India’s EPR Credit Market Just Got a Full Overhaul | Here’s What It Means for Your Business
The Electronic Trading Platform (ETP) is now live. Offline EPR credit trading is history. If your company deals in plastic, e-waste, batteries, tyres, or used oil — read this now.
India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework has undergone its most significant structural change since its inception. As of 1 April 2026, the only way to trade EPR credits in India is through the newly launched Electronic Trading Platform (ETP) — a digital exchange developed by MSTC Limited, a Government of India PSU, in coordination with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
This isn’t a minor tweak. It’s a shift from opaque, negotiated offline deals to a fully transparent, exchange-based market with real-time price discovery, escrow settlement, and regulatory oversight. Here’s everything you need to know.
How We Got Here: The ETP Timeline
The ETP didn’t appear overnight. Here’s the regulatory journey that led to today’s live platform:
Which Waste Streams Are Covered?
The ETP currently covers five regulated EPR streams. All trading for these streams must now happen exclusively through the platform:
| EPR Stream | Credit Unit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 🧴 Plastic Packaging | Per Kg (4 categories) | Live |
| 💻 E-Waste | Per metal (Au, Cu, Fe, Al) | Live |
| 🔋 Battery Waste | Per metal (Li, Co, Ni, Mn…) | Live |
| 🛞 Tyre Waste | Per Kg | Live |
| 🛢 Used Oil | Per Kg | Live |
EPR Credit Pricing: Floor & Ceiling Explained
Every EPR credit has a defined Total Environmental Compensation (EC) value. The ETP enforces a price band — the floor is 30% of the EC value, and the ceiling is 100%. Within this range, buyers and sellers discover prices freely.
Important note: As of the March 2026 CPCB meeting, some communications suggested that buyers and sellers can quote any price without a floor/ceiling constraint. This point had conflicting signals across two CPCB meetings. Confirm the latest stance directly with CPCB/MSTC before trading.
| Stream / Sub-category | EC Value (100%) ₹ | Floor Price (30%) ₹ |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic – Cat I | ₹2.90 / Kg | ₹0.87 / Kg |
| Plastic – Cat II | ₹5.00 / Kg | ₹1.50 / Kg |
| Plastic – Cat III & IV | ₹7.90 / Kg | ₹2.37 / Kg |
| E-Waste – Gold (Au) | ₹2,575 / gm | ₹772 / gm |
| E-Waste – Copper (Cu) | ₹1,875 / Kg | ₹562 / Kg |
| E-Waste – Ferrous (Fe) | ₹101 / Kg | ₹30 / Kg |
| E-Waste – Aluminium (Al) | ₹456 / Kg | ₹136 / Kg |
| Used Oil | ₹12 / Kg | ₹3.60 / Kg |
| Tyre Waste | ₹8.40 / Kg | ₹2.52 / Kg |
| Battery – Lithium (Li) | ₹2,400 / Kg | ₹720 / Kg |
| Battery – Cobalt / Nickel / Mn | ₹555 / Kg | ₹166 / Kg |
| Battery – Copper (Cu) | ₹270 / Kg | ₹81 / Kg |
| Battery – Al / Ferrous | ₹120 / Kg | ₹36 / Kg |
Three Ways to Trade: Understanding Order Types
The ETP introduces a structured order book similar to a stock exchange. Participants can choose from three order types based on their strategy:
Standard Market Order
Execute immediately at the best available price in the order book. Best for buyers or sellers who prioritize speed of execution over price precision. Orders are matched on a Price-Time Priority basis.
Limit Order
Set a specific price at which you’re willing to buy or sell. The order stays in the book until it’s matched or cancelled. Ideal when you have a target price and can wait for the market to reach it.
GTT — Good Till Triggered
Place a conditional order that activates automatically when the price hits your specified trigger level. Valid for up to 90 days. All orders require OTP verification for placement, editing, or deletion.
The Buyer Journey on ETP — Step by Step
For companies looking to purchase EPR credits on the platform, here’s the end-to-end process:
Register via Common EPR Portal using SSO. Complete KYC including Penny Drop bank validation.
Accept T&C — Buyer and Seller Agreements must be accepted during onboarding before accessing the exchange.
Add funds to Escrow via NEFT / RTGS / IMPS / UPI (UPI capped at ₹1 lakh per transaction).
Place buy order (Market / Limit / GTT) via OTP confirmation. Order matched via Price-Time Priority.
Credits auto-transferred same day after market closure. Seller details revealed post-matching.
Seller uploads invoice (signed PDF). Payment released to seller on T+2 business days.
New Rules That Change the Game
| Provision | Detail | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Same-PAN Offline Trading | Allowed for 6 months for entities with the same PAN | Transitional |
| Credit Expiry | Unused credits beyond annual return requirement may expire at FY-end | Risk |
| Settlement Cycle | Credits settled same day; funds released T+2 after invoice | Efficient |
| Refund Policy | One refund request per day; processed on T+2 basis | Structured |
| Circuit Breaker | Trading halts if price moves beyond 20% in a session | Protective |
What Your Company Must Do Right Now
Whether you’re a Producer, Importer, Brand Owner (PIBO), or a Recycler / Waste Processor, here’s your immediate action checklist:
- Register on the Common EPR Portal (SSO) if not already done. This is the gateway to the ETP.
- Verify that your Company PAN and Authorised Person PAN match across all EPR portal logins.
- Link all existing EPR portals (Plastic, Battery, E-waste, etc.) to the Common EPR Portal.
- Complete KYC verification including Penny Drop bank account validation on the ETP.
- Accept the mandatory Buyer / Seller Participation Agreements during onboarding.
- Align internal teams on budgets, buying protocols, governance, and audit trail requirements for ETP transactions.
- Focus credit purchases on current FY targets only. Credits are not valid beyond the current financial year.
- For issues, raise a ticket via MSTC helpdesk: 07969066600 | helpdeskho@mstcindia.in
The Bottom Line
The EPR Electronic Trading Platform marks India’s decisive move from relationship-based credit trading to a rules-based, exchange-driven market. For large obligated entities, this means more price transparency but also more compliance infrastructure. For recyclers and waste processors, it opens up a broader buyer base with standardised settlement.
The single most important thing to do today: ensure your SSO registration is active, your KYC is complete, and your internal teams are aligned on how to operate within the new trading framework before EPR target deadlines approach at the end of this financial year.
This article is based on the EPRETP Exchange Video Guide and the CPCB-MSTC virtual training session held on 20 March 2026. All pricing and operational details are subject to regulatory updates. Readers are advised to verify information directly with CPCB and MSTC before making trading decisions.
