# EPR Registration for Plastic Packaging

> Producers, importers and brand owners (PIBOs) that introduce plastic packaging into the Indian market must register on CPCB's centralised EPR portal under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, meet yearly targets for collection, recycling and use of recycled content by plastic category, buy EPR certificates from registered processors to meet them, and file an annual return by 30 June. Operating without registration attracts environmental compensation.

Practice: Business Licences & Registrations — https://www.industax.com/services/business-licences/

E-commerce sellers and D2C brands are often brand owners under the rules even if a contract manufacturer packs their products. The obligation depends on the quantity and category of plastic packaging — rigid (I), flexible (II), multilayered (III) and compostable (IV).

We calculate your packaging quantities, register you on the portal, plan targets, source EPR certificates from registered plastic waste processors, and file the annual returns.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Rules | Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 (as amended) |
| Who registers | Producers, importers, brand owners (PIBOs) |
| Portal | CPCB centralised EPR portal |
| Categories | I rigid, II flexible, III multilayered, IV compostable |
| Annual return | By 30 June |

## Who needs this

- FMCG, food and personal-care brands
- Importers of packaged goods
- E-commerce and D2C brands using plastic packaging

## What's included

- Packaging quantity assessment
- PIBO registration
- Target planning and EPR certificate procurement
- Annual return filing

## Documents

- Business registration, GST and IEC
- Packaging material details by category
- Sales and import data for plastic quantities

## Process

1. **Assess** — Packaging quantities and categories computed.
2. **Register** — PIBO registration on the CPCB portal.
3. **Fulfil** — Targets met and annual return filed.

## FAQs

### Do small brands need plastic EPR registration?

The rules apply to brand owners based on their use of plastic packaging; micro and small enterprises have some relaxations for certain obligations, but registration generally applies. We check your position from your actual volumes.

### What is an EPR certificate?

A certificate generated on the CPCB portal by a registered plastic waste processor for the quantity it recycles or processes. PIBOs buy these to meet their targets.

### What happens if I don't meet EPR targets?

CPCB can levy environmental compensation for the unmet obligation, and the registration can be suspended or cancelled.

## Official sources

- Central Pollution Control Board — EPR portals: https://cpcb.nic.in/

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/services/business-licences/epr-plastic-registration
Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.