This is the first time the CPCB has issued suspension orders to any company on the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Ten electronic giants, including Apple, Samsung, HP and Canon have been barred from importing equipment for missing their e-waste collection targets. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has suspended the firms’ eligibility to import, called the extended producer responsibility (EPR) authorisation for several products from April 4. EPR mandates that the company manages the equipment after its end of life.
This is the first time the CPCB has issued suspension orders to any company on the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Companies that got majorly affected
According to the CPCB website, the companies whose EPR authorisation has been suspended are Motorola Mobility India Pvt Ltd, Apple India Pvt Ltd, Canon India Pvt Ltd, Eltech Appliances Pvt Ltd, ETA General Pvt Ltd, HP India Sales Pvt Ltd, Samsung Electronics Pvt Ltd, Vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd, BE Office Automation Products Pvt Ltd and Tara Consultants Pvt Ltd.
The e-waste management rules 2016 are an extension of the environment protection act. An official said to Deccan Herald that going by the act, the suspension means the companies will have to pay a penalty up to Rs 1 lakh, manage their e-waste and reapply for authorisation.
The official explained that each company has a target to achieve for EPR authorisation as per rule 5(1)(a) and 13(1)(ii) of e-waste (Management) Rules 2015. This states that companies have to collect 30 per cent of e-waste generated as indicated in their EPR plan during the first two years of implementation of the rules. Subsequently, the quantity increases every two years.
