The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued a Gazette Notification (G.S.R. 438(E)) dated 1st July 2025, introducing a new chapter under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. These amendments bring Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) provisions for non-ferrous metal scrap and will come into effect from 1st April 2026.

Key Highlights

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework

• The rules cover producers, manufacturers, recyclers, refurbishers, collection agents, and bulk consumers involved in handling scrap or products made from aluminium, copper, zinc, and their alloys.
• Mandatory Registration: All stakeholders must register on a Centralised Online Portal maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Recycling Targets: Starting with 10% in 2026–2027, EPR targets will rise to 75% by 2032–2033 (as per Schedule XI).
• EPR Certificates: Producers can meet targets by recycling themselves or purchasing EPR Certificates from registered recyclers via the CPCB portal.
• Refurbishment Option: Certified refurbishers can defer EPR obligations temporarily.
• Audits and Verifications: CPCB or its authorised agencies may audit transactions and compliance regularly.

Mandatory Registration and Digital Compliance

A central online portal will:

• Manage registrations
• Track EPR certificates and transactions
• Monitor compliance through returns and reports
• Act as a marketplace for EPR certificate trading

Stakeholder Responsibilities

• Producers & Manufacturers:
  • Ensure collection, recycling, or refurbishing of their products.
  • Meet minimum recycled content use (as per Schedule XIII).
  • Submit half-yearly and annual returns.
• Recyclers:
  • Recycle scrap in an environmentally sound manner.
  • Maintain transaction records and file returns.
• Refurbishers:
  • Extend product life through safe refurbishing.
  • Manage and dispose of generated waste responsibly.
• Collection Agents:
  • Collect and transfer scrap to registered recyclers or refurbishers.
  • File periodic compliance reports.
• Bulk Consumers:
  • Set up collection points and hand over scrap only to registered entities.

Institutional and Stakeholder Roles

• CPCB: Administers portal, enforces compliance, issues SOPs, and conducts audits
• State Governments & SPCBs: Facilitate space for recycling units, conduct inspections, and promote awareness
• BIS: To update relevant standards within six months
• Steering Committee: Formed for oversight, dispute resolution, and target review

Penalties & Environmental Compensation

• Non-compliance may lead to:
  • Revocation of registration
  • Environmental compensation
  • Legal action under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Partial refunds of compensation are allowed for late compliance (within 1–3 years)

Important Timelines

Year	Recycling Target (% by weight, based on average product life)
2026–27	10%
2027–28	10%
2028–29	30%
2029–30	30%
2030–31	50%
2031–32	50%
2032–33+	75%

Milestones

Milestone	Deadline
Rules Effective Date	1st April 2026
CPCB Portal Operational	Within 6 months from the rules' commencement
BIS Standards Revision	Within 6 months
First EPR Target Year	2026–2027

Schedules Introduced

• Schedule X – List of covered non-ferrous metal products
• Schedule XI – EPR recycling targets timeline
• Schedule XII – Products allowed for refurbishing
• Schedule XIII – Minimum recycled content requirements

For More Information: Please visit the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change or the CPCB website.