Exchange For Change, the industry-led organisation delivering the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), has opened the first phase of registration for producers and retailer return points 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 Phase 1 registration through the new Exchange For Change registration portal, which is available at www.registration.exchangeforchange.co.uk.
Phase 1 is designed to establish the core business information needed for registration and should be completed as soon as possible. At this stage businesses only need to provide basic information including their company details, primary contact information, trading name and relevant business and mailing addresses.
Businesses are able to save their progress and return to complete their registration if required. Once submitted, businesses will receive a registration reference number on screen and by email.
Under the DRS regulations, retailers in urban areas with a retail space under 100m² are automatically exempt from operating a return point and therefore do not need to register unless they intend to offer a return point.
Earlier this year Exchange For Change announced that urban retailers between 100m² and 199m² of sales area and rural retailers under 200m² of sales area would be able apply for an exemption from offering a return point. These retailers are still required to complete the registration process, and further details about how to apply for an exemption will be published in the coming months.
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.
Phase 2 registration will open in January 2027, when businesses will be asked to provide further information relevant to their role in the scheme.
Russell Davies, Exchange For Change Chief Executive, said: “Opening our registration portal is another important milestone as we work with businesses across the drinks supply chain to prepare for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme in October 2027.
“We are designing the scheme to be as clear and straightforward as possible. Phase 1 is a simple process that gives producers and retailers an opportunity to start registering now, by providing the core information we need before more detailed information that will be collected in Phase 2 next year.
“We encourage businesses to complete Phase 1 as soon as possible, and will continue to provide guidance and support throughout the registration process as preparations for scheme go-live progress.”
The opening of registration forms part of Exchange For Change’s wider programme of work to support businesses preparing for the DRS. Recent milestones include publication of material guidelines for drinks containers, confirmation of the producer fee structure, return handling fees, return point exemption processes and grant funding for small independent retailers.