EPR Tyre Authorization in India – Under CPCB Tyre Waste Management Rules

  • EPR Used Oil is a mandatory compliance under Hazardous Waste Management Rules, enforced by CPCB.
  • Producers, importers, recyclers, and bulk oil users must obtain EPR Registration for Used Oil.
  • Timely EPR Authorization for Used Oil avoids penalties, ensures sustainability, and protects business continuity.

INTRODUCTION

In early 2023, a mid-sized tyre importer approached us after their shipments were held at port—not due to customs issues, but because their EPR Tyre Registration was incomplete. Like many businesses, they assumed tyre waste compliance applied only to manufacturers. That assumption cost them weeks of delay and significant financial exposure.

Tyre waste is no longer treated as an environmental afterthought in India. With rising vehicle ownership, India generates millions of tonnes of waste tyres annually. To address this, the government introduced a structured EPR for tyre waste regime, enforced digitally by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

What is EPR Tyre Authorization in India?

When India introduced formal rules for tyre waste, it changed how tyre businesses operate—quietly but decisively. EPR Tyre Authorization in India is the legal approval granted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that allows eligible businesses to place tyres in the Indian market only after taking responsibility for their end-of-life management.

If your company manufactures, imports, or sells tyres in India, the law expects you to ensure that an equivalent quantity of waste tyres is collected, recycled, or processed through authorised channels. This responsibility is enforced through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Meaning of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Tyres

Extended Producer Responsibility shifts waste management accountability upstream, from municipalities to businesses that introduce products into the market.

For tyres, EPR means:

  • Responsibility does not end at sale
  • Producers must plan for collection and recycling
  • Compliance is measured against quantified EPR targets

Regulatory Framework Governing EPR Tyre Authorization

EPR Tyre Authorization operates under India’s Tyre Waste Management Rules, notified under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules.

Key regulatory pillars include:

  • Mandatory registration on the CPCB EPR portal
  • Annual EPR target allocation based on tyre quantity placed in the market
  • Digital tracking of recycling and certificate generation
  • Environmental compensation for shortfalls

Role of CPCB in EPR Tyre Authorization

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is the apex authority responsible for administering and enforcing waste tyre EPR in India.

Its role includes:

  • Approving EPR Tyre Registration applications
  • Allocating and monitoring annual EPR targets
  • Operating the centralized CPCB online portal
  • Verifying recycler activity and EPR certificates
  • Imposing penalties for non-compliance

What is EPR Tyre Waste Management?

EPR Tyre Waste Management is India’s legally mandated system that makes tyre producers accountable for what happens after tyres reach the end of their life.

Instead of leaving collection and disposal to local bodies, the law requires businesses that introduce tyres into the market to ensure their environmentally sound recycling or processing—and to prove it digitally.

Overview of Tyre Waste Management Rules in India

India’s tyre EPR regime operates under the Tyre Waste Management Rules, notified within the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules.

These rules were introduced to curb long-standing issues such as illegal dumping, uncontrolled burning, and misuse of imported scrap tyres.

Key features of the framework include:

  • Mandatory EPR registration for producers, importers, and brand owners
  • Annual EPR targets linked to market placement volume
  • Digital tracking through the CPCB portal
  • Authorized recyclers and retreaders only

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) administers and enforces these rules nationally, ensuring uniform compliance across states.

Types of Tyre Waste Covered Under EPR

EPR tyre waste management applies broadly across categories, including:

  • Passenger vehicle tyres
  • Commercial vehicle (truck and bus) tyres
  • Two-wheeler tyres
  • OTR (off-the-road) and industrial tyres

Both new and used tyres introduced into the Indian market are considered while calculating EPR obligations. This wide coverage prevents regulatory gaps and discourages informal disposal channels.

Objectives of Tyre Waste EPR Framework

The tyre EPR framework is designed with clear, outcome-oriented goals:

  • Environmental protection: Reduce soil, air, and fire hazards caused by unmanaged tyre waste
  • Circular economy: Convert end-of-life tyres into reusable resources like crumb rubber, oil, and steel
  • Traceability and accountability: Track tyre waste from sale to recycling using digital records

Who Needs EPR Tyre Waste Certification?

EPR Tyre Waste Certification is not limited to a single category of business. The law looks at who places tyres into the Indian market, not who physically generates waste. If your commercial activity results in tyres eventually becoming waste, EPR compliance applies to you.

Under India’s tyre waste management framework, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) clearly defines the obligated entities. Many businesses overlook this and assume EPR is someone else’s responsibility—until enforcement begins.

