Notification: Extension of Timeline for Filing Annual Returns by Battery Producers
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, in response to a request from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) dated July 1, 2024, has issued a notification extending the timeline for filing Annual Returns by battery producers. This extension is granted to accommodate the necessary compliance requirements under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.
Key Points of the Notification:
1. Reference to CPCB Request: The CPCB, in its letter dated July 1, 2024, requested an extension of the deadline for filing Annual Returns by Producers for a period of two months.
2. Regulatory Framework: The CPCB, in its letter dated July 1, 2024, requested an extension of the deadline for filing Annual Returns by Producers for a period of two months.
- As per Rule 4(11) of the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 (published vide S.O. 3984(E) on August 24, 2022), producers are required to file annual returns regarding waste batteries collected, recycled, or refurbished. These returns should be submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the respective State Pollution Control Boards in Form 3 by June 30th of the next financial year.
- Rule 14(6) of the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, along with its amendment published vide S.O. 4669(E) on October 25, 2023, empowers the Central Government to relax timelines for filing returns by producers, recyclers, and refurbishers by up to nine months.
3. Extension Granted: Based on the CPCB’s request, the Central Government has extended the deadline for filing Annual Returns by battery producers for the financial year 2023-24 to August 30, 2024.
4. Approval: This extension has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
