Deposit Return Scheme: Phase 1 Registration Now Open

Exchange For Change has announced that it has opened Phase 1 registration for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), ahead of the scheme launching in October 2027.

Businesses that are required to register as a producer, return point operator, or both can now create an account and complete the first stage of registration through the Exchange For Change registration portal found here: Exchange for Change - Registration

Retailers who are required to register are encouraged to complete Phase 1 as soon as possible.

What does Phase 1 involve?

Phase 1 is intended to collect basic business information and help businesses begin preparing for the introduction of DRS.

At this stage, businesses will only be asked to provide information including: 

• Company and trading details

• Primary contact information

• Business and mailing addresses

Businesses can save their progress and return to their registration if required. Once Phase 1 has been submitted, a registration reference number will be provided on screen and by email.

Do all retailers need to register?

Retailers in urban areas with a retail space of less than 100m² are automatically exempt from operating a return point and therefore do not need to register unless they intend to voluntarily operate one.

Exchange For Change has also confirmed that:

• Urban retailers with a sales area of 100m²–199m² will be able to apply for an exemption.

• Rural retailers with a sales area below 200m² will also be able to apply for an exemption.

Retailers in these two categories must still complete the registration process if they wish to apply for an exemption. Further information on the exemption application process will be published in the coming months.

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation is encouraging convenience retailers across Scotland to register and participate where they can. To ensure that they aren’t impacted by changing consumer habits and competition from larger operators once the scheme goes live.

To help businesses understand whether they need to register, Exchange For Change has also created supporting documentation, which can be found at www.exchangeforchange.co.uk.

What happens next?

Phase 2 registration is expected to open in January 2027, when businesses will be asked to provide further information relevant to their role within the scheme.

To read the Exchange for Change press release on this, go to: Exchange For Change opens registration for Deposit Return Scheme | Exchange for Change