Tyre Manufacturers

Any company that manufactures tyres in India—whether for domestic sale or export-linked distribution—must obtain EPR Tyre Certification.

Manufacturers are required to:

  • Register on the CPCB online portal
  • Declare annual production data
  • Meet EPR targets through authorised recyclers

Even captive or OEM-focused manufacturing units are not exempt.

Importers of New and Used Tyres

Importers are one of the most strictly regulated categories under waste tyre EPR.

EPR Tyre Waste Certification is mandatory if you import:

  • New tyres for resale or OEM supply
  • Used tyres (where permitted under law)

Importers often face enhanced scrutiny because historically, waste tyres were misdeclared as reusable imports. Today, customs clearance, DGFT checks, and CPCB compliance are closely interconnected.

Brand Owners and Tyre Producers

If tyres are sold under your brand name, you are considered responsible—even if manufacturing is outsourced.

This includes:

  • Indian brands using third-party manufacturers
  • Foreign brands selling through Indian subsidiaries
  • Private-label tyre marketers

From a regulatory standpoint, brand ownership equals market responsibility. CPCB assigns EPR targets based on sales data, not factory ownership.

Retreaders and Recyclers (As Applicable)

While retreaders and recyclers do not have EPR targets in the same way as producers, they are still critical participants in the EPR ecosystem.

Their obligations include:

  • Mandatory registration on the CPCB portal
  • Compliance with SPCB consent conditions
  • Accurate reporting of tyre waste processed

Only CPCB-authorised recyclers can generate valid EPR certificates. If a recycler is non-compliant, the producer using those certificates is also exposed to risk

Benefits of EPR for Tyre Waste

Implementing EPR for tyre waste is not just about meeting a legal requirement—it delivers tangible operational, commercial, and environmental advantages.

Legal Compliance with CPCB Guidelines

The most immediate benefit of EPR is regulatory certainty. By obtaining EPR Tyre Authorization and fulfilling annual targets, businesses remain aligned with the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

This ensures:

  • No disruption during inspections or audits
  • Smooth import clearances and regulatory checks
  • Protection from retrospective environmental compensation

Improved Brand Credibility & Market Trust

EPR compliance increasingly functions as a market-entry requirement, not just an environmental obligation.

Many OEMs, institutional buyers, and global partners now:

  • Ask for proof of EPR Tyre Certification
  • Evaluate suppliers on ESG and sustainability parameters

Having a valid EPR framework signals that your brand operates responsibly and understands regulatory expectations—an advantage in competitive procurement scenarios.

Environmentally Responsible Waste Disposal

From an environmental standpoint, EPR tyre waste management creates a structured path for:

  • Safe collection of end-of-life tyres
  • Recycling through authorised facilities
  • Resource recovery instead of landfill or burning

Tyres processed under EPR are converted into useful outputs such as crumb rubber, recovered steel, or energy products. This reduces fire hazards, air pollution, and long-term soil contamination—issues that unregulated tyre dumping has historically caused in India.

Non-compliance under waste tyre EPR attracts environmental compensation charges, which are often significantly higher than the cost of proactive compliance.

EPR helps businesses:

  • Avoid penalty accumulation for unmet targets
  • Prevent suspension or cancellation of CPCB registration
  • Reduce exposure during future audits

Operational Clarity and Predictability

EPR introduces predictability into compliance planning by:

  • Linking obligations directly to sales or import volume
  • Defining clear annual targets
  • Providing digital tracking via the CPCB online portal

This allows businesses to budget, plan recycler tie-ups, and manage compliance timelines without operational surprises

Importance of EPR for Tyre Waste

The importance of EPR for tyre waste goes far beyond regulatory compliance. It addresses a structural problem India has struggled with for decades—how to manage millions of end-of-life tyres without harming the environment, public health, or the formal recycling economy.

Environmental Protection & Circular Economy

Discarded tyres are not inert waste. When dumped or burned, they release toxic pollutants and pose serious fire risks. EPR tyre waste management ensures that these tyres are channelled into authorised recycling processes where they become secondary raw materials.

Under EPR:

  • Waste tyres are collected systematically
  • Materials like rubber, steel, and oil are recovered
  • Dependency on virgin resources is reduced

Reduction of Illegal Tyre Dumping

Before EPR enforcement, illegal tyre stockpiling and open dumping were common, particularly near industrial zones and highways. EPR introduces traceability, making it harder for tyres to disappear into unregulated channels.

