Battery Waste Management Authorization

We all use batteries of one or the other kind, and they do not run forever. At the end of their life, they become battery waste. They should be disposed of in an environmentally safe and sound manner. To track the produced battery and its life cycle, the Central Pollution Control Board has a provision to provide Battery Waste Management Authorization to all the stakeholders involved in the management of Battery Waste. These stakeholders include the producers, refurbishers, recyclers and importers. These business entities cannot sell or purchase batteries and recycle battery waste without Battery Waste Management Authorization.

What is Battery & used Battery?

The Batteries (Management & Handling) Rules, 2001 was notified in May 2001 to regulate the collection, characterization, and recycling as well as import of used lead-acid/Lithium-Ion batteries in the country. These rules inter-alia make it mandatory for consumers to return used batteries. All manufacturers/assemblers/ re-conditioners/importers of lead acid/Lithium-ion batteries are responsible for collecting used batteries against new ones sold as per the Schedule defined in the Rules. Such used lead acid/Lithium-ion batteries can be auctioned /sold only to registered recyclers.

According to Batteries (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules, 2010, a battery means lead acid/Lithium-ion battery which is a source of electrical energy and contains lead, Lithium metal. Used batteries mean used, damaged, and old lead acid/Lithium-ion batteries or components thereof.

Who needs the registration under Batteries (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules, 2010?

• Every importer
• Assembler
• Recycler
• Dealer
• Manufacturer
• Re-conditioner has to register itself in the Ministry under these rules.

• Ensure that the used batteries are collected back as per the Schedule against new batteries sold excluding those sold to original equipment manufacturer and bulk consumer(s); 
• Ensure that used batteries collected back are of similar type and specifications as that of the new batteries sold; 
• File a half-yearly return of their sales and buy-back to the State Board in Form- I latest by 30 June and 30 December of every year; 
• Set up collection centers either individually or jointly -at various places for the collection of used batteries from consumers or dealers; 
• Ensure that used batteries collected are sent only to the registered recyclers, 
• Ensure that necessary arrangements are made with dealers for safe transportation from collection centers to the premises of registered recyclers; 
• Ensure that no damage to the environment occurs during transportation; 
• Create public awareness through advertisements, publications, posters, or other means with regard to the following:
• Hazards of lead;

Responsibility of consumers to return their used batteries only to the dealers or deliver at designated collection centers; and Addresses of dealers and designated collection centers. 

• Use the international recycling sign on the Batteries; 
• Buy recycled lead only from registered recyclers; and 
• Bring to the notice of the State Board or the Ministry of Environment and Forests any violation by the dealers.

Registration of Importers

The importer shall get himself registered with the Ministry of Environment and Forests or an agency designated by it by submitting details in Form-11.

Customs Clearance of Imports of New Lead Acid/Lithium-ion Batteries

Customs clearance of imports shall be contingent upon:

• Valid registration with the Reserve Bank of India (with Importer's Code Number);
• One-time registration with the Ministry of Environment and Forests or an agency designated by it in Form-11; 
• Undertaking in Form-111; and
• A copy of the latest half-yearly return in Form IV

Responsibilities of Dealer

• Ensure that the used batteries are collected back as per the Schedule against new batteries sold;
• Give an appropriate discount for every used battery returned by the consumer; 
• Ensure that used batteries collected back are of similar type and specifications as that of the new batteries sold; 
• File half-yearly returns of the sale of new batteries and buy-back of old batteries to the manufacturer in Form V by 31st May and 30th November of every year-, 
• Ensure safe transportation of collected batteries to the designated collection centers or to the registered recyclers; and 
• Ensure that no damage is caused to the environment during the storage and transportation of used batteries.

Responsibilities of Recycler

Each recycler shall – 

• Apply for registration to the Ministry of Environment and Forests or an agency designated by it if not applied already, by submitting information in Form VI; 
• Ensure strict compliance with the terms and conditions of registration; however, those already registered with the Ministry of Environment and Forests or all agencies designated by it for reprocessing used batteries would be bound by the terms and conditions of such registration; 
• Submit annual returns as per Form VII to the State Board; 
• Make available all records to the State Board for inspection; 
• Mark 'Recycled' on lead recovered by reprocessing; and 
• Create public awareness through advertisements, publications, posters, or others with regard to the following:

Hazards of lead; and Obligation of consumers to return used batteries only to the registered dealers or deliver them at the designated collection centers.

Responsibilities of Consumer or Bulk Consumer

The auctioneer shall –

• Ensure that used batteries are auctioned to the registered recyclers only, 
• File half-yearly returns of their auctions to the State Boards in Form-IX; and 
• Maintain a record of such auctions and make these records available to the State Board for inspection. 

Prescribed Authority

The prescribed authority for ensuring compliance with the provisions of these rules shall be the State Board. And, it shall file an annual compliance status report to the Central Pollution Control Board by 30th April of every year. 

Duties of the Central Pollution Control Board

The Central Pollution Control Board shall compile and publish the data received every year from the State Boards. It shall review the compliance of the rules periodically to improve the collection and recycling of used lead batteries and apprise the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. 

Computerization of Records and Returns

Ministry of Environment and Forests or an agency designated by it shall develop a system for computerized tracking of-

• Distribution and sale of batteries; 
• Collection, auction, transport, and re-processing of used batteries; 
• Sale of re-processed lead by registered recyclers; and 
• Sale of lead from all domestic producers or importers.

• Authorized Signatory Aadhar Card
• Authorized Signatory PAN Card
• GST Certificate
• Rent/Lease/proof of ownership of the site
• Factory License/Trade License
• Electricity Bill
• Layout Plan / Naksha
• Importer Exporter Code
• Valid consent under Water & Air Act
• Valid Consent under Hazardous Waste Authorization

The stakeholders involved in the production, import, refurbishing and recycling of battery waste need to obtain battery waste producer registration from the Central Pollution Control Board-

• To obtain EPR Authorization for Battery Waste, visit the EPR Portal of CPCB.
• Here you need to register if you are not done already. If you already registered on this portal, you must log in with the existing credentials.
• During Sign-up Process, you must provide the type of applicant, company details, details of the authorized person, and login details.
• After signup, you can start filling up the application, where you need to enter the battery details, including the type of battery, name of battery, and HSN code of the battery.
• You must also provide the year-wise sales data for the batteries added in the last step.
• Next, you need to enter the list of battery materials used in production along with the per cent of the composition.
• Now, upload the supporting documents for the application. These documents include GST Certificate, CIN Certificate, PAN Card, CTO, DIC Certificate, IEC etc.
• Finally, sign the declaration and pay the fees as applicable, and your application for Battery Waste Management Authorization will be submitted successfully.

The cost or fee for Battery Waste Management Authorisation depends upon the annual turnover of your business. The following tables describe Battery Waste Management Authorization Costs for businesses of different sizes-

Validity and Renewal of Battery Waste Management Authorization

The Battery Waste Management Authorization remains valid for five years from the issue date. After the expiry of this period, the applicant needs to renew the EPR Registration for Battery Waste. The renewal can also be sought from the same EPR Portal for Battery Waste managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Running a business on the track of growth not only demands infrastructure or capital but also compliance with the rules and regulations of the country. This is where Corpseed comes into the picture. With years of experience and extensive knowledge of various waste management laws applicable in India and abroad, our team at Corpseed understands the procedures involved in the issue of Battery Waste Management Authorization from the CPCB. We conduct desk-based research, documentation, and coordination to assist our clients in their businesses and comply with applicable rules. Corpseed is a one-stop solution for all your business needs.