Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach in India that makes producers responsible for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products. As part of EPR compliance, producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) of plastic packaging materials are required to submit annual returns detailing their plastic usage and recycling efforts. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the EPR annual return filing process in India, with a focus on EPR plastic registration and compliance.
EPR Plastic Registration
Before filing annual returns, PIBOs must register on the Centralized EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging, established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The registration process involves providing details such as the type and quantity of plastic packaging, percentage of recycled content, and buyer/seller information.
Once registered, PIBOs are assigned an EPR target based on their plastic usage data. This target represents the amount of plastic waste that must be collected and recycled to fulfill EPR obligations.
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Fulfilling EPR Targets
PIBOs can meet their EPR targets in two ways:
- Recycling plastic waste through CPCB-registered recyclers, who will generate the required certificates.
- Purchasing certificates or credit points from other entities that have exceeded their targets.
Submitting Annual Returns
Annual returns for a particular financial year must be submitted by June 30th of the following year. However, the deadline for submitting returns for FY 2023-24 has been extended to August 31st, 2024.
The annual return submission process involves:
- Updating procurement and sales data for the financial year, including details such as plastic type, quantity, recycled content percentage, and buyer/seller information.
- Accepting the EPR target for the next year, if generated.
- Paying the annual processing fee, which is 25% of the application fees paid during EPR registration.
- Submitting the annual returns through the Centralized EPR Portal.
EPR Compliance Services
Companies like AV International offer comprehensive EPR compliance services to assist PIBOs in meeting their obligations. These services include:
- Analysis of waste generation patterns
- Collaboration with registered recyclers to provide suitable recycling solutions
- Identification of areas for optimization and reduction of plastic waste
- Assistance in obtaining EPR registration and filing annual returns
By following the EPR annual return filing process and partnering with experienced consultants, PIBOs can ensure compliance with India’s plastic waste management regulations and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
