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Sat, Mar 21 2026
Raju Karn
If your business deals with plastic packaging, batteries, or imported goods, the new EPR updates in March–April 2026 are something you cannot ignore. Many businesses are still following old rules, which can now lead to penalties, rejected filings, or compliance failure. The biggest problem is that these updates are not just minor changes-they directly affect how you calculate targets, manage waste, and submit reports.
This guide is written to simplify everything for you. By the end, you will clearly understand the new EPR rules, updated recycling targets, and important deadlines so you can stay compliant without confusion.
The government has introduced major updates under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to improve waste management and increase accountability of businesses.
From April 1, 2026, new rules will officially come into force, covering more materials and stricter compliance requirements.
These updates focus on:
● Better waste tracking
● Higher recycling responsibility
● Removal of loopholes
● Stronger monitoring system
This means businesses now need to be more careful and structured in their compliance process.
One of the biggest updates is the implementation of the EPR for Packaging Rules 2024, which will be fully enforced from April 2026.
Earlier, EPR was mainly focused on plastic. Now, it has expanded to cover more materials.
➤ Household packaging waste
➤ Non-ferrous metals (like aluminum packaging)
➤ Paper and cardboard packaging
➤ Glass packaging
This means even more businesses will now fall under EPR compliance.
If your business uses any type of packaging, you need to check whether you are covered under these new rules.
The government has increased recycling targets to improve actual waste recovery.
This is a major shift compared to earlier targets.
▸ You need to collect and recycle more waste
▸ Your compliance cost may increase
▸ You must plan your recycling strategy properly
If you fail to meet these targets, you may face penalties or compliance rejection.
To improve transparency, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has made QR or barcode labeling mandatory.
⁃ Unique QR code on plastic packaging
⁃ Product-level traceability
⁃ Tracking from production to recycling
Earlier, it was difficult to verify whether waste was actually recycled. Now, every package can be tracked digitally.
This is one of the biggest technological changes in EPR compliance.
From January 19, 2026, companies can no longer use End-of-Life (EOL) disposal certificates to meet their recycling targets.
Earlier:
Businesses could show disposal (like burning or waste-to-energy) as compliance.
Now:
Impact:
✔ Businesses must work with genuine recyclers
✔ Fake or shortcut compliance is no longer possible
✔ Documentation must be stronger and verifiable
This change ensures real environmental impact instead of just paperwork compliance.
For FY 2024–25, the government has extended the deadline for filing EPR annual returns.
Important detail:
What you need to do:
• Compile your plastic usage data
• Collect recycling certificates
• File your return before the deadline
• Missing this deadline can lead to:
• Penalties
• Portal restrictions
• Compliance issues
These changes are not just for large companies. Many businesses are affected.
You must comply if you are:
➔ Manufacturer using packaging
➔ Importer of packaged goods
➔ Brand owner selling packaged products
➔ E-commerce seller using custom packaging
Even small and medium businesses need to check their compliance status.
These updates directly impact your operations.
You may need to:
▸Recalculate your EPR targets
▸Update packaging with QR codes
▸Change your recycling partners
▸Improve data tracking systems
Ignoring these changes can lead to serious problems.
With new rules, many businesses are expected to face challenges.
Some common issues:
⚠️ Confusion about new targets
⚠️ No proper recycler network
⚠️ Incorrect data reporting
⚠️ Delay in QR code implementation
⚠️ Rejection of compliance due to EOL removal
The biggest issue is lack of awareness.
A Delhi-based FMCG brand, GreenBite Foods Pvt. Ltd., was following old EPR practices and using EOL certificates to meet their targets.
When the new rule came into effect, their compliance was rejected because EOL certificates were no longer valid.
They approached PSR Compliance for help. The team reviewed their previous filings, recalculated their actual recycling targets, and connected them with verified recyclers.
They also helped implement QR-based tracking for their packaging.
Within a short time:
✓ Their compliance was corrected
✓ They avoided penalties
✓ They aligned fully with 2026 rules
Instead of waiting for problems, it’s better to act early.
◦ Reviewing your packaging type
◦ Checking your current EPR registration
◦ Updating recycling agreements
◦ Preparing for QR labeling
◦ Filing your annual return on time
Taking early action will save you time, money, and stress.
The March–April 2026 EPR updates are not small changes—they are a complete shift in how compliance works.
The focus is now on:
If your business adapts early, compliance becomes easy.If you ignore it, it becomes a serious problem.
PSR Compliance can help you handle everything—from registration to recycling targets and filings.
📞 Call: +91-7065883416Stay compliant without stress in 2026.