On this page
Recycling Targets of Non-Ferrous Metal EPR apply to producers engaged in manufacturing products containing aluminum, copper, zinc and their alloys. The regulation requires producers to achieve certain recycling targets depending on the amount of the relevant product and the lifetime of such products.
The producers can reach these targets through recycling or buying EPR certificates from approved recyclers using the CPCB online portal. It is useful to know the way these targets are calculated and the mechanism of the EPR certificate in order to comply with regulations.
What Are Non-Ferrous Metal EPR Targets?
EPR targets tell a producer how much of the applicable non-ferrous metal needs to be recycled in a financial year.
The target is linked to the quantity of covered products from an earlier year. The applicable earlier year depends on the average life of the product, which is to be specified by CPCB.
The recycling targets increase over time:
| Financial Year | Recycling Target |
|---|---|
| 2026–27 | 10% |
| 2027–28 | 10% |
| 2028–29 | 30% |
| 2029–30 | 30% |
| 2030–31 | 50% |
| 2031–32 | 50% |
| 2032–33 onwards | 75% |
For units established after 1 April 2026, the EPR obligation starts after two years and then follows the applicable target. Importers of used devices, products or non-ferrous metal scrap have a separate obligation of 100% of the non-ferrous metal imported in the previous year.
How Is EPR Liability Calculated?
The basic idea is simple. The producer’s EPR target is calculated by applying the applicable recycling percentage to the quantity of covered non-ferrous metal products from the year linked to the product’s average life.
Basic formula:
EPR Liability = Quantity of covered products × Applicable recycling target
To take an example, let’s say the producer has a relevant quantity of 1,000 tonnes, and the recycling target for the year is 10%.
1,000 tonnes × 10% = 100 tonnes
So, the producer’s EPR obligation would be 100 tonnes.
The actual calculation can depend on the product category and the average life specified by CPCB. Therefore, businesses should use the applicable CPCB requirements while calculating Failure to meet EPR obligations can lead to environmental compensation and other action under the applicable rules.
Importantly, payment of environmental compensation does not simply remove the producer’s responsibility to meet the EPR target. Unfulfilled obligations may continue to be dealt with as provided under the rules.
Producers should therefore keep proper records, track their targets and complete the required returns on time.
How Can Producers Fulfil Their EPR Targets?
Producers are able to comply with their obligations under EPR by making sure that the stipulated amount of non-ferrous metal scrap gets recycled. This can also be done through utilizing registered recyclers as well as buying EPR certificates through the online portal.
The regulation states that the producers are allowed to buy EPR certificates as much as their liability for the current year, previous years’ liability, and 10% of their liability of the current year. This must be done proportionately each half year. This will make it easier for producers to achieve their goals without necessarily doing the recycling.
What Is the Role of Registered Recyclers?
Recyclers registered under the EPR scheme have an important part to play in the EPR system. These recyclers recycle the eligible non-ferrous metal scrap and create EPR certificates through the CPCB process as per the relevant requirements.
Producers can then buy these certificates in order to fulfill their obligations under the EPR scheme. Thus, the link between producers who are obligated to recycle and recyclers who perform the act of recycling is established.
The EPR certificate system works on the principle of a market mechanism wherein recyclers can add value by recycling and producers can fulfill their obligations by buying certificates.Practical Example of EPR Calculation
Let’s take a simple example.
Suppose:
- Applicable quantity of covered products = 2,000 tonnes
- Recycling target = 10%
The calculation would be:
2,000 × 10% = 200 tonnes
The producer therefore has an EPR obligation of 200 tonnes.
If the producer fulfils 150 tonnes through its recycling arrangements, there is a remaining obligation of:
200 − 150 = 50 tonnes
The producer can then use the applicable EPR certificate mechanism for the remaining obligation by purchasing certificates from registered recyclers through the CPCB portal, subject to the rules and portal process.
What Happens If a Producer Does Not Meet the EPR Target?
The EPR targets will keep growing every year from 2026-27 when 10% is required to 2032-33 onwards where 75% is required. It is suggested that the producers should not wait until the end of the financial year to find out about their obligations under the scheme.
Here is what the businesses should do:
- Decide if their goods fall under the relevant EPR scheme.
- Keep track of the quantity of the goods.
- Identify the relevant average lifespan of the goods.
- Determine the EPR target per year.
- Work with the registered recyclers, if needed.
- Keep records of EPR certificates and recycling.
Why Should Producers Track Their EPR Targets?
The targets of EPR rise annually from 10% during 2026-27 to 75% in 2032-33 and onwards. This implies that it becomes important for the manufacturers to make sure that they do not leave it late till the last part of the fiscal year to determine the extent of their compliance. Organizations need
- Check if their products fall under any EPRs.
- Keep record of the amount of their products that qualify for EPR schemes.
- Check the average life of their products.
- Calculate the EPR target for each financial year.
- Work with certified recyclers if necessary.
- Keep record of their EPRs and recycling process.
- Submit the necessary documentation on time.
Conclusion
Non-Ferrous Metal EPR requires producers to meet recycling targets for covered aluminium, copper, zinc and alloy products. Since these targets increase every few years, businesses should keep track of their EPR liability and plan their recycling work on time.
Producers can meet their targets through recycling or by using EPR certificates from registered recyclers, as allowed under the rules. Keeping proper records and completing the required compliance on time can help avoid problems.
If you need help with EPR compliance and metal recycling requirements, Certilize can assist you with the process.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Non-Ferrous Metal EPR Targets in India?
Recycling targets are 10% for 2026-27 & 2027-28, 30% for 2028-29 & 2029-30, 50% for 2030-31 & 2031-32 and 75% thereafter starting from 2032-33.
How does one calculate Non-Ferrous Metal EPR Liability?
EPR Liability is based on the quantity of the covered product and the relevant recycling target. In addition, the average life of the product is also considered in estimating the relevant quantity.
How can producers achieve their Non-Ferrous Metal EPR Targets?
Producers may achieve the relevant EPR Targets by either recycling arrangements or by buying EPR Certificates from registered recyclers through the CPCB online portal.
What is an EPR Certificate in Non-Ferrous Metals?
EPR Certificate is a document issued by a recycler in favor of the producer as a proof that he has fulfilled his relevant EPR Obligation. Rules permit producers to buy EPR Certificates from registered recyclers through the online portal.
What if a producer doesn’t meet the EPR Targets?
Failure to meet the relevant EPR Targets could mean environmental compensation and/or other consequences according to the rules. Still, the unmet EPR Obligations would be required to be addressed as per the applicable rules.
