EPR Certificate: Boosting Sustainable Exports from India

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Sustainability in exports isn’t just a buzzword anymore – it’s a compliance mandate. If you’re an Indian exporter dealing with products that involve plastic packaging, electronics, batteries, or tires, you’ve probably heard about the EPR Certificate. And if you haven’t paid attention to it yet, you might want to – because more and more countries, buyers, and regulators are treating it as a baseline requirement.

Let’s break down what this certificate means, why it matters in exports, and how it fits into the larger conversation around environmental responsibility and global trade.

What is an EPR Certificate?

EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility. It’s a regulatory framework that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of the products they manufacture or sell – especially for waste collection and recycling after consumer use.

In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) oversees EPR compliance. If your company deals in plastic packaging, e-waste (like electronics and electrical equipment), batteries, or end-of-life tires, you’re expected to register and obtain an EPR Certificate to show that you’re managing your environmental responsibilities.

In practical terms, this certificate proves that you’ve either:

Set up a collection and recycling mechanism
Partnered with authorized waste processors or recyclers
Purchased plastic credit or fulfilled your targets through recognized channels

Why Exporters Need to Pay Attention

If you’re exporting from India, here’s what this really means for you.

1.Compliance is a Growing Demand in Global Trade

Importing countries, especially in Europe, the UK, and North America, are tightening rules on waste and recyclability. If your product contains packaging waste and you don’t have EPR compliance in your country of origin, buyers may hesitate or outright reject your consignment.

2. Many Global Brands Won’t Work With Non-Compliant Suppliers

Large MNCs and sustainability-focused buyers now ask for EPR Certificates and related documentation as part of vendor onboarding or annual compliance checks. Not having this can impact repeat orders, tender eligibility, and long-term business relationships.

3. Customs and Domestic Regulations Are Getting Stricter

EPR Registration is mandatory in India under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended in 2022), and the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. Failure to comply can not only lead to penalties but also jeopardize your credibility as a responsible exporter.

Who Needs an EPR Certificate?

Here’s a quick list of businesses and products that fall under the EPR framework:

Plastic packaging: FMCG goods, packaged food, personal care products, apparel with plastic wrap, etc.
Electronics and electrical equipment: Mobile phones, appliances, consumer electronics
Batteries: EV batteries, inverter batteries, lithium-ion, and lead-acid batteries
Tyres: Used tyres for vehicles, including exports of such products

If you manufacture, import, sell, or export these products, you’re expected to register on the CPCB’s EPR portal and comply with target-based obligations.

How to Get an EPR Certificate in India

The process varies slightly depending on the category (plastic, e-waste, battery), but the core steps include:

1.Registration on CPCB Portal

You need to create an account on the EPR portal and select the applicable category (plastic packaging, e-waste, etc.)

2. Documentation Upload

This includes:

Company PAN and GST details
IEC certificate (if you’re an exporter)
Product/packaging details
Waste generation estimates
Agreements with recyclers or PROs (Producer Responsibility Organisations)

3. Filing EPR Plan and Targets

You need to declare the quantity of waste you’ll take responsibility for, and how you plan to collect or recycle it.

4. Verification and Approval by CPCB

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you receive the EPR Certificate – a digital document proving your compliance.

If you’re unsure how to start or need help getting your EPR Certificate, this step-by-step service guide can help you understand the registration and compliance process from end to end.

How EPR Supports Sustainable Exports

Beyond compliance, let’s talk about the bigger picture – why this matters.

EPR aligns your business with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) frameworks, which are becoming key to investor and buyer confidence.
It reduces your carbon and plastic footprint, improving your standing with conscious consumers.
It gives you a competitive edge, especially if you’re competing in environmentally regulated markets like the EU or UK.

Sustainable practices are no longer optional. They’re becoming trade requirements – and your EPR Certificate is proof that you’re not just exporting goods, you’re exporting responsibility.

Need Help with EPR Registration?

At Afleo, we help businesses – from startups to exporters with complex supply chains – obtain their EPR Certificate without the procedural headache. From identifying your category to handling CPCB portal registration, documentation, and end-to-end filing, we simplify the compliance process so you can focus on business, not bureaucracy.

If you’re exporting goods that fall under EPR regulations, now’s the time to act. Don’t wait until a buyer flags you or a shipment is held up due to non-compliance.

Final Thoughts

The EPR Certificate isn’t just another document – it’s a commitment. To your customers. To regulators. To the planet. As the world moves toward responsible trade and transparent supply chains, this certificate could become your ticket to better deals, trusted partnerships, and long-term growth.

Sustainability in exports starts with accountability – and EPR is the first real step in that direction.