India is the third-largest tyre market in the world, and the regulatory framework for tyre waste management has been significantly strengthened. Tyre manufacturers, importers, and retreaders must now register under India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for tyre waste and meet annual channelization targets — failing to do so risks penalties, stop-sale orders, and export restrictions. Whether you import passenger car tyres, truck and bus radials (TBR), two-wheeler tyres, or off-road tyres, this compliance obligation applies to you. This guide explains the tyre waste EPR framework under India’s environmental laws, the registration process, and what you need to do to maintain annual compliance. 1. Regulatory Framework: Tyre Waste in India Tyre waste EPR in India is governed by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and specifically implemented through the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, as amended. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified tyres as a waste category requiring EPR obligations for producers, importers, and brand owners. Unlike e-waste or battery waste, which are managed under dedicated product-specific rules, tyre EPR obligations currently operate within the broader hazardous waste framework, with specific channelization mandates issued by CPCB. However, dedicated Tyre Waste Management Rules have been in active development and may be notified as a standalone regime. 2. Who Must Register for Tyre Waste EPR? Even importers of vehicles that come with tyres as a bundled product may have obligations under tyre EPR, depending on the interpretation applied at CPCB. Specific guidance should be sought for vehicle importers. Tyre waste EPR is distinct from EPR for the rubber content of tyres under plastic/polymer waste rules. Tyres are regulated separately as a specified waste stream. 3. Tyre Categories Covered Tyre Category Description Passenger car tyres (PCR) Tyres for cars, SUVs, vans — standard road use Truck and bus radials (TBR) Commercial vehicle tyres for heavy transport Two-wheeler and three-wheeler tyres Motorbike, scooter, auto-rickshaw tyres Off-road tyres (OTR) Agricultural, mining, construction vehicle tyres Industrial tyres Forklift, material handling equipment tyres Retreaded tyres Tyres that have undergone retreading process 4. Annual EPR Channelization Targets for Tyres CPCB sets annual targets for the quantity of end-of-life tyre waste that producers/importers must channelise to registered waste processors (pyrolysis plants, retreaders, crumb rubber manufacturers, co-processors in cement kilns, etc.). Period Target (% of Tyres Placed on Market) 2022–23 (base year) Registration and baseline declaration 2023–24 25% of POM weight 2024–25 35% of POM weight 2025–26 50% of POM weight Progressive targets Increasing annually towards 90%+ POM = Placed on Market. Targets are calculated on the weight (tonnes) of tyres placed in the Indian market in the previous financial year. Annual returns must be filed on the CPCB portal. 5. Channelization Options for End-of-Life Tyres As a tyre EPR registrant, you must ensure that your target quantity of waste tyres reaches one of the following CPCB-registered end-use facilities: 6. Documents Required for CPCB EPR Registration 7. Step-by-Step EPR Registration Process 8. Non-Compliance Consequences Need Expert Assistance? Contact PCN India Global India’s regulatory compliance landscape is complex, multi-agency, and constantly evolving. Missing a certification, filing deadline, or document requirement can result in customs holds, product seizures, and significant financial loss. PCN India Global provides complete end-to-end support — from first-mile regulatory mapping through to certificate issuance, with experienced consultants managing every government touchpoint on your behalf. We specialise in: 📞 Phone: 08010905029   |   ✉ Email: bdm@pcnindiaglobal.com   |   🌐 pcnindiaglobal.com Your first compliance consultation is free. Reach out today. Frequently Asked Questions Q1: I import only a small number of tyres for personal use or small-scale testing. Do I need EPR registration? The EPR registration requirement does not have a small-volume exemption. All commercial importers of tyres must register. However, your annual channelization target will be proportional to your actual import volume, so the practical obligation scales with your business size. Q2: Are retreaded tyres subject to the same EPR obligations as new tyres? Retreaders have separate EPR obligations as both producers (of retreaded tyres) and as a potential channelization route. The calculation of EPR obligations for retreaders depends on the base tyre used and whether it was sourced domestically or imported. Q3: Who counts as a ‘channelisation partner’ for tyre EPR? Only entities registered with CPCB as tyre waste processors — pyrolysis operators, crumb rubber manufacturers, co-processors, or retreaders — count as valid channelisation partners. Using unregistered collectors or informal scrap dealers does not fulfil your EPR obligation. Q4: I also have EPR obligations for battery waste and plastic packaging. Can I handle all registrations together? Yes. PCN India Global regularly manages multi-stream EPR registrations — tyre, battery, plastic, and e-waste — under a single engagement for clients with diverse product portfolios. This ensures coordinated timelines and no missed deadlines. Q5: When are annual tyre EPR returns due? Annual EPR returns for tyre waste are generally due by June 30 for the preceding financial year (April 1 to March 31). Returns are filed on the CPCB EPR portal with evidence of channelization targets met. Q6: What is Environmental Compensation, and how much could I owe? Environmental Compensation (EC) is a levy charged by CPCB on producers who fail to meet annual channelization targets. The rate is set by CPCB and applied to the shortfall in tonnage. EC rates are designed to be punitive — typically exceeding the cost of proper compliance — to incentivise genuine channelization.