Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jul 4: After a five-month postponement, the Goa government will implement the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) from September 1, with liquor and liquor-related products becoming the first category to come under the initiative.
The scheme, which was originally scheduled to be introduced on April 1, was deferred after opposition from industry stakeholders, retailers and political parties. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had announced in the Assembly in March that its implementation would be postponed to allow for wider consultations and public awareness.
A notification issued by Member Convenor Sachin Desai has now confirmed that the scheme will be rolled out across the state from September 1, 2026.
In the first phase, the DRS will cover liquor and liquor-based products sold in glass, plastic, metal and other notified packaging materials, including multi-layered packaging and liquid packaging boards.
The notification directs all Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) dealing in liquor products to register under the scheme by July 31, 2026. Those failing to register will not be permitted to sell their products in Goa from September 1.
Under the scheme, consumers will pay a refundable deposit ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 10, in addition to the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), while purchasing eligible products. The deposit will be refunded when the empty bottle or container is returned at authorised collection centres.
The liquor industry had earlier sought a delayed rollout, citing concerns over supply chain readiness, operational challenges and potential revenue losses. Retailers and several village panchayats had also expressed reservations over the collection and storage of used containers.
To support the implementation, the Excise Department has made it mandatory for all liquor bottles sold in Goa to carry tamper-resistant QR code security stickers. The digital track-and-trace system is expected to facilitate refund processing and ensure bottles can be traced to their point of sale.
Under the new regulations, no liquor bottle will be permitted to leave a manufacturing unit, bottling plant, warehouse or licensed premises without the prescribed security label.