EPR Registration for
Cellular Telephones: Smartphones

Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022, producers and importers must obtain EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Registration from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before selling or importing any cellular telephones in India. Smartphones fall under code ITEW15 in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) category.

EPR registration is mandatory because producers and importers must recycle or dispose of products at the end of their lifecycle. Producers purchase EPR certificates annually and must file quarterly and annual returns.
Non-compliance can result in environmental compensation imposed by CPCB or restrictions on imports and marketplace approvals.

Understanding Smartphones Under the E-Waste Category (ITEW15)

A smartphone is a cellular phone with a touchscreen display, an operating system, and internet access. It includes batteries, screens, and other electronic parts that require proper management throughout the product life cycle.

Under the E-Waste management policy, smartphones fall under ITEW15 (cellular telephones), so this product requires EPR registration. Producers and importers must register on the CPCB EPR portal to comply with the annual recycling target.

Key Details: EPR Registration for Smartphones (ITEW15)

EPR E-Waste Registration for smartphones under ITEW15 involves specific requirements that businesses must understand to meet applicable E-Waste compliance obligations. The table below summarises the key highlights of the EPR Registration: 

EPR Registration Process for Cellular Telephones and Smartphones

The EPR Registration for cellular telephones Smartphones (ITEW15) is entirely online for producers and importers on the CPCB EPR portal. The important steps in the EPR E-waste Registration Process are as follows:

• Creating User Profile: Register yourself on the official CPCB E-Waste portal using your email and mobile number, and choose your business entity. 
• Collecting Documents: Collect the documents related to your company, products and sales information. All the documents should be available in PDF format. 
• Registration on the CPCB Portal: Register yourself on the CPCB E-Waste portal through entry of the entity, brand and product category information.
• Application and Payment: Submit the application form along with the necessary PDF documents and make payment of the application fees. 
• Application Verification: CPCB verifies the application and the documents submitted.
• Rectification of Observations: If CPCB has any queries or observations, reply to them on the portal itself.
• Get EPR Registration: After verification, you will get the EPR Registration Certificate in digital format.

For a detailed guide to the process, including all required documents and CPCB approval, read our EPR Registration Process.

Documents Required for EPR Registration for Smartphones

The list of documents generally required for EPR Registration for smartphones under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022:

• Business registration proof (Incorporation Certificate, Partnership Deed, or proprietorship proof) 
• PAN card of the company
• GST registration certificate
• Import Export Code (IEC), for importers
• Authorisation letter/board resolution for the signatory
• Details of manufacturing units or warehouses, with address proof
• Product details: model names, brands and specifications
• CA-certified sales data (invoices, bills of entry)
• Copy of Consent to Establish / Consent to Operate (CTE/CTO), where applicable
• Self-declaration of Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance under the provisions of the E-Waste Rules, 2022 
• Proof of a tie-up or agreement with a CPCB-registered recycler (if available)
• Self-declaration and undertaking as per CPCB format
• Bank details and fee payment proof
• Any additional documents or information specifically requested by CPCB during the application process

Validity of EPR Registration for Cellular Telephones and Renewal Process

As per relevant CPCB guidelines, cellular telephone EPR Registration must be renewed to remain valid and ensure continued compliance with E-Waste management rules. 

• Validity Period: EPR Registration granted to producers and importers is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. 
• Renewal of Certificate: The renewal application must be submitted at least 120 days prior to the expiration date of the existing certificate on the CPCB portal.  

How ERCS Private Limited Supports EPR Registration for Smartphones

ERCS Private Limited is a trusted EPR Registration consultant providing end-to-end regulatory guidance to help smartphone producers, brand owners, and importers navigate CPCB E-Waste compliance effortlessly. Our consultancy support keeps your registration accurate and your ongoing compliance on track.  

• Complete Application Management: Help create profiles, documentation, and submissions through the CPCB official website portal.
• Target Calculation & Forecasting: Analyse past sales figures to accurately calculate annual recycling targets.
• Answering CPCB Questions/Clarifications: Help in responding to queries and clarifications raised by CPCB concerning the information provided.
• RoHS & Regulations Assistance: Help in getting the RoHS certificate and keeping statutory records.
• Annual Returns & Compliance Assistance: Ongoing help in making quarterly and annual returns in order to remain in good standing for certification.
• Pre-application Gap Check: Analysis of your smartphone (ITEW15) sales record, declaration, and documents prior to sending it to CPCB.
• EPR Certificate Monitor: Monitoring of the certificate purchased against your annual target.

Producers can get complete EPR registration and compliance support from ERCS Private Limited. Talk to our EPR consultants today.