1. EPR Overview:
   • The EPR regime is mandated under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
   • Producers, Importers, and Brand-owners (PIBOs) are responsible for the recycling, reuse, or end-of-life disposal of plastic packaging waste.
2. Regulatory Amendment:
   • The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a fourth amendment to the Plastic Waste Management Rules on February 16, 2022.
   • This amendment introduced detailed “Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic Packaging” in Schedule II of the Rules.
3. Registration Process:
   • PIBOs must register through an online centralized portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
   • PIBOs operating in more than two States must register with CPCB, while those in one or two States/UTs register with the respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
4. Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs):
   • PWPs must register with the concerned SPCB/PCC through the centralized portal.
   • Registration is in line with Section 13(3) of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
5. EPR Portal Features:
   • The EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging facilitates registration of PIBOs and PWPs and supports the issuance of EPR certificates.
   • The portal improves accountability, traceability, and transparency of EPR obligations.
   • It will include seven modules covering various aspects like registration, certificate exchange, real-time monitoring, environmental compensation, system-generated reports, and annual return filing.
6. Operational Modules:
   • As of now, three modules are operational:
     1. “Registration of PIBOs”
     2. “Registration of PWPs”
     3. “Generation & Transfer of EPR Certificates”
7. Future Integrations:
   • The remaining modules will be integrated into the EPR portal soon, completing the system’s functionality.

This streamlined approach ensures a more effective implementation of EPR, contributing to better plastic waste management in India.