AMENDMENT FOR THE BATTERY WASTE MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) RULES, 2023

OVERVIEW

25^th OCTOBER 2023

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in New Delhi has made changes to the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, through a notification dated October 25, 2023. The Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2023, will be effective upon publication in the Official Gazette.

These rules affect the management of batteries, defining terms like 'Battery' and specifying obligations for producers. Producers are now required to ensure recycling or refurbishing of introduced batteries, filing annual returns, and meeting collection targets. Registration with the Central Pollution Control Board is mandatory, and changes in information must be reported.

The amendment for the Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2023 also emphasizes sustainable battery production, requires disclosure of waste battery processing data, and introduces Extended Producer Responsibility certificates. Certificates are generated based on recycling or refurbishing weights, promoting environmentally sound practices. Trading platforms for these certificates are established, and monitored by guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board.

Additionally, the Central Pollution Control Board will issue guidelines for environmentally sound waste battery procedures, and an annual report will be submitted to the Central Government. Certain timelines for returns can be relaxed by the Central Government, and a committee will meet regularly to assess the rules' implementation.

According to The amendment for the Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2023, Schedule I outlines conditions for placing portable batteries, and Schedule II details waste battery collection, recycling, or refurbishment targets, especially for electric vehicle batteries. The rules aim to enhance responsible battery management and environmental sustainability.

QCO - Quality Control Order