EPFO Ends Extension for Mandatory Aadhaar-UAN Seeding from 31 October 2025
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued an important circular announcing that no further extension will be granted for mandatory Aadhaar seeding and verification with the Universal Account Number (UAN) for Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) filing. This decision marks a significant compliance update for employers across India, especially those in the North East Region and specific labour-intensive industries that had previously received repeated relaxations.
Background: Aadhaar-UAN Linking Requirement by EPFO
EPFO first introduced the rule on 1 June 2021, making Aadhaar seeding and verification with UAN compulsory for filing ECR. However, due to practical challenges faced by employers and employees—especially in remote and labour-driven sectors—the organisation issued multiple extensions over the years.
These relaxations were granted through several EPFO circulars and Ministry of Labour & Employment communications, ensuring that establishments had adequate time to complete Aadhaar-UAN seeding for their workforce.
Industries and Regions That Earlier Received Extensions
Initially, the compliance relaxation applied to:
1. North East Region (NER) States
- Assam
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Tripura
2. Specific Labour-Intensive Industries
- Beedi-making
- Building and construction
- Plantation industries (Tea, Coffee, Pepper, Cardamom, Rubber, Jute, Cinchona, Cashew, etc.)
The last extension, issued through a Ministry communication on 28 October 2025, allowed these categories to comply until 31 October 2025.
Why EPFO Has Now Ended Extensions
EPFO noted that over the last four years, establishments have been provided with sufficient time and opportunities to complete Aadhaar-UAN seeding. The remaining pendency is now minimal and decreasing steadily, which indicates smooth progress at the national level.
To prevent a continued reliance on short-term extensions and to streamline compliance:
➡️ EPFO has decided not to grant any further extension beyond 31 October 2025.
What Employers Must Do Now
EPFO has directed all Zonal and Regional Offices to begin intensive awareness and sensitisation drives immediately. Employers must be clearly informed of the compliance requirement.
Key Compliance Rule from November 2025
From the wage month of November 2025 onwards, ECR filing will be allowed only for those members whose:
- Aadhaar is seeded with UAN, and
- Aadhaar is successfully verified
There will be no exceptions for any region or industry after this date.
Employers must therefore ensure that all employee Aadhaar-UAN verifications are completed immediately to avoid disruptions in monthly EPF contributions.
Official Approval
The circular has been issued with the approval of the Central Provident Fund Commissioner, and signed by:
P.B. Verma
Addl. CPFC (Compliance)