The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has introduced an important platform aimed at ensuring efficient compliance with Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules to businesses in the plastic raw materials sector. The platform, known as the Sellers, Importers and Manufacturers (SIMP) Portal of Plastic Raw Materials, officially launched on January 4, 2025. It aims to assist with data submission, tracking, and regulatory compliance by those involved in the plastics industry, whether they are importers, manufacturers, or other stakeholders.

What is SIMP Portal?

The SIMP (sellers, importers and manufacturers of plastic raw materials) portal set up by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India serves as an important digital interface. Its core purpose is to simplify and effectively manage compliance requirements for small stakeholders: sellers, micro and small importers of plastic raw materials and packaging, and micro and small producers of plastic packaging and intermediate materials. This coincides with the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rule Amendment date of October 30, 2024. Launched and operational from January 1, 2025, the online platform enables these entities to register themselves electronically, submit required information and applications, and potentially file annual Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) returns related to plastic waste management.

Objectives of CPCB’s SIMP Portal

The primary objectives of the SIMP portal can be summarized as follows:

Increased Transparency: Creating a transparent system where the flow of plastic raw materials can be tracked from their origin to various end users.
Improve Data Collection: Establish a standardized and efficient mechanism for collecting critical data related to the production, import and sale of plastic raw materials.
Effective Compliance Monitoring: Enabling the CPCB and other regulatory bodies to effectively monitor compliance with PWM regulations by relevant stakeholders.
Streamlined Regulatory Processes: Simplify data submission and compliance processes for businesses, reducing bureaucratic complexities.
Facilitating EPR Implementation: While not directly managing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), data collected through the SIMP portal can contribute to a more informed and effective implementation of EPR for plastic packaging.

Key Features and Functionality of SIMP Portal

The SIMP Portal is designed with several key features aimed at achieving its objectives:

1. Intuitive User Interface: The most notable aspect of the portal is its user-friendly interface. This design aims to make the data submission process as seamless and efficient as possible for users, regardless of their technical expertise.
2. Simplified KYC-Based Registration: The initial registration process for sellers, importers, and manufacturers is relatively straightforward, mainly by submitting KYC (know your customer) details. This low complexity in the early stages encourages wider participation and faster on-boarding to the platform.
3. Structured Data Classification: A core functionality of the portal requires applicants to classify their sales and purchase data according to specific criteria. This classification is based on a classification of customers and suppliers of MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), including:

Small and Micro Producers
Medium and Large Producers
Brand Owners
Sellers

4. Data Submission for FY 2022-23: Applicants must provide information relating to FY 2022-23 to submit preliminary data. This historical data provides a baseline for tracking future trends and compliance.
5. Comprehensive Data Fields: While initial KYC is simple, subsequent data submissions involve providing detailed information about the quantity, type, and recipients of plastic raw materials sold or purchased. This detailed data is crucial for effective monitoring.

Also Read: Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2025

Who can Apply to the SIMP Portal?

The SIMP portal is designed for businesses and institutions related to the plastic raw materials sector. Specifically, the following groups may apply:

Manufacturers of Plastic Raw Materials: Companies that produce plastic raw materials for further processing or sale can register on the portal to comply with Plastic Waste Management (PWM) rules.
Importers of Plastic Raw Materials: Businesses that import plastic raw materials into the country will also have to apply on the portal and submit their data for compliance.
Sellers of Plastic Raw Materials: Retailers or other entities that sell plastic raw materials need to register on the portal to ensure that their operations comply with regulatory requirements.
Brand Owners: Companies manufacturing or selling branded plastic products are required to report the use of plastic raw materials on the portal.

Process, Documentation, and Other Requirements

The process of using the SIMP portal is straightforward and follows the same process as any other compliance platform. Initially, businesses need to register on the portal by providing KYC details. Required documentation includes a description of the type, quantity and associated records of plastic raw materials used. After submission, the portal verifies the information for accuracy. Businesses will be notified of any discrepancies and may need to amend their presentations.

Also Read: Plastic Waste Management as Per IS 14534:2023

Overcoming Initial Operational Delays

Initially, SIMP experienced technical difficulties, with many businesses reporting problems processing submissions. These challenges delayed the rollout of the platform, frustrating businesses unable to complete compliance processes. However, as the technical issues were resolved, the functionality of the portal improved, making data submission smoother and more reliable. Businesses that initially struggled can now meet compliance requirements without further issues. The ongoing update demonstrates CPCB’s commitment to enhancing the portal and future improvements are expected to make it more user-friendly and effective for businesses involved in plastic raw materials.

The Role of Portals in Regulatory Compliance

The introduction of the SIMP portal is an important step in ensuring that businesses in the plastic raw materials sector comply with plastic waste management regulations. By providing a centralized platform for data submission and compliance tracking, the portal improves transparency and simplifies the regulatory process. This, in turn, helps businesses better understand and meet their obligations under the PWM rules. For businesses involved in plastic raw materials, the portal provides an important means of ensuring that their operations remain compliant with evolving regulations. As new functionalities and features are implemented, the portal will become an increasingly valuable tool for businesses that want to avoid regulatory challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the plastics industry.

Further Updates and Enhancements

The SIMP portal is expected to receive further updates in the coming months. These updates may address existing gaps, such as the inability to specify recycled materials and other aspects related to sustainable practices. As the portal continues to evolve, businesses will need to stay abreast of new features and functionalities to ensure compliance with plastic waste management regulations.

Conclusion

CPCB’s SIMP portal is an important tool for businesses in the plastic raw materials sector to ensure compliance with plastic waste management (PWM) regulations. While initially facing technical issues, the portal is now fully operational, providing a user-friendly platform for data submission and compliance tracking. This allows manufacturers, importers, sellers and brand owners to report their plastic raw material use and sales in line with evolving regulations. Although challenges such as the absence of recycled content specification remain, the portal helps businesses adopt sustainable practices and maintain transparency. As future updates are implemented, the SIMP portal will become an even more valuable resource for ensuring compliance and promoting a sustainable future for the plastics industry.

How CPCB's SIMP Portal is Streamlining Compliance for Plastic Raw Material's Manufacturers and Importers?

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Mahek Sancheti