New Delhi, India - Jul 25, 2025 - In a landmark move to bolster sustainable waste management, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced stringent Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for the automobile sector, effective from April 2025. The new guidelines mandate that automobile manufacturers recycle a minimum of 8% of steel from vehicles sold in the financial year 2005-06, with the target increasing progressively to 18% by 2035-36.
The EPR framework, part of India’s broader circular economy initiative, holds manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life management of vehicles, ensuring the recycling of critical materials like steel, aluminum, and plastics. This initiative aims to reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, and curb environmental pollution caused by automotive scrap. The regulations also encourage manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly design practices, promoting vehicles that are easier to dismantle and recycle.
To support compliance, the government has established a centralized EPR portal to streamline registration, reporting, and monitoring. Manufacturers are required to submit detailed recycling plans and partner with authorized recyclers to meet the mandated targets. Non-compliance may result in penalties, including fines and restrictions on market operations.
“This is a transformative step toward sustainable development,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry. “By integrating EPR into the automotive sector, India is setting a global benchmark for responsible manufacturing and waste management.”
Industry leaders, including major automakers, have welcomed the move, with several announcing investments in recycling infrastructure. The regulations are expected to create new opportunities in the recycling sector, generating jobs and fostering innovation in material recovery technologies.
For more details on the EPR regulations, visit moefcc.gov.in or contact the Ministry’s EPR Compliance Division at epr@moefcc.gov.in.
Media Contact:
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Email: press@moefcc.gov.in
Phone: +91-11-2468-5200
