CPCB mandates physical verification of registered used-oil recyclers under EPR

**The CPCB launched a mandatory physical verification drive for registered used-oil recyclers to validate EPR certificate generation and transfer under the 2023 Hazardous Waste amendment rules. Producers and recyclers in India's used-oil sector now face on-site checks to prevent inflated recycling data. **

The Central Pollution Control Board launched a compliance verification drive requiring mandatory physical verification of all registered used-oil recycling entities to ensure integrity in generating and transferring Extended Producer Responsibility certificates. The EPR obligation for used oil was introduced under the 2023 Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, with rules effective from the September 2023 amendment. CPCB made the Used Oil EPR Portal fully operational in June 2024. To date, 42 recyclers and 57 producers have registered on the portal, which enables registration and systematic compliance tracking.

Producers of base oil products and registered used-oil recyclers are directly affected, alongside State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees tasked with conducting verification. The 42 registered recyclers and 57 registered producers face scrutiny after concerns were raised about accurate generation and authentic transfer of EPR certificates and potential inflation of recycling data. CPCB communicated with all SPCBs and PCCs requesting details of designated verification officers, making producers accountable for responsible collection and recycling of their base oil products under the EPR framework.

Registered recyclers should prepare for on-site physical verification of their infrastructure and operational capacity to handle hazardous waste, ensuring portal-reported recycling data is accurate and supported by evidence. Producers should confirm their registration status and the integrity of EPR certificates they purchase or transfer. State pollution boards must immediately designate verification officers and use the new portal module created for uploading physical verification reports. All stakeholders should monitor CPCB communications for verification timelines and compliance requirements.

Key figure — Registered on Used Oil EPR Portal: 42 recyclers and 57 producers