Since, the EPR Portal is active from 24th April, 2024, every entity must file their Annual EPR Return forPlastic Waste Compliances in CPCB’s portal only.
- Respective SPCBs, PCC must grant or renew CTE to registered PIBOs or PWPs.
- SPCBs/PCCs must add the Registration Number of EPR Registered Producers or PWPs while granting CTE (Consent to Establish)
- The respective Registration No. issued to Brand Owners must be reflected in GST invoices raised by Producers or PWPs.
Applicability of Recent CPCB Notifications on EPR Registration Certificate
- CPCB has declared the EPR Registration Certificate valid for a lifetime.
- CPCB has also declared the EPR Certificate as a ‘One-Time Registration Certificate’ which does not require renewal for clearing the Importer’s Consignment.
- PIBOs can access the registration status of CPCB’s EPR Plastic portal from the ‘PIBO Application Summary’ section.
Conclusion
Stay tuned with ARKCA Corporate Solutions to File Annual EPR Returns for a specific FY. You may also reach us for the fulfilment of EPR for Plastic Waste Compliances in India.
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