The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on March 20, 2026, notified the extension of Annual Return Filing by registered PIBOs for FY 2024-25.
As per the provisions of the EPR Guidelines for Plastic Waste Management India, the original deadline for filing Annual Returns for FY 2024–25 by registered Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) was June 30, 2025. Subsequently, the Central Pollution Control Board, through its notice dated December 23, 2025, extended the timeline for filing Annual Returns for both PIBOs and Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) until January 31, 2026.
As per Clause 12.9 of the Guidelines, the Central Government may allow an extension of up to nine months for filing Annual Returns, subject to reasons recorded in writing. In line with this provision and the Office Memorandum dated March 20, 2026 issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the deadline for filing Annual Returns for FY 2024–25 by PIBOs has been further extended as a special case until March 31, 2026, to facilitate compliance and address practical difficulties in filing returns on the EPR portal for plastic packaging.
All PIBOs that have not yet filed their Annual Returns are required to do so by March 31, 2026, failing which they may be liable for Environmental Compensation under the applicable guidelines for violations of Plastic Waste Management Rules. This notice is not applicable to entities that have already completed filing their Annual Returns for FY 2024–25.
[Notification No. CP-20/28/2023-UPC-II-HО-СРCB-HO-Part(1)]
