CPCB takes measures to remove difficulties and facilitate the effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (“EPR”) Guidelines

With a view to facilitate the effective implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (“EPR”) Guidelines and to remove the difficulties faced by industries and associations while implementing the guidelines, the Central Pollution Control Board (“CPCB”) has taken the following measures and has directed all Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (“PIBOs”) and Plastic Waste Processors (“PWPs”) to follow the same:

1. The PWPs can generate certificate for sales made in the year 2022-2023 till 30th April, 2023 and the same will be accounted for in the Annual Report of 2022-2023;
2. The timeline for supply of plastic raw material by plastic raw material manufacturers to unregistered producers falling under the MSME category is extended till 30th April, 2023. The supply may be done on proof of submission of application for Registration on the EPR Portal;
3. Plastic Waste packaging material including industrial drums covered under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 and Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 must also be managed as per the EPR Guidelines after Detoxification/Disinfection/Shredding (as applicable). The details of the plastic waste packaging materials/drums, if incinerated or disposed in any Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (“TSDF”) is to be provided separately.

Background: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide Gazette Notification dated 16th February, 2022 issued the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 (summarized in the e-mail below) and prescribed the framework for implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility by the PIBOs.

A Copy of the Notification is linked below for your ease of reference.

Source: Central Pollution Control Board