CPCB Directs Plastic Raw Material Manufacturers to Register Under PWM Rules

Introduction: A Nationwide Compliance Push

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued strict directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, mandating that all manufacturers of plastic raw materials must complete their Plastic Raw Material Registration on the centralized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal. This directive enforces compliance with the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, 2016, as amended, and gives manufacturers 15 days to act before legal action is initiated.

The move aims to close critical gaps in upstream traceability and ensure that plastic packaging materials are tracked and responsibly managed.

Backdrop: The Legal Framework Explained

The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, framed under Sections 3, 6, and 25 of the EPA, empower authorities to enforce strict regulatory standards across the plastic value chain. These were enhanced through the PWM (Amendment) Rules, 2022, introducing the Extended Producer Responsibility system.

Further, the March 14, 2024 amendment officially brought manufacturers and importers of plastic raw materials under the EPR framework—requiring them to register, report, and sell only to registered producers or sellers.

Entities Covered Under the Mandate

The CPCB’s directive applies to top plastic raw material manufacturers, including:

Reliance Industries Ltd.
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
GAIL (India) Ltd.
Haldia Petrochemicals
ONGC Petro Additions Ltd.
Styrenix, Finolex, LG Polymers, and many more.

All entities must register as per clause 6 of the EPR Guidelines and Rule 13(4) of the PWM Rules.

Key Compliance Requirements

Online Registration on EPR Portal
- Mandatory via the CPCB’s centralized portal: https://eprplastic.cpcb.gov.in
- Applications must include company details, licenses, and supporting documentation.
Sales Restriction Clause
- As per Rule 13(4A)(i), raw material manufacturers must only sell to registered producers or sellers.
- The buyer’s registration number must appear on all invoices.
Quarterly & Annual Reporting
- Submit Form VII reports online:
  - Quarterly: By the end of the following month after each quarter
  - Annual: By 30th June each year
Compliance With SOP and Guidance Manual
- CPCB has uploaded detailed procedures for registration and fee payments:
  Guidance Manual PDF

Non-Compliance and Legal Consequences

The notice explicitly states that units failing to submit registration applications within 15 days will face action under:

Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Other applicable laws and penalties under the PWM Rules

This includes operational restrictions, financial penalties, or cancellation of trade permissions.

Next Steps for Affected Units

Manufacturers must:

Immediately log into the portal
Submit complete application with required details
Upload relevant certificates
Ensure all buyers are registered under the PWM Rules
Begin periodic reporting from the next quarter onward

Conclusion: Compliance is No Longer Optional

With the latest CPCB directive dated 4th July 2025, the compliance net around plastic waste management has expanded significantly. Plastic Raw Material Registration is now compulsory, and non-compliant manufacturers risk penalties and business disruption. The onus is now on companies to act fast, stay updated, and align operations with the national EPR framework.

As India tightens its grip on plastic pollution, proactive compliance is the only way forward.

Download: Plastic Raw Material Registration Now Mandatory Under PWM