Key outcomes include:

  • Fewer illegal dumping sites
  • Reduced risk of tyre fires and groundwater contamination
  • Better monitoring through CPCB’s digital systems

When each tyre is linked to a producer’s responsibility, accountability replaces anonymity.

Strengthening India’s Waste Management Ecosystem

EPR has helped formalise the tyre recycling sector by:

  • Encouraging investment in compliant recycling facilities
  • Phasing out unsafe, informal operations
  • Creating measurable recycling standards

Authorised recyclers benefit from predictable material flow, while producers gain access to verified EPR certificates.

Alignment with National Environmental Priorities

EPR for tyre waste aligns with broader national goals related to:

  • Pollution control
  • Sustainable industrial growth
  • Resource efficiency

By integrating waste management into business operations, EPR ensures that environmental responsibility becomes part of economic decision-making—not an afterthought.

Eligibility Criteria for EPR for Tyre Waste

Understanding the eligibility criteria for EPR for tyre waste is critical because CPCB does not grant registration based on intent alone.

Eligibility for Manufacturers and Importers

Manufacturers and importers form the primary obligated category under waste tyre EPR.

You are eligible—and required—to obtain EPR Tyre Authorization in India if:

  • You manufacture tyres within India for sale or distribution
  • You import new tyres for commercial use, resale, or OEM supply
  • You import used tyres where permitted under applicable trade rules

Eligibility for Brand Owners

Brand owners are explicitly covered under EPR, even if manufacturing is outsourced.

You fall under this category if:

  • Tyres are sold under your brand name in India
  • Manufacturing is done by third parties or overseas units
  • You control marketing, pricing, or distribution

From a compliance standpoint, CPCB assigns responsibility to the entity benefiting from market presence, not the entity operating machinery.

Eligibility for Recyclers and Retreaders

While recyclers and retreaders do not have EPR targets like producers, their eligibility is essential to the system.

To register, they must:

  • Hold valid Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the State Pollution Control Board
  • Operate authorised recycling or retreading facilities
  • Report accurate processing data on the CPCB portal

Only CPCB-registered recyclers are allowed to generate EPR certificates. Producers using certificates from unregistered entities are considered non-compliant.

Compliance Prerequisites for Registration

Regardless of category, all applicants must meet baseline compliance conditions:

  • Active business registration and statutory approvals
  • Reliable data on tyre quantity introduced or processed
  • Agreement to fulfil or support EPR targets
  • Willingness to undergo CPCB audits and verification

Incomplete data, inconsistent declarations, or non-aligned recycler linkages are common reasons for registration delays or rejections.

What Makes Businesses Ineligible

Entities may face rejection or suspension if:

  • Sales or import data is misreported
  • Recycler partnerships are non-compliant
  • Previous EPR obligations remain unfulfilled

Eligibility is not permanent—it depends on continuous compliance.

Important Updates You Must Know About Tyre Waste EPR Compliance

Tyre waste EPR compliance in India has moved decisively from a declarative system to a verification-driven regime.

In the last few compliance cycles, regulators have tightened controls to address misuse, data manipulation, and paper-only compliance. Businesses that continue to follow outdated assumptions are now the most exposed during audits.

Latest CPCB Notifications and Guidelines

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has significantly strengthened scrutiny across the tyre EPR ecosystem, particularly focusing on credibility of fulfilment rather than mere registration.

Regulatory attention is now centred on:

  • Fake EPR certificates issued without actual recycling activity
  • Inflated recycling claims that do not match plant capacity or material flow
  • Multiple producers claiming credit for the same recycled quantity

Updates in EPR Portal Registration & Reporting

The CPCB online portal is no longer a static registration platform. It now functions as a live compliance monitoring system.

Key operational changes include:

  • Quarterly return filing is mandatory for obligated entities
  • Real-time EPR certificate tracking, linked directly to recycler uploads
  • Automated flags for mismatched data between producers and recyclers

Revised Timelines and Compliance Obligations

In select compliance years, CPCB has allowed extended deadlines to help businesses transition into the digital EPR framework. However, this flexibility should not be mistaken for leniency.

The current enforcement approach reflects:

  • Fewer deadline extensions, but stricter post-deadline action
  • Environmental compensation calculated immediately on shortfalls
  • Increased likelihood of registration suspension for repeat delays

In effect, the compliance window may appear wider on paper, but the In effect, the compliance window may appear wider on paper, but the tolerance for non-performance has narrowed sharply.

What These Updates Mean for Businesses

From a risk perspective, the biggest shift is this:

EPR compliance is now evidence-based, not intent-based.

