Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and India E-Waste

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, posing both environmental and human health challenges. To address this issue, countries like India have adopted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations to promote responsible e-waste management and recycling.

However, how does EPR apply to importers and manufacturers, and how does TecEx support businesses in meeting their EPR obligations?

TL;DR

EPR holds producers accountable for the entire product lifecycle.
It is mandatory for all importers of electrical and electronic goods into India.
Failure to comply risks heavy penalties and import license suspension.
TecEx handles registration, compliance, and certified recycling via an EWRI partnership.

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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and India E-Waste - TecEx

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products — from design and production to end-of-life collection, recycling, and disposal.

In India, EPR certification ensures that waste generated from electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) and plastic packaging is collected and processed responsibly, reducing environmental harm and promoting a circular economy.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) oversee EPR implementation under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, Plastic Waste Management Rules, and related frameworks.

EPR has evolved to include reverse logistics services that facilitate the reuse, recycling, and proper discarding of electronic products through organized e-waste collection mechanisms.

How Does EPR Affect Importers?

EPR compliance is mandatory for importers bringing electrical, electronic, or plastic-packaged products into India.

Importers must:

Apply for EPR authorization from the CPCB before introducing goods into the Indian market.

Ensure proper collection, recycling, or disposal of post-consumer waste generated from imported items.

Collaborate with authorized recyclers or producer responsibility organizations (PROs) to meet recycling targets.

Failure to comply can result in penalties, suspension of import licenses, and reputational damage.

If you make it, import it, or package it — EPR likely applies to you.

Who is EPR Mandatory For?

EPR certification is required for all entities involved in producing, importing, refurbishing, or recycling covered products, including:

Manufacturers and producers of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE)

Importers of finished goods containing electronic components

Brand owners using plastic packaging (rigid, flexible, or multilayered)

Refurbishers and recyclers operating within the e-waste supply chain

Importers of packaged goods, such as machinery, chemicals, and textiles wrapped in plastic packaging

EPR Implementation | TecEx’s Partnership with EWRI

TecEx has partnered with E-Waste Recyclers India (EWRI) to ensure responsible e-waste collection and processing across India. EWRI operates a certified e-waste recycling plant.

How It Works

Customers can call the toll-free number: 1800-102-5679 to initiate e-waste collection.

They can:

Sell back their old electronic products under the TecEx buy-back scheme, or
Schedule collection from their doorstep or drop-off point for safe recycling.

EWRI’s collection centers are located across India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and other major regions.

Once collected by the reverse logistics provider, all waste is transported to EWRI’s certified facility for safe dismantling, recycling, or disposal in line with EPR standards.

What is E-Waste?

Electronic waste (e-waste) refers to discarded, obsolete, or broken electrical and electronic devices, including both consumer and industrial products.

E-waste contains hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants, that can contaminate soil and water if not properly handled.

At the same time, it also holds valuable resources like copper, aluminium, gold, and silver that can be recovered and reused. Thus, conserving natural resources and reducing the need for new raw material extraction.

Proper e-waste recycling ensures these materials are safely reclaimed, minimizing landfill waste and supporting a sustainable circular economy.

What Are The Benefits of EPR E-Waste Recycling?

Conserves Natural Resources

Reusing metals and plastics from old electronics reduces the demand for new mining and raw material extraction.

Reduces Environmental Pollution

Proper recycling prevents the leaching of hazardous substances into soil and groundwater.

Promotes Circular Economy

By extending product lifecycles and reusing components, EPR supports sustainable production and consumption patterns.

Encourages Corporate Responsibility

Compliance enhances brand credibility and helps businesses meet global ESG standards.

Supports Job Creation and Innovation

The recycling and refurbishment sector generates employment and fosters technological advancements in waste management.

EPR Implementation

TecEx has partnered with the E-Waste Recyclers India (EWRI) for the collection of e-waste on a pan-India basis and disposes of the waste at EWRI’s plant, located at Shed No.15, Roz ka Meo Industrial Area, Nuh, Haryana, India.

EWRI has engaged with reverse logistics service provider Professional Logistics Limited for e-waste collection.

Customers can place their request on the toll-free number 1800-102-5679. The customer may either:

Sell their old electronic products under the TecEx buy-back scheme, or

Our representatives will explain the disposal process to the customer and make them aware of the nearest drop-off point available to hand over the e-waste. India e-waste collection centers are located in popular areas like New Delhi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and more courtesy of EWRI.

If the customer wants to hand over the e-waste from their doorstep/designated location, EWRI/Professional Logistics Limited will collect the items and channel them to EWRI’s plant for final processing.

If you’re an importer, manufacturer, or brand owner needing guidance on India’s EPR certification process, TecEx can help you navigate registration, documentation, and compliance with confidence.

What to Consider for Extended Producer Responsibility

EPR Dos for Customers

Always look for information in the product’s catalog for instructions on proper disposal.
Ensure that only authorized recycling facilities/dismantlers handle your old electronic products.
Always call our toll-free number to dispose of products, gadgets, batteries, and accessories that have reached their end of life.
Always disconnect the battery from the product and ensure any glass surface is protected against breakage.

EPR Don’ts for Customers

Do not dismantle your electronic products on your own.
Do not throw electronics with “Do Not Dispose” signs in garbage bins.
Do not give e-waste to informal and unorganized sectors like local scrap dealers/rag pickers.
Do not dispose of your product in garbage bins along with municipal waste that ultimately reaches landfills.

Did You Know?

India is the third-largest producer of e-waste globally, after China and the United States. In 2020–2021, India generated over 10.14 million tons of e-waste.

Effective EPR implementation can significantly reduce environmental impact while driving sustainable business growth.

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As you can see from our wealth of knowledge, TecEx is your go-to partner for global trade management. With our trade compliance solutions, your IT supply chain will operate without hitting any roadblocks. We help you meet compliance requirements, navigate sanction changes, take advantage of free trade agreements, and more.

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