EPR in Kerala
The government has established a set of regulations known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to safeguard the environment, with Producers, Importers, Brands, and Owners falling under its purview. EPR focuses primarily on managing post-industrial and post-consumer plastic waste, especially in the area of packaging waste management.
The primary objective of EPR is to recover plastic waste released by various producers, brand owners, and importers to protect the natural environment, which is being harmed by a variety of sources.
Kerala is responsible for providing technical and managerial support to the Local Self Governments of the State in waste management. They also conceptualize action plans, conduct workshops, organize training programs, undertake sector-related studies, publish occasional papers, conduct action research, and monitor activities in the waste management sector.
The purpose of EPR certification is to encourage producers to take a proactive role in reducing the environmental impact of their products and packaging by implementing environmentally responsible practices, such as recycling and waste reduction.
Get EPR Certificate
The certification process typically involves an audit of the producer’s operations and practices to ensure that they meet the EPR regulations and requirements. If the producer meets the criteria, they are issued an EPR certificate, which demonstrates their commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance with government regulations.
EPR certification is mandatory in some countries and regions for certain industries and products, while in others it may be voluntary. If you are a producer or manufacturer interested in obtaining EPR certification, it is important to research the specific regulations and requirements in your area and ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria.
Additionally, they implement the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), and Communication and Capacity Development Unit (CCDU) in the state. For more information, please visit https://www.keralapcb.nic.in/.
If you’re a Producer, Importer, or Brand owner in Kerala and have an obligation to fulfill Extended Producers Responsibility, you can register by following these steps:
- Register with both the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KERALAPCB).
- Collect waste through an authorized waste management agency.
- Collect and organize relevant documents.
- Submit quarterly reports to CPCB.
- Submit an annual report on Extended Producers Responsibility Liability Fulfillment.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Compliance Process: From Sign Up to EPR Certification
Opening/Meeting: At the beginning of the process, there is an opening meeting to brief the client on the content of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the workflow for the process. The client is given an opportunity to ask questions and have their queries resolved.
Identification and Sign Up Process: The next step is to identify the appropriate category for the client and sign them up for the appropriate program. There are two programs available: the Producer Identification and Brand Owner (PIBO) program and the Producer Waste Plan (PWP) program.
Sharing List of Documents and Form for Data Collection: Once the client has been signed up for the appropriate program, a list of required documents is shared with them, along with a data collection form. This form is specific to the client’s category.
- Identification of Applicable Categories Form: For the PIBO program, the client must identify all applicable categories on the form. The categories include Brandowner, Producer, and Importer.
Data Collection and Validation: The client collects the required data and submits it for validation. The data is scrutinized to ensure its accuracy and completeness. Once validated, the data is finalized.
File Upload: The finalized data is uploaded to the government’s system for processing.
EPR Certificate Done: After the data is processed by the government, the client receives an EPR certificate, which certifies their compliance with EPR regulations and their commitment to sustainable production and waste reduction.
