On July 1, 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially issued the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2025. This update adds a new Chapter VIII to the existing Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 introducing provisions for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) concerning non-ferrous metal scrap. The amendment follows a review of public feedback received on the draft rules released on August 14, 2024. The amendment will come into force starting April 1, 2026.

These rules apply to all producers, manufacturers, refurbishers, recyclers, bulk consumers and collection agents handling non-ferrous metals like aluminium, copper, zinc, and their alloys. Registration on the CPCB portal is mandatory, and unregistered entities are barred from operations.

Producers must meet phased recycling targets beginning at 10% from FY 2026–27, increasing to 75% by FY 2032–33. EPR obligations can be met through self-recycling or by purchasing EPR certificates through online portal from registered recyclers, which have a two-year validity and fixed price bands. Refurbishing is recognised, with deferral benefits provided against EPR targets for eligible items listed in Schedule XII.

Manufacturers must also use a minimum percentage of recycled content (5%–25%) in new products from FY 2028–29 onwards, as per Schedule XIII. All stakeholders must file half-yearly and annual returns. Bulk consumers are required to support authorised scrap collection.

CPCB will manage the portal, audit compliance, and oversee certificate trading. State agencies and ULBs must support infrastructure, segregation, and worker registration. Non-compliance attracts environmental compensation, and repeated violations may lead to cancellation of registration. A Steering Committee will supervise rule implementation and periodic revision of targets.