Businesses must ensure:

  • Recycler partners are genuinely CPCB-authorised and operational
  • EPR certificates are backed by verifiable processing data
  • Internal compliance teams track obligations quarterly, not annually

Those who adapt early face minimal disruption. Those who don’t often discover gaps only when notices arrive.

Required Documents for EPR for Tyre Waste

Document readiness plays a decisive role in the approval and continuity of EPR for tyre waste compliance.

Company and Business Registration Documents

These documents establish the legal identity of the applicant and are mandatory for all entity types.

Required documents include:

  • Certificate of Incorporation (or equivalent business registration proof)
  • GST Registration Certificate, clearly reflecting the business name and address

Product and Import-Export Related Documents

CPCB determines EPR targets based on market placement data, making commercial records critical.

Typically required documents:

  • Import data, including Bills of Entry (for importers)
  • Sales invoices showing tyre quantity introduced into the Indian market

These documents must:

  • Be consistent with declared quantities on the CPCB online portal
  • Cover the relevant financial year(s)
  • Be retained for audit and verification

Inflated or understated figures can result in incorrect EPR targets, exposing the entity to future penalties.

Authorization and Consent Certificates

These documents are essential where recycling or retreading activity is involved.

Applicable documents include:

  • SPCB Consent to Establish (CTE)
  • SPCB Consent to Operate (CTO) (for recyclers and retreaders)

Supporting Declarations and Undertakings

CPCB requires formal declarations to ensure accountability and legal enforceability.

Common declarations include:

  • EPR Declarations, confirming acceptance of EPR obligations
  • Accuracy Undertakings, certifying that submitted data is true and complete

Process of EPR for Tyre Waste Management (Step-by-Step)

The EPR for tyre waste management process follows a clearly defined, regulator-driven sequence. Treating it as a stepwise compliance workflow—rather than a one-time formality—is essential to avoid rejection, penalties, or audit exposure.

Step 1: Identify Your Applicable EPR Category

Before initiating registration, the business must correctly identify its role in the tyre supply chain:

  • Manufacturer
  • Importer
  • Brand owner / Producer
  • Recycler or Retreader

Step 2: Register on the CPCB Online EPR Portal

All obligated entities must create an account on the CPCB online portal managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

During registration, applicants must:

  • Enter business and contact details
  • Upload core registration documents
  • Select the correct EPR category

Once submitted, CPCB verifies the registration credentials.

Step 3: Submit EPR Application and Supporting Documents

After account creation, the applicant submits a formal EPR application, supported by:

  • Sales or import data
  • Business registrations
  • Declarations and undertakings

At this stage, CPCB evaluates:

  • Data accuracy
  • Regulatory eligibility
  • Completeness of disclosures

Incomplete or inconsistent data is the most common cause of application objections.

Step 4: Preparation and Submission of EPR Plan

The EPR plan outlines how the entity will meet its tyre waste obligations.

It includes:

  • Quantity of tyres introduced into the market
  • Proposed recycler tie-ups
  • Mode of EPR fulfilment

The plan must demonstrate practical feasibility, not just intent.

Step 5: Allocation of EPR Targets by CPCB

Based on submitted data, CPCB assigns annual EPR targets:

  • Targets are quantified in metric tonnes
  • Calculated from production, import, or sales volume
  • Updated annually based on new declarations

These targets form the benchmark for compliance.

Step 6: Fulfilment of EPR Targets Through Authorised Recyclers

To meet assigned targets, the entity must:

  • Engage CPCB-registered recyclers
  • Ensure actual processing of waste tyres
  • Track recycling quantities throughout the year

Only recycling carried out by authorised facilities is recognised for EPR fulfilment.

Step 7: Generation and Utilisation of EPR Certificates

Once recycling is completed:

  • Recyclers upload EPR certificates on the CPCB portal
  • Producers claim certificates against their assigned targets
  • Each certificate is traceable and non-transferable beyond permitted limits

Invalid or duplicate certificates are rejected during verification.

Step 8: Filing of Returns and Compliance Reporting

Ongoing compliance requires:

  • Quarterly return filing
  • Annual EPR compliance reports

Step 9: Renewal and Continuous Monitoring

EPR compliance is reviewed annually. For renewal:

  • Previous-year obligations must be fulfilled
  • Returns must be up to date
  • No unresolved notices should be pending

Non-fulfilment impacts future registrations and may attract penalties.

