The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Certificate is mandatory in India for Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) dealing in electronic waste, plastic waste, battery waste, or other notified waste categories. Issued under the respective Waste Management Rules, the EPR certificate ensures that businesses take responsibility for the collection, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal of waste generated from their products.
Submitting accurate and complete documentation is one of the most important steps in obtaining EPR approval. Incomplete or incorrect documents often lead to application delays or rejection. Below is a detailed explanation of the documents required for EPR registration.
1. Business Registration Documents
These documents establish the legal identity of the applicant.
Required documents include:
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Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed / Proprietorship proof
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PAN card of the company
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GST registration certificate
These documents help authorities verify the legitimacy and structure of the business applying for EPR.
2. Authorization Letter
If the application is submitted by a consultant or authorized person, an authorization letter is mandatory.
It should:
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Be issued on company letterhead
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Clearly authorize the representative
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Be signed by an authorized signatory
This document ensures transparency and accountability during the EPR process.
3. Product Details and Category Information
Applicants must provide complete details of the products covered under EPR.
This includes:
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Product category (electronics, plastic packaging, batteries, etc.)
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Brand name and model details
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HS code (if applicable)
These details help determine applicable EPR obligations and recycling targets.
4. Sales and Import Data
Accurate sales or import data is essential to calculate EPR targets.
Applicants must submit:
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Quantity of products sold or imported (year-wise)
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Invoice samples
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Import Export Code (IEC), if applicable
This data forms the basis for annual EPR target allocation.
5. EPR Action Plan
The EPR Action Plan explains how the applicant plans to manage waste.
It includes:
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Collection mechanism
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Recycling strategy
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Engagement with authorized recyclers
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Awareness initiatives
A clear action plan shows the applicant’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
6. Agreement with Authorized Recycler or PRO
Applicants must submit agreements with:
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CPCB/SPCB-authorized recyclers, or
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Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs)
These agreements prove that waste will be handled through approved and environmentally safe channels.
7. Recycling Certificates / Undertakings
Recyclers provide certificates confirming the recycling of waste collected under EPR obligations.
These documents are critical for:
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Meeting annual EPR targets
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Filing EPR returns
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Avoiding penalties
They serve as legal proof of compliance.
8. Website and Brand Information
Applicants must share:
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Official website link
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Brand ownership details
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Product brochures or catalogues
This helps authorities verify product presence in the Indian market.
9. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
A valid Class-III Digital Signature Certificate is required for online submission on the CPCB EPR portal.
It ensures secure and authenticated filing of applications and returns.
Conclusion
Proper documentation is the foundation of successful EPR registration. Submitting complete, accurate, and updated documents ensures faster approval, smooth compliance, and protection from penalties. For 2026 and beyond, businesses must maintain organized EPR records to meet evolving environmental regulations in India.
