BCRS to give small retailers more time to clear non-labelled drinks to ‘make sure no one is left behind’

Small retailers can apply for one-month grace period to clear non-BCRS drinks, as all retailers must only carry drinks with the BCRS logo from 1 Oct

Singapore’s Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) will enter full implementation on 1 Oct, but small retailers facing difficulties clearing old stock can apply for a one-month grace period.

In a news release published on 18 Sept, seen by MS News, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said that eligible small retailers can register by 30 Sept to request an extension until 31 Oct.

Non-profit organisations (NPOs) will also be allowed to distribute donated non-BCRS-labelled beverages to beneficiaries until 31 Oct, provided they register with NEA by the same deadline.

The move comes as the six-month transition period for the BCRS ends on 30 Sept.

Small retailers can register for grace period until 31 Oct

The BCRS was launched on 1 Apr with a six-month transition period.

This allowed beverage producers and retailers time to progressively replace existing stocks with beverages bearing the BCRS Deposit Mark.

Under the scheme, regulated pre-packaged beverages in plastic or metal containers between 150ml and three litres carry a 10-cent refundable deposit.

During the transition period, consumers may encounter both labelled and non-labelled drinks.

From 1 Oct, all regulated beverage products supplied in Singapore must carry the BCRS Deposit Mark and an identifying barcode.

NEA said some small retailers, including neighbourhood convenience stores and family-run provision shops, may need more time to clear their existing non-BCRS-labelled stock.

Those facing “genuine difficulties” can register with NEA by 30 Sept to request a grace period until 31 Oct.

NEA will assess each submission and provide written confirmation of the outcome.

Retailers should therefore not assume that registration automatically grants the extension.

BCRS officially moves into full implementation on 1 Oct

From 1 Oct, only regulated beverages carrying the BCRS Deposit Mark and barcode can be supplied in Singapore.

BCRS-covered drinks include pre-packaged beverages such as water, soft drinks, juices and dairy products in plastic or metal containers between 150ml and three litres.

Consumers pay a 10-cent deposit for each eligible beverage.

The deposit can be refunded when empty, intact containers are returned at designated Return Right points, including reverse vending machines.

NEA currently plans for more than 1,000 return points at launch, with the network set to expand to 2,000 within the first year.

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Education Dr Janil Puthucheary also addressed the extension in a Facebook post on 18 Sept.

He said the Government recognised that some small retailers may need more time to clear their existing stock.

We want to make sure no one is left behind as we take this step towards a more sustainable Singapore.

He described the BCRS as a “collective effort” and said this included supporting small businesses in neighbourhoods.

Retailers seeking the grace period and NPOs seeking to distribute donated non-BCRS-labelled stock should register with NEA by 30 Sept.

Also read: Return Right machine rejects JB-bought can despite S’pore deposit logo, BCRS has reached out to importer