Why Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Consultant?

In March 2025, I got a desperate call from the founder of an E-waste Importer based in Ahmedabad. His containers were held at customs. Why? He didn’t have a valid Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) authorization under the new e-waste rules.

What stung the most? He had no idea his business even qualified for EPR obligations.

Sadly, his story isn’t rare.

A 2024 survey by FICCI showed that more than 60% of Indian businesses dealing in plastic, e-waste, batteries, or tyres are unaware they fall under the EPR compliance net.

As someone who’s been in the trenches of compliance consulting for 15 years, I’ve seen one thing clearly—EPR isn’t just a government formality; it’s a business necessity.

✅ Why EPR Compliance in India Really Matters?

1. The Law Is Brutally Clear

Under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, E-Waste Rules, Battery Waste Rules, and now Tyre EPR Rules, any business that:

• Manufactures
• Imports
• Packages
• Distributes

is legally obligated to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products.

Skip this? Risk:

• CPCB penalties
• Customs seizures
• Tender disqualifications
• Reputational damage

2. The Bureaucracy is a Maze

Between CPCB, SPCB, MOEF, ULBs, and PROs—one misstep can stall your registration for months. A qualified EPR consultant navigates this maze so you don’t have to.

3. Non-Compliance Is Now Public

CPCB has started naming and blacklisting non-compliant firms on their official portal. This blacklisting affects:

• Your vendors
• Your buyers
• Your brand equity

🧭 What an Extended Producer Responsibility Consultant Actually Does?

When you partner with Prgenix, here’s how we handle your EPR journey from A to Z:

🔍 Step 1: Eligibility Check & Waste Stream Mapping

We start with a forensic audit of your products and packaging:

• Are you a PIBO (Producer, Importer, Brand Owner)?
• Do you fall under one or more waste categories?
• Are you missing any registrations unknowingly?

Most businesses are surprised by what they find.

📝 Step 2: CPCB Portal Registration & Profile Setup

We handle:

• EPR portal registration
• Authorized signatory upload
• Legal declarations
• SKU & material submission
• Digital signature linking

You get an active profile in under 7 business days.

🧾 Step 3: EPR Plan Drafting & Target Setting

We create a CPCB-compliant EPR Plan tailored to:

• Plastic waste
• E-waste streams
• Battery lifecycles
• Tyre collection

And we align it with collection targets, reverse logistics, and recovery methods.

🤝 Step 4: PRO & Recycler Onboarding

This is where most clients struggle—but we’ve already done the groundwork:

• We link you with pre-approved PROs
• Sign your reverse logistics MOUs
• Vet recyclers for traceability and license validity

This single move can cut compliance time by 30–50%.

📊 Step 5: Authorization Filing + Quarterly Reporting Automation

We:

• Submit your plan for CPCB/SPCB authorization
• Track file movement
• Reply to show-cause notices, if any
• Build a digital dashboard for auto-filing your quarterly reports

You focus on growth. We handle the grind.

📈 Case Study: Cutting PRO Onboarding Costs by 40%

Earlier this year, we helped an E-waste Importer based in Ahmedabad who was spending too much on collection partners with no accountability.

Our approach:

• Audited their material inflow
• Replaced legacy PROs with verified, lower-cost partners
• Set up a centralized dashboard to track pickups and certificates

Result? 40% reduction in onboarding costs and better control over their entire reverse logistics chain.

They now file compliance reports on time and even earned CPCB appreciation for proactive filings.

🔍 Advanced Tips – Most EPR Consultants Will Never Tell You

⚠️ 1. Avoid “Fake” PROs and Recyclers

Yes, there are fly-by-night operators issuing fake certificates. Use only CPCB-listed vendors and get cross-verification done before signing.

📉 2. Don’t Inflate Collection Targets

CPCB now audits targets. Over-declaring might look good—but failing to meet them leads to legal notices.

📁 3. Maintain Barcode Traceability for Plastic Waste

Use QR/barcode tagging for your products—especially in plastic packaging. CPCB will soon make this traceability mandatory.

📤 4. Don’t Miss EPR for Secondary Packaging

If your product uses shrink-wrap, bubble wrap, or plastic tape, it must be declared in your EPR plan—even if it’s “just for delivery.”

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is EPR in India?

EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility, a legal framework that makes producers responsible for collecting and disposing of their product packaging, electronics, batteries, etc., post-consumer use.

Q2: Who is required to register under EPR?

Any Producer, Importer, Brand Owner (PIBO) dealing in plastic, e-waste, batteries, or tyres needs to be registered under relevant EPR guidelines.

Q3: What documents are needed for EPR registration?

• GST certificate
• PAN card
• Company incorporation proof
• Authorized Signatory Letter
• SKU material mapping
• Previous sales and packaging data

Q4: How long does EPR approval take in India?

With a proper consultant, registration takes 1–2 weeks, and authorization can take 30–60 days, depending on your category.

Q5: Is it mandatory to hire an EPR consultant?

Not legally—but it’s highly recommended. Most delays and rejections happen when brands attempt DIY registration without understanding the legal implications.

💡 Don’t Play Catch-Up with Compliance

Whether you’re a startup brand selling 1,000 units/month or a manufacturing giant distributing across India—EPR compliance is now a non-negotiable.

At Prgenix, we don’t just get you registered. We:

• Defend your compliance in audits
• Set up transparent reverse logistics
• Ensure you’re future-ready for evolving CPCB norms

Let’s be honest—you can’t afford a compliance error in 2025.