"Unravelling the Revised E-Waste Management Regulations: Understanding the Amendments"
The Central Government has recently announced the enactment of the E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024, effective from March 8, 2024. This amendment signifies a pivotal move towards enhancing the management of electronic waste (e-waste) within the country.
A key feature of this amendment is the establishment of multiple platforms dedicated to the exchange of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates.
"The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has stipulated that the highest and lowest prices for the exchange of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates shall be set at one hundred percent and thirty percent, respectively, of the environmental compensation for non-compliance with EPR obligations," as stated in the notification.
However, experts express concerns. Priti Mahesh, Chief Programme Coordinator at Toxics Link, highlights, "The amendment permitting multiple platforms for EPR certificate exchange necessitates meticulous oversight, a facet lacking since the inception of e-waste rules in 2022. Consequently, this alteration is disconcerting."
She questions, "How will synchronization among various platforms be guaranteed? How can we prevent duplicate reporting and speculative trading during exchanges? Ensuring transparency poses a challenge. The EPR concept was already compromised with the introduction of EPR certificates, and this change, without robust enforcement, might exacerbate the situation."
Moreover, Priti criticizes the provision granting the government authority to determine prices as overly controlling the market.
On a positive note, the amendment also includes provisions to extend the deadline for filing returns or reports by manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, or recyclers of electrical and electronic equipment. This extension, not exceeding nine months, provides stakeholders with additional time to fulfill their EPR obligations and report their actions. Dr. Mashhood Alam from BRCG Research & Development Foundation thinks this is great because it makes it easier for companies to follow the rules and helps keep the environment safe.
Overall, while the amendment represents progress in addressing e-waste management, it also underscores the need for vigilant oversight and balanced regulatory frameworks to ensure its successful implementation and long-term effectiveness.
Read more at E-Waste Management Regulation