Plastic EPR annual return filing in India is the yearly compliance submission made by registered Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs), and Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs), through CPCB's Common EPR Portal. Under the standing schedule, PIBOs file by 30 June and PWPs by 30 April following the financial year. FY 2025-26 extension dates have appeared in third-party search results, but we could not verify them against a primary CPCB or MoEFCC notice during this review. Check the latest official notice before relying on an extension. Use the CPCB Common EPR Portal and see our Plastic Waste EPR Registration guide.
Plastic EPR annual return due dates in India
| Period | Entity | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| Standing schedule, each financial year | PIBOs | 30 June following the financial year |
| Standing schedule, each financial year | Plastic Waste Processors | 30 April following the financial year |
| FY 2025-26 (extension reported by third parties; not confirmed in a primary notice during this review) | Plastic Waste Processors | 31 October 2026, as reported |
| FY 2025-26 (extension reported by third parties; not confirmed in a primary notice during this review) | PIBOs | 31 December 2026, as reported |
The FY 2025-26 extension dates are unconfirmed in this review. Third-party search results contain conflicting summaries, and we could not verify the reported 31 October 2026 (PWPs) and 31 December 2026 (PIBOs) dates against a primary CPCB or MoEFCC notice. Check the latest notice on the CPCB Common EPR Portal or its official EPR portal directory, or confirm directly with CPCB, before relying on an extension. See our Common EPR Portal guide.
Who must file
Registered PIBOs and PWPs must submit the annual return applicable to their role. PIBOs report relevant plastic packaging and EPR-compliance data; PWPs report relevant processing and certificate data. If there was no activity during the year, check the current portal instructions or CPCB guidance for how to file; do not assume that a blank or NIL return is accepted.
What the annual return reports
- Plastic packaging introduced to the market, category-wise (I, II, III, IV) and state-wise where asked
- EPR certificates procured (PIBOs) or generated and sold (PWPs)
- Progress against category-wise EPR targets
- Applicable recycled-content declarations and supporting documents under the current requirements; see our recycled content requirements guide
- Reuse data for rigid packaging, where applicable to Brand Owners
CPCB's portal FAQ describes the annual processing fee for PIBOs and PWPs as 25% of the application fee. Confirm the current amount and payment step in the portal; see our plastic EPR registration fees guide.
How to file the annual return
- Log in through the Common EPR SSO and open the plastic module with your CEPR ID.
- Verify migrated data: quantities, certificate balances and prior filings.
- Reconcile your FY figures with GST data, purchase invoices and certificate records.
- Open the annual return form and enter category-wise data, certificates and recycled-content details.
- Attach supporting documents and pay the processing fee.
- Submit, download the acknowledgement and respond to any CPCB queries.
Pre-filing checklist
- Latest CPCB notice on the due date checked
- Category-wise quantities reconciled with invoices
- EPR certificates match each category and quantity
- Applicable recycled-content evidence and labelling records ready
- Records retained for audit; keep certificates, recycler invoices and returns on file
What happens if you miss the due date
Late or missing filing may lead to compliance follow-up or other action under the applicable rules and CPCB directions. The consequences depend on the current requirements and circumstances; check the relevant official notice rather than relying on a general penalty estimate. An extension changes a deadline only when officially notified and does not remove the reporting obligation.
Key takeaways
- Registered entities submit the annual return applicable to their role through the Common EPR Portal.
- Standing dates differ: 30 June for PIBOs and 30 April for PWPs; confirm any extension in an official notice.
- Reconcile data and certificates before you open the form.
Need help filing your plastic EPR annual return?
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Request a filing reviewFrequently asked questions
What is the due date for plastic EPR annual return?
Under the standing schedule, PIBOs file by 30 June and Plastic Waste Processors file by 30 April following the financial year. Third-party sources have reported FY 2025-26 extensions of 31 October 2026 for PWPs and 31 December 2026 for PIBOs, but we could not verify those dates against a primary CPCB or MoEFCC notice during this review. Confirm any extension with CPCB before relying on it.
Where do I file the annual return?
On CPCB's Common EPR Portal, using your CEPR ID through single sign-on.
Who must file a plastic EPR annual return?
Registered Producers, Importers and Brand Owners, and Plastic Waste Processors, must submit the annual return applicable to their role through the Common EPR Portal. For a zero-activity year, follow current portal instructions or confirm with CPCB how to report it.
Is there a fee for filing?
CPCB's portal FAQ describes the annual processing fee for PIBOs and Plastic Waste Processors as 25% of the application fee. Verify the current amount and payment step in the portal.
Does an extended deadline waive anything?
No. It moves the filing date only; all quantities, certificates and declarations must still be reported.
Sources
- CPCB Common EPR Portal
- CPCB EPR portal directory and notices
- CPCB registration and EPR guidance documents
- CPCB EPR Portal FAQs, including annual processing fee (PDF)
- Central Pollution Control Board
- MoEFCC
Regulatory review: reviewed 30 October 2026. FY 2025-26 extension dates in third-party search results were not verified against a primary notice during this review. Check the latest CPCB notice before filing. Informational only, not legal advice.