The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has provided significant relief to businesses by extending the timeline for filing the Annual Return under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic Waste Management for the Financial Year 2024-25. The new deadline is now 31st July 2025, allowing additional time for stakeholders to meet their compliance obligations without penalties.
This update is crucial for Producers, Importers, Brand Owners (PIBOs), and Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) who are required to file their annual returns on the CPCB EPR Plastic portal.
What is EPR for Plastic Waste?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste is a mandatory environmental policy under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which holds PIBOs accountable for the lifecycle of the plastic they introduce into the market. This includes collecting, recycling, or disposing of plastic waste in an environmentally sound manner.
What Does the Deadline Extension Mean?
The extended deadline until 31st July 2025 gives PIBOs and PWPs additional time to:
- Gather and reconcile plastic waste management data.
- Accurately file annual returns without the pressure of tight deadlines.
- Avoid non-compliance penalties and maintain a clean regulatory record.
This move demonstrates CPCB’s commitment to facilitating ease of compliance while ensuring environmental responsibility.
Who Needs to File the EPR Plastic Annual Return?
The following entities must file their annual return under the EPR Plastic framework:
- Producers: Entities manufacturing plastic products or packaging.
- Importers: Businesses importing plastic packaging or products.
- Brand Owners: Companies selling products under their own brand name using plastic packaging.
- Plastic Waste Processors: Authorized recyclers, waste-to-energy plants, and co-processors.
All such entities must be registered on the CPCB EPR Plastic portal to access and submit their annual returns.
Key Compliance Requirements for FY 2024-25
To ensure compliance under the extended timeline, PIBOs and PWPs must:
- Stay Registered: Maintain valid registration on the CPCB’s EPR Plastic portal.
- Submit Accurate Data: Report the quantity of plastic introduced, collected, and processed as per the prescribed format.
- Meet EPR Targets: Ensure that the mandated collection and recycling targets for plastic waste are achieved for the reporting period.
- Upload Annual Return: File the annual return using the CPCB’s online portal by 31st July 2025.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
Non-compliance with EPR Plastic obligations can result in:
- Suspension or cancellation of EPR registration.
- Environmental compensation charges as per CPCB guidelines.
- Legal action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Timely filing of the annual return safeguards businesses from these risks while contributing to sustainable plastic waste management.
How to File the Annual Return for EPR Plastic?
Filing your EPR Plastic Annual Return involves the following steps:
- Login: Access the CPCB EPR Plastic Portal.
- Data Preparation: Collect and prepare data related to plastic packaging and waste management for FY 2024-25.
- Submission: Use the prescribed online form to submit the annual return.
- Confirmation: Keep a copy of the submission acknowledgment for future reference.
For detailed guidance, refer to the official CPCB User Manual available on the portal.
Download the Official Office Memorandum
To read the official CPCB Office Memorandum regarding the extension of the annual return deadline,
👉 Download it here (PDF)
This document outlines the details of the extension and should be referred to for official confirmation.
How CertificationsBay Can Help
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- End-to-end EPR Registration for Plastic, E-Waste, Battery, Tyre, and Used Oil.
- Filing of Annual & Quarterly Returns.
- Regulatory Advisory & Compliance Management.
- Handling CPCB Correspondence & Approvals.
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Conclusion
The CPCB’s decision to extend the Annual Return filing deadline for EPR Plastic until 31st July 2025 offers valuable breathing space for businesses to ensure compliance. However, timely action is essential to avoid last-minute rush and non-compliance penalties.
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