New Delhi, June 7 – In a bid to navigate the complexities of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations while promoting trade compliance and environmental sustainability, micro and small producers in the plastic packaging industry have raised their concerns and requested an exemption.

Recognizing the critical role of these producers in supporting the economy and survival of over 20 lakh jobs, they have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their exclusion from the EPR regulatory regime.

Collaborative efforts have been made by leading industry associations such as the All India Plastic Manufacturers Association (AIPMA), Organization of Plastics Processors of India (OPPI), and regional associations from Gujarat, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, seeking exemption from the complexities associated with EPR compliance.

The intricate nature of the EPR regulatory regime presents significant challenges for micro and small producers who often face resource limitations in terms of manpower and financial capabilities.

EPR, a fundamental aspect of the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016, places the responsibility on producers, importers, and brand owners to effectively manage their plastic packaging waste through recycling, re-use, or proper disposal.

To facilitate the implementation process and ensure compliance, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introduced the “Guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility for Plastic Packaging.” These guidelines, specified in Schedule II of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, outline the necessary steps for registration.

The EPR guidelines covers four entities: producers of plastic packaging, importers of imported plastic packaging or plastic packaging of imported products, brand owners including online platforms/marketplaces and supermarkets/retail chains, and plastic waste processors.

The portal allows the registration of producers, importers, and brand owners operating in more than two states with the CPCB, while those operating in one or two states or union territories must register with the respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

However, micro and small-scale Brand Owners, as per the criteria of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), are exempted from the rule.

Similarly, micro and small producers in the plastic packaging industry are demanding a similar exemption.

By seeking this exemption, the industry aims to alleviate the challenges posed by the EPR regulatory regime and safeguard the interests of micro and small producers.