A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an EPR Authorization Certificate: Forms I, V, VI & VII Explained

Extended producer responsibility, or EPR, is a policy approach whereby producers assume responsibility for the management of the products they produce disposal after consumers declare them to be no longer usable.

Environmental, economic, and social considerations are combined in extended producer responsibility (EPR) practices. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) shifts the government's financial obligation for the product's disposal to the product's maker.

India's Extended Producer Responsibility Programs - The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility was implemented to address Plastic and E-waste. Extended Producer focuses on According to environmental policy, the producer is accountable for minimising the product's adverse environmental impacts and for managing its waste over its entire life cycle.

The Central Pollution Control Board is required under Rule 13 (1) (Management) Rules, 2016 to grant, renew, or deny EPR (extended producer's responsibility) - Producers' authorisation The Central Pollution Control Board has issued guidelines for the extended producer responsibility (EPR) implementation, which include directives for producers and other relevant parties regarding authorization, channelization, collection, storage, transportation, environmentally sound dismantling, recycling, and refurbishment.

Who may submit an EPR license application?

An EPR license may be applied for by any manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, dismantler, recycler, or person engaged in the manufacture, sale, purchase, transfer, refurbishing, recycling, dismantling, and processing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment, including the parts, consumables, and spares that keep the equipment working. The entities, which fall into any of the following categories, are required to register on the portal:

(a)? ? Manufacturer: As defined by the Companies Act, 2013, the Factories Act, 1948, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, or any other Act that designates an entity or person with the ability to manufacture electrical and electronic equipment as listed in Schedule-I of the E-Waste Management Rules 2016, is considered a manufacturer;

(b) ? Producer: A producer is any individual or organisation that produces or offers to produce electrical and electronic equipment, as well as its parts and components, under its own brand; or it can be imported, assembled, and contain parts and consumables made by other producers and manufacturers; or it can also import any used electronic equipment; regardless of the marketing strategy employed, such as dealer, retailer, e-retailer, etc.;

(c)? ? Refurbisher: A refurbisher is any individual or organisation that assembles or fixes used electrical and electronic equipment that is included in Schedule I of the E-Waste Management Rules 2016 in order to prolong its usable life beyond what was originally planned and to use it for that purpose before offering it for sale.

(d) ? Recycler: Any individual or organization that recycles and reprocesses waste electrical and electronic equipment, or any of its assemblies, components, or parts, with the goal of recovering precious and semi-precious metals, including rare earth elements and other recoverable materials to strengthen secondary-sourced materials, and with facilities that comply with the Central Pollution Control Board's guidelines in this regard, is considered a recycler;

Types of EPR Authorization

·?EPR Regarding E-Waste Handling - Manufacturers of electronics and electrical equipment are responsible for managing the disposal of their products after they reach the end of their lives. In accordance with environmental policy, the producer bears the obligation of mitigating the product's environmental impact and managing waste over the product's entire life cycle.

The implementation of E-Waste involves authorisation, channelisation, collection, storage, transportation, environmentally sound dismantling, recycling, and refurbishment. The CPCB has set guidelines for this process.

·?EPR in the Management of Plastic Waste - The term "Extended Producer Responsibility" refers to a producer's obligation to manage a product sustainably till the end of its useful life in order to ensure environmentally sound disposal of the trash. This is stated in the Plastic trash Management Rules, 2016.

Implementing a take-back program or establishing collection points, dismantlers, or recyclers on an individual or group basis through a producer-recognized Producer Responsibility Organisation are examples of extended producer responsibility.

Obtaining an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Authorization Certificate from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is crucial for companies involved in producing, importing, or selling electronic products in India. This guide outlines the process and explains the key forms (I, V, VI, VII) necessary for compliance.

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?Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an EPR Authorization Certificate

?Form I: EPR Authorization Application - This is the primary form for applying for EPR authorization.

Step-by-Step for Form I:

1. Visit the CPCB Portal?

???Navigate to the CPCB online portal and download Form I.

