The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) on May 13, 2024, issued a Handbook on EPR Guidelines for Plastic Packaging.
The following has been stated namely: -
• It aims to empower businesses by assisting them in comprehending and fulfilling their obligations seamlessly under the provisions of the PWM Rules.
• It elucidates the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, of EPR for plastic packaging.
• It states the types of packaging under EPR are Rigid Plastic, Flexible Plastic, Multi-Layer Plastic, Compostable Plastic, and Biodegradable Plastic.
• It states that the obligated entities shall be the producer, importer, brand owner, manufacturer, and plastic waste processor.
• It states that the Brand Owners falling under the Micro and Small category shall be exempted from Registration in the portal.
• It states that the Producers falling under the Micro and Small categories shall be exempted only from EPR obligations, however they have to get Registered in the portal.
• It specifies the mandatory minimum recycling target of EPR target for brand owners, producers, importers, and manufacturers.
• It states that the manufacturers or importers of raw material (for Category I, II, and III categories) of plastic shall be liable for EPR, in case of micro or small producers are selling to other small or micro producers or brand owners.
• It states that the Manufacturer of biodegradable plastics shall fulfil their EPR obligations by obtaining EPR certificates generated by local authorities, as per agreed modalities, and shall fulfil their EPR target for compostable plastic.
• It states that the obligations for reuse shall apply to Brand Owners for plastic packaging only under the rigid category starting from FY 2025-26 and the quantity reused shall be deducted from the EPR target.
Kindly refer to the attached document for more details of the Handbook.
