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Latest Indian Government E-Waste Management Rules

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

(EP Division)

Dated the 8th March, 2024

G.S.R. 164(E)

Subject: The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2024

In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 6, 8 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) read with sub-rule (4) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, namely: -

CHAPTER I

Preliminary

1. Short title and commencement.

(1) These rules may be called the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2024.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Definitions.

In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,-

• (a) "Act" means the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986);
• (b) "Appliance" means any electrical or electronic equipment that is designed for household use;
• (c) "Authorized dismantler" means a person or entity authorized by the State Pollution Control Board to dismantle or disassemble e-waste;

CHAPTER II

Responsibility of Producers

3. Extended producer responsibility.

(1) Every producer shall be responsible for establishing a system to collect, refurbish, recycle or dispose of e-waste generated from his products in an environmentally sound

4. Collection of E-Waste from Consumers.

(1) Producers shall set up collection centers for the return of end-of-life electronic products from consumers.

(2) Producers shall provide information to consumers about the location of collection centers and the procedures to return end-of-life electronic products.

5. Recycling Targets.

(1) Producers shall achieve the recycling targets specified in Schedule II of these rules.

(2) Producers failing to meet the recycling targets shall pay a financial penalty as specified by the Central Pollution Control Board.

6. Labeling of Electronic Products.

(1) Every electronic product shall be labeled with information about environmentally hazardous substances contained in the product and the safe disposal practices.

(2) The Central Pollution Control Board shall prescribe the manner and form of labeling.

7. Annual Reporting.

(1) Producers shall submit an annual report to the State Pollution Control Board regarding the collection and recycling of e-waste.

(2) The format and details of the annual report shall be specified by the Central Pollution Control Board.

8. Transportation and Handling of E-Waste.

(1) Producers and authorized dismantlers shall ensure safe and environmentally sound transportation and handling of e-waste.

(2) The vehicles used for transportation shall comply with the guidelines provided by the Central Pollution Control Board.

9. Awareness Programs.

(1) Producers shall organize and participate in awareness programs to educate consumers and the general public about the proper disposal of e-waste.

(2) The programs shall highlight the environmental impact of improper e-waste disposal and promote responsible recycling practices.

9A. Relaxation of timelines for filing of returns.

(1) The Central Government can extend filing deadlines for reports on electrical and electronic equipment if it's deemed necessary for public interest or effective rule implementation.

(2) The extension period granted cannot exceed nine months.

10. Prohibition of Unauthorized Handling.

(1) Unauthorized handling, including dismantling and recycling of e-waste, is strictly prohibited.

(2) Violation of this rule may lead to legal consequences, including fines and penalties.

11. Collaboration with Authorized Treatment and Disposal Facilities.

(1) Producers shall collaborate with authorized treatment and disposal facilities for the environmentally safe processing of e-waste.

(2) The facilities must comply with the standards set by regulatory authorities.