#epr filing process

As regulatory frameworks evolve, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance has become mandatory for businesses dealing in plastic packaging, e-waste, batteries & other notified materials. For manufacturers, importers & brand owners, understanding the EPR Registration process is critical for business continuity & legal compliance.

Here are the top 10 frequently asked questions to demystify the EPR Registration process and help you navigate it confidently.

1. What is EPR Registration?

EPR Registration is the official process through which producers, importers, and brand owners (commonly referred to as PIBOs) are authorized to manage the end-of-life collection, recycling, or disposal of their products. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) oversees EPR compliance in India. Registration on the CPCB portal is compulsory before any company can engage in manufacturing or importing regulated materials.

2. Who Needs EPR Registration?

Entities involved in manufacturing, importing, or selling plastic packaging, electrical & electronic equipment (EEE), batteries, and used oil must obtain EPR Registration. Failure to register can lead to penalties, license suspension & product seizure. This includes:

Plastic Producers & Importers

EEE Brands

Battery Manufacturers

Online Marketplaces

D2C Brands & Traders

3. What Are the Documents Required for EPR Registration?

Om Garuda Group assists clients in preparing and validating these documents to minimize CPCB rejection risks. To apply for EPR Registration, the following documents are typically required:

GST Certificate

PAN Card

Authorized Signatory ID Proof

Product Details & Category Declaration

Waste Management Plan

Agreement with a CPCB-registered Recycler

Annual Turnover & Sales Data

4. How Long Does EPR Registration Take?

Applications are scrutinized manually, so accuracy and alignment with CPCB guidelines are essential. The standard processing time for EPR Registration with the CPCB is 30 to 45 business days, provided all submitted documents are accurate and complete. Delays can happen due to:

Mismatch in product category

Incomplete waste handling plan

Pending agreements with recyclers

5. Is EPR Registration State-Specific or Centralized?

EPR is regulated centrally under the CPCB and applies across India. Once a company is registered under the central system, the authorization is valid for nationwide operations. However, certain states may require additional local compliance for waste collection or reporting. Om Garuda Group helps companies stay compliant at both national & state levels.

6. What is an EPR Certificate?

An EPR Certificate is an acknowledgment issued after successful registration with CPCB. It confirms the entity’s compliance obligations and lists their EPR target in metric tons. It must be updated annually, and targets may increase year-on-year based on new production or import data. The certificate includes:

Registration Number

Product Category

Validity Period

Compliance Quantity

7. Can I Modify or Update My EPR Registration Later?

Yes, registered entities can update their EPR Registration details, including:

Business expansion to new product categories

Change in recycler partnership

Change in turnover or production volume

Such modifications must be submitted via the CPCB portal and are subject to approval. Non-updated data may lead to audit discrepancies.

8. What Happens If I Don’t Comply After EPR Registration?

Non-compliance post-registration includes failure to meet yearly EPR targets, non-submission of reports, or operating outside the approved scope. Consequences may involve:

Financial Penalties

Suspension of Registration

Public Notice or Blacklisting

The CPCB monitors compliance through quarterly reports, audit trails & third-party verification.

9. Are There Approved Recyclers I Must Work With?

Yes. CPCB mandates that registered PIBOs collaborate only with CPCB/State Pollution Control Board-approved recyclers. Agreements with unverified recyclers can invalidate your EPR reporting. Om Garuda Group connects clients with verified, licensed recyclers based on geography, waste type & capacity.

10. How Can Om Garuda Group Help With EPR Registration?

With experience across 15+ sectors, our team ensures that EPR Registration is handled accurately, reducing time to approval & improving compliance stability. Om Garuda Group provides end-to-end assistance with:

Eligibility Check & Compliance Gap Assessment

Document Preparation & Filing

Liaison with CPCB officials

Connecting with Certified Recyclers

Quarterly Reporting & Annual Filing Support

EPR Registration is more than a regulatory checkbox; it’s an operational necessity for businesses aiming to scale compliantly in India. Early adoption, accurate documentation & working with certified partners can prevent disruptions and safeguard market access.