Refurbisher Authorization: Overview

If you are involved in refurbishing e-waste and looking for legal validation, FastZeal consultants can assist you in obtaining refurbisher authorization effortlessly.

Refurbisher authorization is an official approval that regulates the refurbishing of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), ensuring adherence to environmental, safety, and quality standards. The certification issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) serves as legal authorization for refurbishers to operate and sell refurbished electronic equipment in the market.

This authorization ensures efficient e-waste management, providing a structured framework for proper handling and systemization.

Who is a Refurbisher?

A refurbisher is an individual or entity responsible for repairing or assembling used electrical equipment, as listed in Schedule I. They enhance the quality of used electronic goods, extending their lifespan while maintaining authenticity and originality.

Refurbishers employ effective strategies to process large amounts of e-waste, reusing components in working conditions for new products. Additionally, they must obtain a certificate of registration and proof of installed capacity from the District Industries Centre or a government agency.

Responsibilities Of Refurbisher Authorization Guide

Authorized refurbishers must adhere to the following responsibilities:

1. Compliance with e-waste management rules and regulations.
2. Proper disposal of hazardous waste.
3. Maintaining records of refurbished products.
4. Ensuring product quality and safety standards.
5. Reporting to the relevant authorities as required.

Advantages of Obtaining an E-Waste Refurbisher License

• 1. Legitimacy: Provides legal authorization to refurbish and sell e-waste.
• 2. Quality Assurance: Ensures adherence to industry standards and environmental regulations.
• 3. Cost-Effectiveness: Makes technology more accessible while reducing costs.
• 4. Competitive Advantage: Builds credibility in sustainable waste management.
• 5. Environmental Benefits: Reduces hazardous waste and promotes recycling.
• 6. Resource Conservation: Minimizes reliance on raw materials.
• 7. Extended Product Lifecycle: Improves the usability of electronic products.

Documents Required for Refurbisher Registration

• 1. Form 1(a)
• 2. Cover Letter
• 3. PAN Card Details
• 4. Address Proof
• 5. Incorporation Certificate
• 6. Details of Recycling Facility
• 7. Photo ID Proof of Business Owner
• 8. Board Resolution
• 9. Consent to Establish and Operate
• 10. GST Registration Certificate
• 11. Proof of Business Premises (sale deed, rent agreement, electricity bill, etc.)
• 12. Company Registration Documents (MoA & AoA) & Partnership Deed
• 13. Layout Map of Business Premises

How to Apply

The application process includes:

1.     Preparation: Gather all necessary documents.

2.     Online Application: Submit the application through the designated portal.

3.     Fee Payment: Pay the applicable processing fees.

4.     Verification: Authorities review the application and conduct inspections if required.

5.     Approval: Upon successful verification, the authorization certificate is issued.

Validity & Renewal

 The validity for refurbisher authorization is five (05) years from the date of the grant of its registration on the EPR portal. Moreover, the application for the renewal of the refurbisher authorization must be submitted within 60 days from the date of its expiry.

Furthermore, the registration charges for the renewal of the refurbisher authorization after the period of 5 years costs around Rs. 7500/- excluding 0.625/ MT for quantity if refurbishing certificate transaction in the preceding 5 years.

Market Study of E-Waste Management for Refurbisher License

A significant growth observed in the e-waste management market attributes to the recovery of high value from electric and electronic equipment, making it a profitable recycling venture. The refurbished electronics market is anticipated to grow to $11 billion in gross value by March 2026. It will push more refurbishers to secure refurbisher license.

Presently, the global market size of e-waste management is around 54.64 million tons, which is expected to reach 60.68 million tons by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast year. The Indian e-waste management market with metal recyclers as the dominant segment has a market size of US $1072.86 million, which is projected to reach US $3428.75 at a CAGR of 13.78% in year 2032.

Fees Required for Refurbisher Authorization

The fees required to obtain a refurbisher authorization vary depending on the size and capital investment in the business. However, the first-time registration 

fee required for obtaining a new refurbisher authorization through EPR portal under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 costs around Rs. 15,000/-.

Timeline for Obtaining Refurbisher Authorization

The timeline for obtaining the refurbisher authorization varies depending upon the factors like completeness of the application and the responsiveness of the concerned authority. However, it typically takes around 45 to 60 working days for the preparation and issuance of refurbisher authorization as mandated by the Hazardous and Other Waste (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.

Distinction Between Recycling and Refurbishment of E-Waste

E-Waste and Its Categories Under the Refurbisher License

According to the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, E-waste refers to electrical and electronic equipment whose life has come to an end or has been partially discarded as waste by a consumer or a group of consumers and also rejected from the manufacturing, refurbishment, and repair industries.

Currently, India ranks fifth largest e-waste producer in the world. Experts said that approximately more than 1 million tons of electronic waste are produced annually in India. Have a look over the different categories of electronic items that contribute to e-waste covered under refurbisher licenses as listed below:

1. Computer devices contribute around 70% of E-waste annually

2. The telecom sector accounts for 12 % of E-waste annually

3. Medical devices and used equipment contribute around 8% of E-waste annually

4. Both the government and private sectors contribute around 75% of electronic E-waste annually

5. Household sector individually accounts for 16% of E-waste annually

Why Opt for FCG for E-waste Refurbisher License?

FCG, mainly focused on the environmental sector, offers a wide range of solutions, ranging from environmental compliances to documentation related to the pollution control board. Given below are the reasons why we are the first choice for an e-waste refurbisher license in India-

1. 99% Success Rate in Securing E-waste Refurbisher License

2. Ensuring Refurbisher Registration across 10,000+ Pin Codes

3. 200+ Environmental Experts to Guide you Through the Journey of Refurbisher Registration

4. Documentation Support for Refurbisher Authorization

5. Expert Consultation Assistance in Acquiring Refurbisher Authorization

6. End-to-end Guidance in Obtaining E-waste Refurbisher License

Eligibility Criteria for Refurbisher Authorization

To qualify for refurbisher authorization, businesses must meet the following requirements:

Land Requirement: Sufficient space for a small- or large-scale refurbishment setup.

Technicians & Labor: Skilled personnel to operate technology-driven machines.

Factory Setup: A minimum 150 sq. m. waterproof facility with storage for 1 ton of e-waste.

Network Connection: Stable connectivity to facilitate operations.