Introduction to EPR certificate for Importation in India
The Government of India is now facing a major problem with unmanaged waste, as this issue has grown in severity along with the population growth. India produces millions of tons of waste every year. In the absence of waste-management systems, most of this waste is dumped in dump sites that are already over capacity. This contributes to pollution and makes the lives of thousands who live nearby miserable.
You'll find that the bulk of waste generated is made up of plastics and electrical items. This is expected to increase in the future, as people are more interested in electronic products. What makes it worse is the huge amount of e-waste imported by Indian companies from other countries. The Indian government has implemented many policies and initiatives to control the current state of waste disposal. EPR (Extended producer responsibility) is among them.
What does EPR (Extended producer responsibility) mean?
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is an environmental policy of the Indian government that mandates producers and importers of e-waste responsible for its management including collection, transportation, recycling, or deposition in an environmentally-friendly manner. The Indian government requires businesses to obtain EPR certificates from the relevant pollution control bodies in order to ensure they comply with EPR regulations and standards. The absence of a certificate can result in a business being subject to legal penalties, or even forced to close down.
The EPR certificate was introduced under the waste management regulations to transfer the responsibility for managing waste materials from the producers or importers to themselves. EPR certificates may require that businesses set up collection centres and implement recycling or take-back programs. This includes arranging with recyclers and PWPs (Plastic Waste Processors), for the channelization or waste.
Benefits of EPR certificate
The EPR certificate is a game changer in recent years for waste management. It helps businesses comply with regulations and standards set out by waste management laws and avoid legal issues. EPR helps them make their waste management more sustainable and efficient. Take a look at some of the main benefits of EPR certification.
Ensure Environmental Compliance
Most people agree that the main force behind EPR compliance and regulations is legal consequences. People will do anything to avoid legal issues that could keep them from their business. An EPR certificate will help them to know what they need to do in order for their business and the environment to be compliant.
Improve Waste Management
The policy of Extended Producer Responsibility helps businesses understand how to collect, transport or recycle their waste in a way that does not harm the environment or the health of the people. It helps them put in place measures that will make their waste management system more sustainable and orderly.
Cost-Effective
Businesses often spend large amounts of money to dispose of their waste, but fail to do so due to an inefficient waste channelization. EPR license help businesses implement waste management strategies that are both comprehensive and cost-effective.
Improve your Business Image
A certificate of EPR can help companies build a more positive image in the marketplace, which they can then use to gain credibility with consumers. Businesses can use this as a marketing tool to attract and retain customers.
Types and Authorization of ERP Certificate
EPR Authorization for E Waste
EPR Authorization for plastic Waste
Batteries: Authorization of EPR for battery waste
Tires Waste Authorization EPR
Documents Required to Apply for an EPR Certificate
Documents required to obtain an EPR (Extended producer responsibility) authorization vary depending on the business structure.
For Partnership Firms and One Person Companies/LLP (Limited Liability Partnership).
GST Registration Certificate
Importer Exporter Code issued by DGFT, MoCI
Rent or Lease Agreements as proof of ownership for business facilities
KYC for the sole proprietor or authorized signatory
Excel spreadsheet containing import product information
For Private Limited Company
The documents listed above.
Memorandums of Association for the Business
The Registrar of Companies issues a certificate of incorporation
Business PAN
Board Declaration for Authorized Signatory
Additional Documents :-
EPR plan detailing the system of e-waste collection.
Self-declaration of compliance with RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substance) provisions.
Documents relating to agreements with recyclers, dismantlers, and TSDFs.
Declaration of availability of technical documents according to EN 50581 (EU)
Self-attested copy of the authorization of recyclers/dismantlers.
List of producers associated with the recyclers/dismantlers, along with the collection target of the producer.
How to get EPR certificate for import in India
Step 1. Ensure you have the required documents for EPR registration.
Step 1: Go to the Central Pollution Control Board website and download FORM 1. This form is required to be filled out in order to obtain an EPR authorization according to the E-waste Management rules.
Step 3 Fill out all the details asked and attach any required documents.
Step 4 Submit the application with the fee to the appropriate government authority.
Step 6: Central Pollution Control Board evaluates and assesses all information and documents submitted. If the applicant makes a mistake while filling in the application form, they have 25 days to rectify the error.
Step 7: After submitting the EPR application, the CPCB will respond within 120 days.
Step 8: If the Central Pollution Control Board refuses to grant the EPR authorization if the applicant does not provide the required information within 45 days after receiving the CPCB's letter or updating the status of CPCB's web portal, the Central Pollution Control Board can deny the EPR authorization.
Before the CPCB decides to reject the EPR, the CPCB will give the applicant an opportunity to speak within one month of receiving the application by post or via the CPCB website.
Note: The CPCB can suspend EPR authorization at any time if it finds that a business is not complying with the rules and regulations of the Environment Protection Act of 1996 and the E-waste Management Rules of 2016. A notification will be sent within 25 days to inform the business of the suspension. The CPCB will give the business an opportunity to argue against the suspension.
Conclusion
Everyone needs to enforce EPR standards and regulations today, not just because they are legally binding and can result in legal penalties. But also, because their absence will worsen the chaotic waste situation that already exists in our country. Understanding the legalities of EPR authorizations and tracking its compliance is difficult for businesses. However, there are solutions for both. ASC Group is India's leading environmental consultancy and has served thousands of clients domestically and internationally since 2017. It has registered over 200 EPRs.
Read more this blog :- What is EPR and how to apply for EPR certificate
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