The Goa government has extended the registration deadline for Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) under the upcoming Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) to March 15, following slow compliance from sections of the beverage industry.
The earlier deadline of February 28 was missed by several manufacturers and traders, prompting authorities to allow additional time for mandatory registration. The DRS, scheduled to take effect from April 1, seeks to regulate the collection and refund of deposits on non-biodegradable beverage containers, including glass bottles, cans and select plastic packaging.
Under the scheme, PIBOs must register with the designated authority and comply with prescribed collection and refund protocols.
Officials said the extension is intended to facilitate smoother onboarding and ensure wider participation. “The slower response is largely due to stakeholders seeking clarity on compliance procedures, financial obligations, and the tax treatment of refundable deposits,” a senior official involved with the rollout said. “This extension ensures that no eligible entity is excluded.”
However, some industry representatives view the extension as a sign of implementation challenges. A manufacturer, requesting anonymity, said smaller players remain uncertain about documentation requirements and the financial impact of the deposit mechanism.
Sections of the liquor and beverage trade have also raised concerns about the legal and logistical framework of the DRS. Industry stakeholders have questioned whether the refundable deposit component could affect pricing strategies and compliance filings.
Despite the concerns, the government has confirmed that the scheme will be implemented from April 1 as scheduled. Authorities are stepping up awareness initiatives and consultations with stakeholders to streamline the registration process and address operational queries.
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