Are you importing any batteries into India?

On August 22, 2022, the Indian government announced the EPR battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, which superseded the previous Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001. 

Henceforth, every battery Importer or manufacturer in India must register themselves as an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) producer for batteries.

The Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 apply to all types of batteries, irrespective of their chemistry, shape, volume, weight, material composition, and intended use. According to these Rules, producers (i.e., manufacturers and importers) must fulfil their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations for the batteries they introduce into the market. Producers must meet the collection and recycling targets specified in the Schedule of the Rules to ensure the fulfilment of their EPR obligations. 

The following are the three categories of activities that fall under the purview of the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022:

1. Manufacturing and selling of batteries, including refurbished batteries, under their own brand name, including in equipment.
2. Selling of batteries, including refurbished batteries, under their own brand name, including in equipment, produced by other manufacturers or suppliers.
3. Importing batteries, as well as equipment containing batteries.

• The rules do not apply to batteries used in equipment related to essential security interests. Such equipment includes arms, ammunition, war material, and those designed specifically for military purposes. Additionally, equipment designed for space purposes is also exempt from these rules.

Producers of any type of Battery are required to register through the portal of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As of now, after registration, the certificate remains valid for a period of 5 years and is subject to the filing of returns. 

The Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 state that Producers, Recyclers, and Refurbishers of batteries are required to register through the online centralized portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In addition, Recyclers and Refurbishers must also register with their respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC) on the same portal. The portal aims to enhance accountability, traceability, and transparency of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations. It will serve as a single-point repository for all orders and guidelines related to the implementation of BWM Rules, 2022. 
For more details, you may contact us at www.andees.com