Plastic Import License in India: Documents, Eligibility, and CPCB Guidelines

 Let’s understand this step by step in very simple words.


Have you ever wondered how plastic from other countries comes into India? Just like people need a passport and visa to enter another country, plastic waste and plastic items also need permission before entering India.

This permission is called a Plastic Import License. It is a special license that allows companies to bring certain types of plastic waste or plastic products from other countries into India for recycling, reuse, or manufacturing.

What is a Plastic Import License?

A Plastic Import License is a legal permission given by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

This license allows companies to import (bring into India) specific plastic materials or waste for recycling or making new plastic items.

But not every type of plastic can be imported — only certain categories are allowed, and strict rules must be followed to protect our environment.

Why is the Plastic Import License Important?

Plastic is used everywhere — bottles, packaging, toys, and even clothes. But too much plastic waste harms our environment.

If we import plastic waste without checking, it could lead to pollution, health problems, and unsafe waste piles.

That’s why the government made rules to ensure:

  • Only registered recyclers can import plastic waste.

  • All imports follow CPCB Guidelines.

  • The waste is handled safely and doesn’t harm the environment.

So, the Plastic Import License acts like a “green gate” — only allowing safe, approved materials into the country.

Who Gives the Plastic Import License?

Two main authorities are responsible for it:

  1. CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) – They check environmental safety, recycling capacity, and compliance.

  2. DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) – They issue the official import license after CPCB approval.

Without CPCB’s green signal, DGFT won’t grant the import permission.

Eligibility for Plastic Import License in India

To apply for a Plastic Import License, a company must meet some basic conditions:

  1. Registered Recycling Unit:
     The applicant must have a CPCB-registered plastic recycling unit with proper waste management systems.

  2. Environmental Clearance:
     The business should follow environmental safety rules and have pollution control systems.

  3. CPCB Approvals:
     Before importing, the recycler must get CPCB Approvals confirming that the facility is capable of recycling imported plastic waste.

  4. Import-Export Code (IEC):
     The company should have an IEC code from DGFT for doing international trade.

  5. Proper Storage and Handling:
     The recycling unit must have a safe place to store and handle plastic waste to avoid pollution or accidents.

Documents Required for Plastic Import License

To apply for a Plastic Import License, these documents are usually needed:

  1.  Company Registration Certificate
     Proof that your business is legally registered in India.

  2.  CPCB Registration Certificate
     Confirms that your recycling unit is approved by CPCB.

  3.  Import Export Code (IEC)
     Issued by DGFT for foreign trade.

  4.  GST Registration Certificate

  5.  Factory Layout and Recycling Process Details
     Show how and where you will recycle the imported plastic.

  6.  Waste Category Details
     Mention the exact type of plastic waste you plan to import (like PET bottles, LDPE film, etc.)

  7.  Pollution Control Measures Report
     Details of how you control air, water, and land pollution in your facility.

  8.  Consent from State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
     Permission to operate and handle waste safely.

  9.  Import Agreement or MoU
     Contract between the Indian importer and the foreign exporter.

  10.  Photographs of the Unit
     Proof of machinery, storage, and safety arrangements.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Plastic Import License

Here’s how a company can get a Plastic Import License in India:

Step 1: Apply for CPCB Registration

The company must register with the CPCB as a plastic waste recycler and get approval under the Plastic Waste Management Rules.

Step 2: Prepare All Documents

Collect all the documents mentioned above, especially your IEC, factory layout, and pollution control details.

Step 3: Apply to DGFT

Submit the application to the DGFT online through the DGFT portal for an import license.

Step 4: CPCB Approval Verification

DGFT sends your file to CPCB for verification. CPCB checks whether your recycling facility is genuine and safe.

Step 5: Site Inspection

In some cases, CPCB or SPCB officers visit your recycling plant to inspect it.

Step 6: Get License

Once CPCB and DGFT approve, you’ll receive your Plastic Import License. This license allows you to legally import certain types of plastic waste for recycling.

CPCB Guidelines for Plastic Import in India

CPCB has made clear rules to ensure imported plastic doesn’t harm the environment. Here are the key CPCB guidelines:

  1. Only registered recyclers can import plastic waste.

  2. Import of hazardous or mixed plastic waste is not allowed.

  3. Importers must maintain records of imported waste quantity and recycling reports.

  4. All plastic waste must be recycled within the country and not dumped.

  5. Importers must file annual returns with CPCB and SPCB.

  6. Import must comply with Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 and other environmental rules if e-waste or other waste types are involved.

By following these CPCB guidelines, businesses can work responsibly and help reduce pollution.

Related Example: Edible Oil Industry Setup

Just like the Plastic Import License, starting an Edible Oil Industry setup in India also needs government approvals, pollution control permissions, and quality checks.

Both industries — plastic recycling and edible oil — must follow CPCB Approvals and pollution rules to make sure their business doesn’t harm the environment.

So, whether it’s plastic waste management, battery recycling under the Battery Waste Management Rules 2022, or edible oil production, all these sectors must follow CPCB norms for a sustainable India.

Importance of CPCB Approvals

Without CPCB Approvals, you cannot legally run or expand a recycling, oil, or battery-related industry in India.

CPCB ensures that your business:

  • Doesn’t harm air, water, or soil.

  • Uses eco-friendly methods.

  • Handles waste properly.

So, CPCB Approval is like a “green certificate” proving that your business is safe for nature.

Benefits of Plastic Import License

Here are the main advantages of having a Plastic Import License:

  1.  Helps in recycling and reusing plastic instead of throwing it away.

  2.  Creates business opportunities in recycling and manufacturing.

  3.  Reduces environmental pollution by promoting responsible waste management.

  4.  Supports Make in India by providing raw material for plastic industries.

  5.  Encourages a circular economy — turning waste into useful products again.

FAQs on Plastic Import License in India

1. Who issues the Plastic Import License?

It is issued by DGFT, but only after CPCB approval.

2. Can any company import plastic waste?

No. Only CPCB-registered recyclers can import certain approved types of plastic waste.

3. Is importing plastic waste banned in India?

Import of hazardous and mixed plastic waste is banned. Only safe, recyclable types are allowed.

4. What are the main documents required?

You need CPCB registration, IEC code, pollution control permissions, and factory details.

5. What is CPCB’s role in the license process?

CPCB checks environmental safety, recycling capacity, and ensures compliance with rules before giving approval.

6. How is this related to Battery Waste Management Rules 2022?

Just like plastic recycling, battery waste recycling also needs CPCB approval under the Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 to ensure safe handling of hazardous materials.

7. Can I apply online for the license?

Yes, you can apply online through the DGFT website after getting CPCB approval.

Author Profile

Author: Upendra (Environmental Blogger & Sustainability Writer)
Upendra writes for Enterclimate, a leading environmental consultancy platform that helps businesses with CPCB Approvals, Plastic Import Licenses, Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 compliance, and other environmental authorizations.

Source By:- https://shorturl.at/Kj0rH


Location: 78, B Block, Enterclimate, Sector 60, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201307, India

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