CPCB Cracks Down on Fake EPR Certificates and Non-Compliant Plastic Waste Processors
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a series of stringent directions to State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) regarding widespread non-compliance with Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, particularly concerning Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates.
Plastic Waste Processors Must Upload Valid GST e-Invoices on EPR Portal
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued instructions requiring Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) to upload valid GST e-Invoices for the sale of their products on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal for plastic packaging. The CPCB emphasizes the importance of thoroughly checking GST e-Invoices before uploading them to the EPR portal.
PIBOs Reminded to File Annual Returns by November 30
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a reminder to all Plastic Waste Management (PWM) rules, 2016, registered Plastic Waste Management Companies (PWMCs) and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to file their Annual Returns (AR) for the financial year 2023-24 by November 30, 2024.
Micro And Small Producers Of Plastic Exempted From EPR Obligations For 2023-2024
The Indian government has exempted micro and small producers from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations for plastic waste 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.
CPCB Warns Against Plastic Rule Violations in Tender Documents
The CPCB has urged State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to ensure compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules in tender documents issued by government bodies under their jurisdiction. The CPCB has requested SPCBs to conduct regular checks to ensure certified compostable plastic manufacturers comply with the conditions of their certificates. These conditions include mandatory labeling of products with “COMPOSTABLE IS/ISO 17088 Certified” and a QR code linking to manufacturer details and certificate information.
Businesses Face Show Cause Notices For Failure To File EPR Plastic Waste Annual Returns
CPCB has observed that only 9129 PIBOs have submitted annual returns. The notice further lists a total of 3590 entities who have failed to furnish their annual returns for 2022-2023 along with the applicable environmental compensation for each defaulting entity.
Revised Environment Compensation for Violation of Plastic Waste Management Rules
The Environmental Compensation (EC) regime takes into account the cost incurred in managing plastic waste, which is estimated to be approximately Rs. 4000 per ton. To act as a deterrent, a deterrent factor of 2.5 is applied to the calculated EC, resulting in a total levy of Rs. 5000 per ton of plastic waste. The EC factor is inversely proportional to the collection of each category of plastic packaging waste, with higher ECs imposed for lower collection rates.
Electronic Trading and Settlement Platform for Plastic Packaging Operator
CPCB has published the Draft Guidelines for Authorization of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Electronic Trading & Settlement Platform for Plastic Packaging (EPRETPPP) Operator. The EPRETPPP Operator shall provide the platform for trading of EPR Certificates between the various registered entities in accordance with the provisions of EPR Guidelines.
TNPCB Releases Handbook to Guide Businesses on Plastic Packaging Waste Management
The handbook simplifies the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for plastic packaging waste, explaining the roles and responsibilities of each party involved. Businesses can utilize this guide to understand their obligations under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules and ensure seamless compliance.
Deadline Extended for Annual Plastic Waste Reports
The CPCB acknowledges that the EPR portal for plastic packaging underwent maintenance for security upgrades in January-March 2024, limiting access during this period. Considering this downtime, the CPCB has extended the deadline for filing annual reports for the financial year 2022-23 to May 31st, 2024.