Penalties for Non-Compliance of Tyre Waste EPR

Non-compliance with tyre waste EPR requirements is no longer treated as a minor procedural lapse. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has moved toward deterrent enforcement, where financial penalties, operational restrictions, and reputational risks are applied together.

For businesses that delay or partially fulfil obligations, the consequences often escalate quickly.

Environmental Compensation Charges

The primary penalty for non-compliance is environmental compensation (EC), imposed when EPR targets are not met within the prescribed compliance period.

Key points businesses should understand:

  • EC is calculated based on the quantity of unmet EPR obligation
  • Rates are notified by CPCB and can change over time
  • Compensation applies even if partial fulfilment has been achieved

Importantly, paying environmental compensation does not replace EPR fulfillment. The obligation continues until targets are fully met.

Suspension or Cancellation of Registration

Repeated non-compliance, false reporting, or use of invalid EPR certificates can lead to:

  • Temporary suspension of EPR Tyre Registration
  • Permanent cancellation of authorization in serious cases

Legal and Regulatory Consequences

Beyond financial penalties, CPCB can initiate further action, including:

  • Issuance of show-cause notices
  • Direction to halt operations linked to tyre placement
  • Referral to State Pollution Control Boards for enforcement

Joint Liability for Invalid Certificates

A critical but often overlooked risk is shared liability. If a producer uses EPR certificates later found to be:

  • Fake
  • Duplicated
  • Issued by unauthorised recyclers

Both the recycler and the producer may be penalised. CPCB places the responsibility of due diligence squarely on the obligated entity.

Stage / Item Typical Timeline Indicative Cost
CPCB EPR Portal Registration 1–3 working days ₹25,000* Govt. fee for new producer registration (one-time)
EPR Registration Renewal Within 30 days before expiry ₹12,500* Govt. renewal fee
EPR Certificate Fulfilment Costs Ongoing throughout FY Cost driven by EPR certificates purchased (recycler pricing)
EPR Certificates (Recycling Credits) Quarterly/Annual Varies by recycler & tyre volume (market-linked)
Professional Support / Compliance Assistance Varies by scope ₹10,000–₹50,000+ (industry estimate)

Validity and Renewal of Tyre Waste EPR

The validity and renewal of Tyre Waste EPR are directly linked to annual compliance performance.

Item Details
Validity Period 1 financial year
Issuing Authority Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Renewal Requirement Mandatory every year
Renewal Basis Fulfilment of EPR targets
Key Condition All returns filed & certificates utilised
Delay Impact Penalties, suspension risk

Why Choose Silvereye Certifications for Tyre Waste Management?

Silvereye Certifications provides end-to-end support for EPR tyre waste management, helping businesses stay fully compliant with CPCB requirements while avoiding penalties and operational delays.

We assist with EPR Tyre Registration, target planning, recycler coordination, certificate tracking, and timely return filing on the CPCB portal. Our compliance-first approach ensures accurate data submission and audit-ready documentation at every stage.

Why clients trust Silvereye Certifications:

  • End-to-end EPR compliance support
  • Expert handling of the CPCB online portal
  • Transparent timelines and cost clarity
  • Dedicated compliance professionals for ongoing support

With Silvereye Certifications, tyre waste EPR compliance is simplified, reliable, and built for long-term regulatory confidence.

Conclusion

EPR Tyre Authorization in India is not a paperwork exercise—it is a business-critical compliance requirement under CPCB enforcement. With rising audits and digital traceability, companies that delay EPR Tyre Registration expose themselves to avoidable risk.

A structured, expert-led approach ensures not just compliance, but long-term operational confidence. If tyre waste management feels complex, it’s because it is—but it doesn’t have to be confusing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) EPR Tyre Authorization & Tyre Waste Management

It is mandatory approval issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) requiring tyre producers to manage end-of-life tyre waste responsibly.

Tyre manufacturers, importers, brand owners, and producers placing tyres in the Indian market must obtain EPR certification.

Yes. Importers of new (and permitted used) tyres must register on the CPCB portal and fulfil EPR obligations.

All categories of tyres—two-wheeler, passenger, commercial, OTR, and industrial tyres—are covered under EPR.

Targets are calculated based on the quantity of tyres sold or imported during the applicable financial year.

EPR authorization is valid for one financial year and must be renewed annually.

Through authorised recyclers who process waste tyres and generate valid EPR certificates on the CPCB portal.

Yes. CPCB requires quarterly return filing along with annual compliance reporting.

Non-compliance attracts environmental compensation, possible suspension, and increased audit scrutiny.

No. Certificates are valid only if generated by CPCB-registered and authorised recyclers.