India's Battery Retrofit Rules Launched - Transforming Battery Waste Management

The Indian government has published the Battery Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2025, which aim to improve battery waste management in the country.

These rules are an amendment to the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 and will come into effect from their publication in the Official Gazette of India.

The amendments include the insertion of a clause excluding packaging covered by the Legal Metrology (Packaged Goods) Rules, 2011 from compliance with certain provisions.

In addition, it states that producers must comply with the requirements by providing written information to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This includes printing barcodes or QR codes containing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registration number on batteries, battery packs, battery-containing equipment, and their packaging, as well as on bulk packaging not intended for retail sale. They must also print the EPR registration number on the product information leaflet.

**WHY? **

The Battery Waste Management Amendment Rules 2025 in India have a high impact as these rules seek to improve battery waste management, reducing environmental pollution caused by improper handling of these wastes. By promoting recycling and proper handling, the risk of toxic metals such as lead and cadmium contaminating soil and water is minimized.

The impact for battery producers and manufacturers, as they must comply with new regulations on marking and registration of their products. This includes printing barcodes or QR codes with EPR registration numbers on batteries and their packaging, which increases transparency and accountability.

The impact is high for the CPCB, as its role is strengthened by being responsible for monitoring compliance with the rules, maintaining a centralized online portal for producer information, and quarterly updating the list of compliant producers.

**WHO? **

Therefore, the direct impact is on Battery Producers and Manufacturers, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Consumers and Environment.

**CONCLUSION: **

The impact is significant for both the environment and the producers and the CPCB, while consumers benefit indirectly.