This study profoundly determined and analyzed the core linkages between the barriers to circular supply chain (CSC) deployment and their impact on CSC performance in order to address the knowledge gap in the literature. In this study, the prime focus is to determine and classify the key barriers based on how they would affect the deployment of CSC practices in SMEs. There are in all a total of eighteen (18) barriers that have been identified as impeding the successful adoption of CSC practices in manufacturing sectors. The pair-wise comparison employing interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis was used to categorize these eighteen obstructions to CSC deployment. The pair-wise comparison and scores for these barriers to CSC deployment were generated based on rigorous discussions and brainstorming sessions. The key outcomes of this research were drafted in the matrix frame keeping the note of these scores so as to classify the key barriers to CSC adoption. The end results of this research emphasize on identification and categorization of significant barriers to CSC deployment based on pair-wise comparison and scores and the assessment of their impact on CSC performance metrics. This study will determine a set of crucial barriers required for the successful implementation of CSC practices targeting the overall sustainability in manufacturing enterprises not only in India but also on a global basis.