EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)

Also called: Extended producer responsibility, plastic EPR, EPR certificates, EPR credits

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) makes producers, importers and brand owners responsible for the plastic packaging they place on the Indian market.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a policy principle that makes those who put products on the market responsible for managing them at end of life. In India, the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (as amended) and the EPR guidelines for plastic packaging notified in 2022 make producers, importers and brand owners responsible for the plastic packaging they introduce.

How it works

• Obligated entities register on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) centralised online EPR portal and report the packaging they place on the market.
• Registered plastic waste processors, such as recyclers, issue EPR certificates through the portal for plastic they process.
• Obligated entities meet their obligations by acquiring these certificates, and file returns through the portal.
• The rules also cover use of recycled content in plastic packaging.

Why it matters when buying recycled plastic

• Buyers seeking recycled content may need documentation on the origin of post-consumer recycled material.
• Recyclers registered as plastic waste processors can link their processing to EPR certificates.
• Rules, categories and procedures are updated from time to time. Always check the latest CPCB notifications before making compliance decisions.

See also resin identification codes and HSN codes.