EPR Registration in India (2026) – CPCB Online Process & Certificate

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) constitutes a regulated compliance framework in India for the producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) of plastic packaging, e-waste, batteries, tyres, and other specially notified waste categories.

In case your manufacture, import, or sale of the regulated products happen in India, obtaining EPR authorization as well as completing EPR registration online in India is not a matter of choice — it is a legal requirement under the CPCB guidelines.

This article details the EPR registration steps along with the necessary documents, CPCB portal operations, and how to efficiently obtain an EPR certificate.

What is EPR Authorization?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) refers to an environmental strategy that requires manufacturers to be responsible for the disposal of waste after usage of their products.

The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) in India oversees EPR implementation through the CPCB EPR Portal. After approval, a business is issued an EPR registration certificate which is commonly known as:

• EPR certificate

• EPR license

• EPR certification

• CPCB registration certificate

Who Needs EPR Registration?

Anyone who is required to apply for Extended Producer Responsibility registration if they are:

• The company manufactures various types of plastic packaging, electronic goods, batteries, and many other products.

• To bring regulated goods into India, importers must obtain an Environmental Protection Regulation (EPR) certificate prior to shipment, so that Customs will be able to provide clearance.

• The EPR identifies the brand owner of the packaged goods sold in India and also identifies each e-commerce marketplace operator who sells those goods.

• Importers of products in the categories above will also need an EPR registration for import, as Customs may require the EPR as part of its Customs compliance processing of the imported goods.

Types of EPR Registration in India

The types of EPR registrations are as follows:

• Plastic Waste Management EPR

• E-Waste EPR

• Battery EPR

• Tyre EPR

• Used Oil EPR

All of these categories of EPR registrations must be completed electronically through the CPCB’s e-portal.

Steps to Obtain EPR Registration in India

The steps you need to follow to obtain your EPR registration in India are:

1. Create an Account

Create an account on the CPCB EPR portal.

2. Prepare Your Documents

You will need:

• Company incorporation documents

• GST certificate

• PAN card

• Import Export Code (if you're an importer)

• Product details & packaging information

• Waste management plan

• Agreements with authorised recyclers

3. Complete Online Application

Complete your application online through the CPCB EPR portal under the alphabetical list of waste types.

4. Respond to CPCB Queries

As part of its review process, the CPCB may ask you for additional technical information; therefore, you will need to provide a prompt and accurate answer to any queries received from the CPCB.

5. Approval & Certificate Issuance

Once approved, the CPCB will issue the EPR registration certificate to you, assign you a CPCB EPR Registration Number and indicate the validity duration of the Grant of EPR Registration.

How to Get EPR Certificate Quickly?

To avoid rejection or delay:

• Ensure correct product categorization

• Provide accurate packaging data

• Upload recycler agreements

• Meet annual EPR targets

• Maintain compliance reporting

Several companies hire an EPR consultant to handle documentation, portal filing, and compliance reporting.

EPR for Importers: Special Compliance Notes

If you bring goods into India:

• You should have an EPR certificate for import before mass import.

• Customs may ask for EPR details (EPR in customs verification).

• It is important to ensure that IEC and product HS code are aligned.

• Annual return submission to CPCB is compulsory.

• Ignoring the rules may result in fines, shipment hold-ups, or withdrawal of CPCB registration.

EPR in Waste Management: Why It Matters

EPR is one of the ways that India’s waste management system is becoming stronger:

• By encouraging the installation of recycling facilities

• By decreasing reliance on landfills

• By increasing the use of circular economy

• By making producers responsible

• By supporting authorized recyclers

On a global scale, the concept of extended producer responsibility is widely accepted as a green compliance scheme. The Indian CPCB framework is in line with the global environmental governance standards.

Main Advantages of EPR Certification

• Being in line with the environmental laws of India

• Uninterrupted customs clearance

• Better brand trust

• Saving yourself from environmental fines

• Getting the chance to participate in government contracts & marketplaces

Typical Errors in Obtaining EPR Registration

• Wrong Data Entry

• Wrong Registration Category

• No Recycling Agreements

• Late Filing of Annual Returns

• Not reviewing the CPCB website regularly for changes

Ensure that you are maintaining compliance throughout your EPR Registration Process.

FAQs

1. How long is an EPR Registration Certificate valid for?

The length of time depends upon which category of waste will be recycled and the terms under which CPCB approves the application for renewals; the renewal must occur before the previous certificate expires.

2. Is EPR Registration required if I am importing goods?

Yes. EPR Registration is required prior to importing any items as per the CPCB.

3. How long does it take for CPCB to grant EPR Approval?

The amount of time to receive EPR Approval depends entirely upon the amount of documentation needed to process your application and how busy CPCB is providing services; you can eliminate delays by submitting correctly.

4. Can I apply for an EPR Certificate Online?

Yes; the entire EPR Registration Process can be completed online via the CPCB site.

5. What occurs when a company does not comply with EPR?

Failure to comply with EPR could lead to monetary penalties or the cancellation of their CPCB registration, and/or may delay their customs clearance.

6. Is the EPRA Certificate different than an EPR Certificate?

While it is common for businesses to refer to an EPRA Certificate as an EPR Certificate, the EPRA Certificate is actually the official title for this type of Certificate issued by the CPCB.

Conclusion

EPR authorization in India is one of the main compliance requirements for producers, importers, and brand owners. As a consequence of the increase in environmental regulations and more rigorous CPCB supervision, enterprises need to make certain that EPR registration online India is done on time and compliance reporting is continuous.