EPR Registration for Non-Ferrous Metals

EPR Registration for Non-Ferrous Metals is mandatory under CPCB. ERCS ensures smooth approvals, ongoing compliance, and penalty-free EPR management for non-ferrous metal waste in India.

The EPR Registration for Non-Ferrous Metals in India is a mandatory compliance under CPCB, ensuring that producers collect and recycle (or recover) the waste generated by domestically manufactured or imported products. This registration involves submitting Form-1,  documents related to business recycling/collection plans, to be approved by the CPCB to meet the target percentage of recycled content required for the products. If not registered, the producer is liable to be penalised by the authority under the "Environmental Compensation" provision. The finalised rule will take effect on April 1, 2026.

The EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Registration is a crucial aspect of a circular economy. It legally requires producers to manage the end-of-life phase of their products, promoting sustainable waste management practices and reducing environmental impact.

What is EPR & Why India Introduced it for Non-Ferrous Metals?

EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility, which requires producers to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, including the end of the product's useful life. Producers can no longer transfer the burden of waste to consumers or governments; they must ensure that products are collected and responsibly recycled. In India, the EPR Certification Scheme framework applies to various diverse products and materials that contain copper, aluminium, zinc, and other non-ferrous metals. It will come into effect on April 1, 2026. The EPR framework was established through the Hazardous and Other Wastes Amendment Rules 2025.

Defining Non-Ferrous Metals Under EPR Rules

Under the Non-ferrous metals EPR certification, it includes aluminium, copper, zinc and their alloys. These metals are widely used in:

• Eleans, foils
• Automotctrical & electronics
• Packaging parts
• Furniture fittings
• Construction materials

Who Must Register for an EPR Certificate?

The CPCB online portal must be registered by all companies that are participating in the non-ferrous metal lifecycle:

• Producers/ Manufacturers 
• Importers of Products Or Scrap Materials 
• Recyclers & Refurbishers 
• Dismantlers 
• Collection Agents And Collection Centres 
• Transporters Producer Responsibility Organisations

Mandatory Recycling & Recycled Content Targets

The EPR system specifies incremental recycling responsibilities and establishes minimum levels for recycled materials used in production: 

 Each Year's Recycling Achievement Targets, 

• The First Year of Operation Will Be Financial Year 2026 - 27. 
• 10% is required to be recycled from All Non-Ferrous Metal Items.
• Increments Will Continue Raising Recycling Objectives Until 2029-2030, Which is 75%.
• Minimum Recycled Content For New Product Introductions
• The Recycling Content Standard for Innovations Will Be In Effect, Beginning In FY 2028-29. 
• All New Product Innovations Will Feature Recycled Metal Content Beginning At A 5% Base Standard. 
• Additional Recycled Metal New Product Content Levels As Follows : 
• Up To 10% For Aluminium, 20% For Copper, 25% For Zinc.

Step-by-Step Process to Get an EPR Registration

The following describes how a producer or manufacturer can comply with Producer Responsibility requirements related to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) of non-ferrous materials:

• Assess if your products are subject to EPR registration rules related to non-ferrous metals. Also, determine your product volume and product classification.
• Register on the PORTAL of the Central Pollution Control Board to create your account (using the appropriate type of user) and register as a manufacturer or producer under EPR.
• Prepare a compliance plan containing details about how you will collect, recycle, and report on your products, as well as how you will partner with recyclers/refurbishers.
• Develop partnerships with registered recyclers/refurbishers to recycle used and/or damaged products and document those transactions through certificates issued by those recyclers/refurbishers.
• Collect from your partners, purchase EPR certificates, and/or generate certificates using the Portal to achieve your EPR target.
• Submit quarterly and/or annual returns that contain information regarding certificate transactions, recycle volumes, and evidence of compliance.
• Maintain comprehensive records relating to your production volumes, recycling reports, certificate transactions, and documentation (to support potential audits).