Packaging waste recycling notes reform

We want to know what you think about our plans to reform the packaging waste recycling note (PRN) and packaging waste export recycling note (PERN) system. This system will be established by the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for packaging waste.

These changes will help to address historic issues with the existing system and improve the overall effectiveness of the PRN and PERN market.

In particular, we are focusing on the following areas for reform:

• reporting requirements on the sales of PRNs and PERNs
• reporting requirements on how the revenue from PRN and PERN sales should be spent
• timeframes for the trading of PRNs and PERNs
• the introduction of a ‘technical competence’ test for compliance scheme operators and accredited reprocessors or exporters
• the interface with the introduction of the Deposit Return System (DRS)

We are also asking for views and evidence on other proposed changes to the system. This includes the introduction of a compliance fee for producers that fail to meet their obligations.