Extension of E-Waste EPR Return Filing Timeline: CPCB Notice Explained

On May 21, 2025, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under its WM-III Division issued an official notice (File No.: CP/14/2024-WM-III-HO-CPCB-HO) regarding an important update for all registered entities involved in the management of electronic waste (e-waste) in India. The notice addresses the extension of deadlines for filing quarterly and annual returns under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, for the Financial Year 2024-25.

This article presents a complete explanation of the notice, its background, the significance of EPR returns, procedural aspects of the EPR portal, and the implications of the extended timeline. It is intended for manufacturers, importers, producers, recyclers, refurbishers, and all other entities involved in the e-waste value chain.

What Is E-Waste and Why Is It Regulated?

Electronic Waste (e-waste) refers to discarded electrical or electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, etc. These devices often contain hazardous substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants, which pose serious environmental and health hazards if not handled properly.

To ensure responsible management of e-waste, the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules assign Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations to producers of electrical and electronic equipment.

Purpose of the CPCB Notice

The notice dated May 21, 2025, is aimed at:

• Informing all registered entities under the E-Waste Management Rules about an extension in return filing deadlines.

• Ensuring smooth submission of quarterly and annual returns for FY 2024–25.

• Clarifying that EPR Certificate generation and transfer will continue on the official E-Waste EPR Portal during the extended period.

This move offers relief to stakeholders who may have faced challenges in meeting the original deadline of April 30, 2025.

What Does the Notice Say?

The notice clearly states the following:

"All the registered entities under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 are hereby informed that the timelines for filing quarterly and annual returns for Financial Year 2024-25 has been further extended from 30th April 2025 till 30th June 2025."

This extension applies to all registered entities on the E-Waste EPR Portal. These include producers, importers, dismantlers, recyclers, and refurbishers.

"The quarterly and annual returns on the E-Waste EPR Portal (URL: https://www.eprtewastecpcb.in) may be filled till 30th June 2025 for Financial Year 2024-25. During this period of extension, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Certificate generation & transfer will be carried out on the EPR Portal."

What Is the E-Waste EPR Portal?

The EPR Portal (https://www.eprtewastecpcb.in) is a centralized digital platform maintained by the Central Pollution Control Board. It facilitates:

• Registration of producers, importers, recyclers, and refurbishers.

• Filing of quarterly and annual returns.

• Generation, transfer, and monitoring of EPR certificates.

• Verification of compliance under the E-Waste (Management) Rules.

All activities concerning compliance, reporting, and certification are to be carried out on this portal. It acts as the central regulatory hub for e-waste management in India.

What Are Quarterly and Annual Returns?

Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, registered entities are required to:

• File Quarterly Returns: Every three months, entities must submit data related to the quantity of e-waste generated, collected, processed, or disposed.

• File Annual Returns: At the end of the financial year, a comprehensive return is to be submitted summarizing yearly performance and compliance.

These returns must be submitted electronically via the EPR portal and are critical to verifying whether the producer has fulfilled its EPR targets for collection and recycling.

What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach under which producers are given significant responsibility—financial and/or physical—for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.

Key functions of EPR include:

• Setting collection targets for e-waste.

• Engaging authorized recyclers and refurbishers.

• Submitting documentation and obtaining EPR certificates.

• Ensuring environmentally sound management of discarded products.

By shifting responsibility from the public sector to the producer, EPR incentivizes sustainable product design and responsible disposal.

Implications of the Extended Deadline

The extension of the return filing deadline from 30th April 2025 to 30th June 2025 provides the following benefits:

• Operational Relief: Entities get more time to consolidate data and submit accurate returns.

• Compliance Opportunity: Prevents non-compliance penalties due to missed deadlines.

• Continued Access to Certificates: EPR Certificate generation and transfer operations remain active on the portal during this period.

• Improved Accuracy: More time ensures better validation of the data submitted on the portal.

Who Is Required to File Returns?

The following entities are obligated to file quarterly and annual returns under the E-Waste Management Rules:

• Producers: Manufacturers or importers of electronic and electrical products.

• Dismantlers: Entities that disassemble e-waste into components.

• Recyclers: Units authorized to treat, recover, or recycle e-waste.

• Refurbishers: Facilities that repair or restore used electronics.

Each must be registered on the CPCB EPR Portal and must ensure timely submission of their returns.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to submit returns within the prescribed or extended timelines can lead to:

• Suspension or cancellation of registration.

• Ineligibility to generate or transfer EPR Certificates.

• Penalties and prosecution under the Environment (Protection) Act.

• Blacklisting from procurement by government departments or public sector undertakings.

The notice thus serves as both a reminder and an opportunity to comply.

Certificate Generation and Transfer

Even during the extended period till June 30, 2025, the portal will continue to allow:

• EPR Certificate Generation: Issuance of digital certificates after validation of returns.

• EPR Certificate Transfer: Allowing transfer of surplus obligations to other producers or recyclers.

These certificates serve as proof of fulfillment of e-waste collection and processing targets.

Important Dates to Remember

Conclusion

The notice issued by the CPCB reflects its commitment to enabling smoother compliance for stakeholders under the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022. With the deadline now extended till 30th June 2025, registered entities must prioritize timely filing of returns and management of EPR obligations through the official portal.

Compliance with these norms ensures not just legal conformity but also strengthens India’s environmental governance framework and encourages a responsible approach to managing the growing threat of e-waste. 

FAQs 

Q1. What is the last date to file E-Waste EPR returns for FY 2024–25?

Ans. The revised deadline is 30th June 2025.

Q2. Who issued the return filing extension notice?

Ans. The notice was issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), WM-III Division.

Q3. Does the extension apply to both quarterly and annual returns?

Ans. Yes, it applies to both quarterly and annual returns for FY 2024–25.

Q4. What is the EPR Portal URL for filing returns?

Ans. The URL is https://www.eprtewastecpcb.in.

Q5. Will the EPR Certificate generation continue during the extension?

Ans. Yes, certificate generation and transfer will continue on the portal till 30th June 2025. 

Q6. Is the extension applicable to recyclers and refurbishers also?

Ans. Yes, the extension is applicable to all registered entities including recyclers and refurbishers.

Q7. What happens if I miss the new deadline?

Ans. Missing the deadline may result in penalties, suspension of registration, or inability to generate EPR certificates.

Q8. Do I need to file returns manually or online?

Ans. All returns must be filed online through the CPCB’s EPR portal.

Q9. Under which rules is return filing mandated?

Ans. Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, notified by the MoEF&CC.

Q10. Can I file returns for past years during this period?

Ans. No, this extension is specifically for the Financial Year 2024–25.