Why EPR Certification for Used Oil Matters
India’s move toward a sustainable industrial economy places a high priority on effective management of hazardous waste like used oil. In this context, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plays a pivotal role by mandating producers and recyclers to ensure the proper collection and processing of used oil.
To support this goal, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has launched a digital EPR Certificate Generation and Transfer Module under its Used Oil EPR Portal. This online system enables transparent, efficient, and traceable certificate management for registered recyclers and producers, ensuring compliance with national environmental norms.
Overview: CPCB EPR Certificate Generation Module
Launched from April 1, 2024, this portal is designed to:
- Facilitate EPR certificate creation based on actual oil recycling.
- Record procurement and production digitally.
- Enable secure and traceable certificate transfers.
- Ensure only registered and verified entities participate.
By digitizing the EPR process, CPCB aims to close compliance gaps, deter fraudulent claims, and incentivize responsible recycling of re-refined base oil (RRBO).
Key Features of the EPR Certificate Generation Portal
- Real-time tracking of procurement, processing, and sales
- Auto-calculated certificate eligibility based on data inputs
- OTP-based authentication for secure transfers
- Integrated dashboard for full certificate history
- Auto-reversion of unaccepted certificates after 7 days
This structure enhances transparency, promotes accountability, and minimizes manual intervention.
Step-by-Step: EPR Certificate Generation Process
The module consists of six functional sections, each guiding recyclers and producers through the compliance process:
1. Procurement Data Entry
Recyclers must log all used oil purchases starting April 1, 2024. Required fields include:
- Financial Year
- Source of Used Oil (Importer, Collection Agent, Producer, etc.)
- Supplier Name and GST Number
- Type of Used Oil: Mixed, Transformer, or Hydraulic
- Quantity (in KL or MT)
- Invoice Number and Date
- PDF Upload of Invoice
📌 Opening Balance: A one-time stock entry as of April 1, 2024, is also required.
2. Daily Production Data Logging
Each processing activity must be recorded in detail:
- Type and Quantity of Used Oil Processed
- Date of Processing
- Quantity of Re-Refined Base Oil (RRBO) Produced
- Whether RRBO meets BIS standards (Yes/No) and its Class (if Yes)
- Batch Number
- Technology Used for Recycling
- Electricity Meter Reading (for validation)
📌 Note: While indicating BIS compliance is requested, it is not mandatory for EPR certificate eligibility. The system uses these inputs to assess recycling efficiency and product quality.
3. EPR Certificate Generation
Once the re-refined oil is sold, the recycler can request certificate creation. Details required:
- Sale Date
- Buyer Type (Registered or Non-Registered Producer/User)
- Buyer Name and Details
- Class of RRBO Sold
- Quantity (in KG)
- Invoice Number and Amount
- Upload of Sales Invoice (PDF)
The system then generates EPR credits based on declared data and recycling performance.
4. Certificate Denomination
Large EPR credits can be broken down into smaller units for easier transfers:
- Denomination options range from 100 kg to 10,000 kg
- OTP Verification is mandatory to validate the action
- This feature becomes available only after SPCB/PCC verification of the recycler’s facility
5. Certificate Dashboard
A dedicated section allows users to view:
- Available EPR Certificates
- Denominated Units
- Transferred Certificates
- Pending Transactions
This promotes complete transparency and traceability of certificate flows.
6. Transfer of Denominated Certificates
Recyclers can initiate certificate transfers as follows:
- Select the receiving entity and certificate units
- Authenticate the transaction using OTP
- Recipient producer must verify receipt via a separate OTP (shared telephonically)
📅 7-Day Auto-Reversal: If a producer fails to accept the certificate within 7 days, it is automatically returned to the recycler’s account.
How Producers Accept EPR Certificates
Registered producers can manage received certificates by:
- Logging into the CPCB Used Oil EPR Portal
- Viewing all pending certificates
- Verifying and accepting transfers using the recycler-provided OTP
Only accepted certificates are counted toward the producer’s EPR obligation under CPCB guidelines.
Compliance Tips: Ensuring Smooth Participation
🔹 Update Records Promptly: Log procurement and processing data without delay.
🔹 Verify Supplier Credentials: Ensure all transactions are traceable and invoiced.
🔹 BIS Information: Accurately declare whether RRBO meets BIS standards (optional but useful).
🔹 Track Certificate Status: Use the portal dashboard to prevent certificate expiry or rejection.
🔹 Ensure SPCB Verification: Enable denomination features by completing the facility inspection process early.
Benefits of the CPCB EPR Certificate Module
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Digital Workflow | Reduces paperwork and improves speed |
| Centralized Tracking | Real-time status of EPR credits |
| Fraud Prevention | OTP-secured transfers |
| Flexibility | Denomination options for easier management |
| Automatic Reversion | Avoids stalled transfers and ensures accountability |
Conclusion: A Digital Push Toward Responsible Used Oil Recycling
The CPCB EPR Certificate Generation and Transfer Module is a landmark reform in India’s used oil management framework. By digitizing the EPR credit process, CPCB empowers recyclers and producers to stay compliant, reduce environmental harm, and promote circular economy practices.
Whether you’re a recycler or a producer, ensuring that your facility is registered and your data is up to date is key to maintaining Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance under this new system.
FAQs: Understanding Used Oil EPR Certificate Guidelines
Q1. Is BIS compliance mandatory for generating EPR certificates?
No. You must specify whether your RRBO meets BIS standards, but it is not mandatory for EPR certificate generation.
Q2. Who can access the EPR certificate module?
Only CPCB-registered recyclers and producers are allowed to use the module.
Q3. What is the minimum denomination unit?
The smallest denomination allowed is 100 kg, and the maximum is 10,000 kg per unit.
Q4. What happens if a producer doesn’t accept a transferred certificate?
If not accepted within 7 days, the certificate automatically returns to the recycler.
