Here's something most Indian business owners don't know โ if your company sells products with plastic packaging, electronics, batteries or tyres, you are legally required to register under India's EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) framework. Right now. Today.
And most haven't.
So What Exactly is EPR?
EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility. In plain language โ the government has decided that whoever puts a product into the market is also responsible for what happens to it after the customer throws it away.
That means if you manufacture, import or sell anything under your brand name in India โ you are responsible for making sure that waste gets recycled or properly disposed of.
This is not a voluntary initiative. It is a law, enforced by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).
Who Needs to Comply?
Three types of businesses:
- Manufacturers โ you make and sell products in India
- Importers โ you bring goods into India for sale
- Brand Owners โ your brand name is on the product, even if someone else makes it
It does not matter if you are a startup or a large company. If your product uses plastic packaging, electronic components, batteries or tyres โ you need to be registered.
What Happens If You Don't?
The consequences are real and they are getting worse:
- Fines up to โน1 crore per violation
- Import shipments held at customs
- Your company name publicly listed as non-compliant on the CPCB website
- Lower ESG scores โ which affects funding, tenders and institutional buyers
CPCB has been actively issuing notices since 2023. Waiting is no longer safe.
How to Register (It's 5 Steps)
- Go to www.cpcb.nic.in
- Create an account with your GST, PAN and CIN
- Declare how much product you put in the market each year
- Purchase EPR certificates from registered recyclers โ or partner with one directly
- File your annual return before the financial year ends
That's it. Most businesses can complete registration in a few working days.
One Smart Move to Reduce Your EPR Cost
Switch to compostable or recyclable packaging. It directly reduces your EPR targets โ meaning lower certificate costs every year. BESMUG Marketplace lists verified sustainable packaging suppliers across India who supply EPR-friendly alternatives to standard plastic packaging.
Need Help Getting Started?
BESMUG & Co helps Indian businesses with EPR registration, CPCB compliance and sustainable packaging procurement. If you are unsure whether your business needs to comply โ or how to get registered โ write to us at support@besmug.in and our compliance team will guide you.
The deadline does not wait. Neither should your registration.