EPR Registration Online Process for E-Waste Management

Collection and disposal of electronic waste is a major issue that is global and India is a part of it. Considering the increased usage of electronic devices the problem of proper disposal remains urgent. Therefore, to control the impacts on the environment, the government of India has thought about new policies like the Extended Producer Responsibility EPR. The primary goal of this guide is to educate its audience about EPR Registration and to make its audience comprehend why it is needed, especially for manufacturers and importers.

What is E-Waste?

E-waste is a term used to describe used, unwanted or retired electrical and electronic appliances. Annual e-waste totals are on the rise and include products such as smartphones and refrigerators. The use of electronic products increases, and thus, e-waste generation also increases; India produces approximately 50 million tonnes of e-waste every year.

The Importance of E-Waste Management

EPR or Extended Producer Responsibility is a regulation policy set in 2011 to make producers of the products pay for the final disposal of these products. According to this regulation, firms are obliged to seek ways of gathering their e-waste, recycling it and properly disposing off it. EPR Registration is the legal requirement as per the law of India for all the producers and importers of electronic goods. This process means that the producer is cost-wise and logically involved right from the time the product goes into production to the time the product is disposed of.

What is EPR Registration?

EPR is one of the policy measures of product stewardship implemented in 2011 that set specific legal obligations on manufacturers and importers of products for the arrangement of their products’ disposal. According to this regulation, firms are expected to gather, renovate and legitimately discard their e-waste. Every producer and importer of electronic items must register themselves under EPR Registration in India. This way the producer is directly involved in the management of the particular product from its coming to life up to its time of death.

EPR Registration Process

The EPR Registration process is divided into several steps. To begin with, the producers have to obtain registration with the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB. They are expected to provide specific documentation on how they intend to acquire and handle e-waste, quantities in terms of weights, and methods of disposal.

After the registration, the producer is issued with an EPR Registration Certificate which makes it legal to sell electronic goods in India.

Who Needs EPR Registration?

It is necessary for any company that is engaged in manufacturing or importing EEEs in India to register for EPR. This involves producers of phones, laptops, home appliances and so on. The same goes for importers who, to meet the EPR Registration requirements, have an obligation to ensure that once their imported goods reach the end of their life cycle, they are managed responsibly.

EPR Rules and Compliance

The Indian government revised the E-Waste (Management) Rules in 2022: From the new rules more emphasis is given to EPR in dealing with electronic waste. These rules which were implemented in April 2023 mandate manufacturers, importers, refurbishers and recyclers to register themselves on an e-waste portal developed specifically for this purpose.

EPR Certificate Cost

Another key feature in the completion of the EPR Registration process is the cost factor. The fee for the EPR Certificate depends on the amount of e-waste manufactured or managed by any given company. The Central Pollution Control Board may also enforce charges for registration and annual maintenance of equipment based on the company’s traits of e-waste recycling fitness or disposal fitness.

Mandatory Products for EPR Registration

EPR Registration is required on nearly all types of electronics. These products fall into two major categories: electronics goods including information technology and telecommunications equipment and also consumer electronics. Some examples of products requiring EPR Registration Certificate include:

♦ Laptops or self-owned computers

♦ Printers and copiers

♦ Televisions and refrigerators

♦ GPRS and other cellular and mobile appliances such as smartphones

♦ The units that people own include air conditioners and washing machines.

Hence for manufacturers and importers engaged in the production and import of these products, the EPR Certificate is mandatory for their business in India.

Conclusion

It is a major environmental problem that cannot wait for anyone to act. EPR Registration helps in properly dealing with the problem of electronic waste and performs the mechanisms for the proper disposal of the products. Getting an EPR Certificate also ensures that companies meet their legal requirements. For both the manufacturer and the importer, the initial step in the journey toward a sustainable future involves having the EPR Registration Certificate. Contact PSR Compliance today to get your EPR certificate today.