2. Fill Out Company Information?

???Provide details such as company name, address, contact details, and GST number.

3. Product Information?

?Classify your products as per Schedule I of the E-Waste Management Rules. Ensure accuracy in product categorization.

4. Submit EPR Plan?

???Submit a comprehensive EPR plan outlining:

???- Collection targets for the next five years.

???- Channelization mechanisms for the collection of e-waste.

???- Recycling methods and partnerships with CPCB-authorized recyclers/dismantlers.

6. Submit the Application?

???Submit Form I and wait for CPCB to process your request.

7. Follow Up?

?CPCB may request clarifications. Address them promptly to avoid delays.

?Form V: Annual Return for Producers

After receiving EPR authorization, you must submit Form V annually to report on e-waste collected and recycled.

?Step-by-Step for Form V:

1. Download Form V from CPCB Portal?

???It is an annual return form required to be submitted by June 30 for the previous financial year.

2. Enter Data on E-Waste Collection?

???Report the total quantity of e-waste collected and processed according to your EPR plan.

3. Details of Recycling/Dismantling?

???Provide details about authorized recyclers or dismantlers, including the amount of waste handled.

4. Submit the Form?

???Upload it to the CPCB portal with supporting documentation (invoices, agreements with recyclers).

?Form VI: Bulk Consumer Returns

Bulk consumers must file Form VI to report on the disposal of e-waste generated by their operations.

?Step-by-Step for Form VI:

1. Download Form VI?

???Access the form on the CPCB website.

2. Provide E-Waste Details?

???Enter the quantity of e-waste generated and disposed of during the reporting period.

3. Attach Proof of Disposal?

???Include documentation from authorized recyclers or dismantlers to verify the proper disposal of the waste.

4. Submit Form?

???Upload it to the CPCB portal with required attachments.

?Form VII: Recycler/Dismantler Returns

This form is submitted by authorized recyclers and dismantlers to report the quantity of e-waste processed.

Step-by-Step for Form VII:

1. Download Form VII from CPCB?

???Available on the CPCB website, it’s used to report the amount of e-waste dismantled or recycled.

2. Enter Recycler/Dismantler Details?

???Provide details of the facility, capacity, and authorization number.

3. Report Quantities Processed?

???Include the total quantity of e-waste received and recycled, along with details of hazardous materials disposed of.

4. Submit Form?

???Submit the form along with the required supporting documents.

3. Follow Up on Authorization and Compliance

???- Application Review: After submission, CPCB will review your EPR application.

???- Clarifications: Be ready to provide any additional documents or clarifications requested by the CPCB.

???- Issuance of EPR Authorization: Once approved, you will receive the EPR Authorization Certificate, which is valid for 5 years.

4. Maintain Compliance Post-Authorization

???- Annual Reporting: Submit Form V annually, reporting your e-waste collection and recycling efforts.

???- Periodic Inspections: CPCB may conduct audits and inspections to verify compliance with the submitted EPR plan.

???- Renewal of EPR Authorization: Ensure timely renewal of your authorization by submitting required documents before expiration.

By following these steps and properly managing forms I, V, VI, and VII, you can successfully obtain and maintain EPR authorization, ensuring compliance with CPCB regulations.

Required Documents for the EPR Registration Procedure

·?The following files are needed in order to complete the EPR certification process:

·?Proof of identity (PAN Card)

·?Contact details

·?Proof of address

·?Information on the signatory to the documents

·?The manufacturer's or importer's certificate of incorporation,?

·?IEC certificate

·?BIS Certificate

·?Information on RoHS compliance

·?Calculating E-waste

·?Product information

·?Origin Country

·?ERP Plans

·?A copy of the contract signed with recyclers, dealers for storage and disposal, collection centers, etc.

·?Specifics of the website and toll-free number

·?Any further documents that could be needed?

Conclusion - Obtaining an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Authorization Certificate from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is essential for manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers involved in handling electronic products in India.

The EPR framework mandates that these entities take responsibility for the disposal and recycling of their products throughout their lifecycle, ensuring minimal environmental impact.