The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has issued a critical update on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance, effective February 17, 2025. This directive, aimed at all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), Pollution Control Committees (PCCs), and Regional Directors (RDs), emphasizes stricter enforcement and enhanced accountability for businesses.
This move is part of a broader global trend towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, with similar regulations being implemented in regions like the MENA (Middle East and North Africa). Companies must act now to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
What Businesses Should Do
To avoid penalties and ensure compliance, businesses must:
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Register Early: Ensure timely EPR registration under the mandated framework.
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Partner Wisely: Work with authorized entities for waste collection, recycling, and disposal.
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Document Everything: Maintain transparent records and reporting to meet regulatory expectations.
ESG Reporting in the MENA Region
The MENA region is also witnessing a significant shift towards sustainability, with governments introducing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements.
Key ESG Regulations in MENA:
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UAE:
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The UAE has introduced mandatory ESG reporting for listed companies, aligning with global standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
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The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) have issued guidelines for ESG disclosures.
2. Saudi Arabia:
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The Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 emphasize sustainability and require companies to publish ESG reports.
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The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has introduced ESG reporting guidelines for listed companies.
3. Qatar:
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The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) encourages listed companies to adopt ESG reporting frameworks.
4. Egypt:
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The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has mandated ESG reporting for non-bank financial institutions.
Why ESG Reporting Matters
ESG reporting is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. Companies that publish ESG reports demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, which can:
· Enhance brand reputation and stakeholder trust.
· Attract investors who prioritize sustainable businesses.
· Ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
Take the First Step Towards Sustainability Today!
1. Publish ESG Reports:
Companies in the MENA region should start publishing ESG reports to align with local and global standards. Use frameworks like GRI, SASB, or TCFD for comprehensive reporting.
2. Adopt Sustainable Practices:
Implement environmentally sound practices across operations, supply chains, and product lifecycles.
3. Stay Informed:
Regularly monitor updates from regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with EPR and ESG regulations.
4. Partner with ZeeDimension:
For businesses looking to streamline their sustainability efforts, ZeeDimension offers ESG consultancy and solutions. From ESG reporting to compliance strategies, we provide end-to-end support to help you adopt best practices and meet regulatory requirements.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in building a sustainable and compliant business!
