The Indian government has exempted micro and small producers from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations for plastic waste for the financial year 2023-24.
What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that makes producers responsible for the entire life cycle of their products, including their disposal. This includes ensuring that the product is recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Why the Exemption?
The government has recognized the challenges faced by micro and small enterprises in complying with EPR regulations, particularly in terms of the financial and logistical burden. To alleviate these concerns, the decision has been made to exempt them from these obligations for the specified period.
Key Points:
- Businesses categorized as micro and small enterprises will not be required to fulfill EPR obligations for the financial year 2023-24.
- Despite the exemption, these producers are still required to file their Annual Returns for the financial year 2023-24.
- The primary responsibility for EPR compliance will now shift to larger producers and importers of plastic raw materials.
This move is expected to provide much-needed relief to micro and small enterprises, enabling them to focus on their core business activities. By streamlining regulations and reducing compliance burdens, the government aims to foster a conducive environment for the growth of small businesses.
