EPR Policy

What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy strategy designed to hold producers accountable for the end-of-life management of their products. This approach aims to reduce the environmental impact of waste by ensuring producers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their goods, particularly when they become waste.

E-Waste Management in India
The Indian government has implemented several regulations to enforce EPR effectively, particularly in managing electronic waste (e-waste). These regulations assign clear responsibilities to producers to ensure proper waste management.

E-Waste Management and Handling Rules, 2011
Introduced in 2011, these rules marked the beginning of EPR in India. They mandated that manufacturers of electronic products take responsibility for managing the waste generated by their products.

E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016
The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, announced on March 23, 2016, replaced the 2011 rules. These rules apply to manufacturers, consumers, bulk consumers, collection facilities, dismantlers, and recyclers involved in the lifecycle of electrical and electronic equipment listed in Schedule I of these Rules.

E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022
In November 2022, the Ministry issued revised rules that came into effect on April 1, 2023. The updated E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, aim to manage e-waste environmentally responsibly. These rules establish an enhanced EPR framework, requiring all stakeholders, including manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers, to register on a Central  Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal. The primary objective is to reduce hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium in electronic equipment manufacturing, protecting human health and the environment.

E-Waste First Amendment Rules, 2023
On January 30, 2023, the government issued the First Amendment to the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. Notable changes include:

• The phrase in the product user documentation has been changed to as and when required by the Central Pollution Control Board;.
• Adding exemptions for cadmium and lead in solar panels/cells and lead in medical devices (excluding implanted and infected products)

The Second Amendment, issued in 2023,

The Second Amendment, issued in 2023, focuses on ensuring secure, accountable, and sustainable management of e-waste, particularly refrigerants from refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

E-Waste Third Amendment Rules, 2024
Issued on March 8, 2024, these amendments allow the Central Government to extend deadlines for filing returns or reports by up to nine months if necessary. They also permit establishing platforms for exchanging or transferring extended producer responsibility certificates per CPCB guidelines.

Pros of EPR Management

• Financial Incentives: EPR encourages producers to design sustainable and eco- friendly products, potentially lowering recycling costs.
• Material Efficiency: Using fewer materials and enhancing product durability can reduce end-of-life expenses.
• Domestic Recycling Investment: As EPR policies gain traction, they discourage e- waste export and promote domestic recycling infrastructure.

EPR Certification

Obtaining an EPR certificate ensures manufacturers and producers manage the waste generated by their products. This includes setting up collection centers, ensuring proper segregation and recycling, and adhering to all necessary compliances. EPR certification is essential for promoting buyback, recycling, and reuse through collection from dealers and centers.

Implementing EPR is crucial for sustainable waste management and reducing the environmental impact of electronic products. By holding producers accountable, we can create a more eco-friendly and sustainable future.