Panaji, August 2026: The Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) Authority, in coordination with the Goa government’s Excise Department, is working on a structured transition mechanism and a unified QR framework across the state ahead of the Scheme’s Phase I implementation on April 1, 2027.
The initiative is aimed at simplifying the onboarding process for stakeholders and ensuring a smooth transition to the Deposit Refund Scheme, particularly for hotels, restaurants, cafés and other HoReCa establishments.
According to the DRS Authority, more than 1,600 HoReCa establishments have already registered under the scheme. Onboarding is continuing ahead of Goa’s peak tourist season.
Unified QR Framework
A key component of the transition is the development of an integrated QR framework in coordination with the Excise Department.
Dr Anthony de Sa, Chairman of the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme Authority, said the joint effort is intended to provide stakeholders with a single, simplified QR requirement rather than two separate QR systems.
“This is a joint effort between the DRS Authority and the Excise Department to give stakeholders a single, simplified QR requirement instead of two separate ones.”
He said the transition period is being used to establish an appropriate implementation framework and enable manufacturers, distributors, retailers, hotels and restaurants to prepare for the Scheme.
HoReCa Units Urged to Complete Onboarding Before November
The DRS Authority has advised HoReCa establishments to complete their registration and onboarding before the pre-season period in November.
Early onboarding will allow eligible establishments to access app-based collection directly from their premises once the Deposit Refund Scheme becomes operational.
With Goa preparing for the busy tourist season, the Authority is encouraging establishments not to wait until the implementation deadline to complete the registration process.
Brands Advised to Register by January
Brands and manufacturers are also being encouraged to complete their registration by January 2027.
This will provide sufficient time for QR code trials and testing before the Scheme’s registration deadline in February.
The Authority also plans to conduct a full simulation exercise before March, allowing stakeholders to identify and resolve operational issues before Phase I implementation begins in April.
The phased preparation is intended to reduce disruption and provide manufacturers, distributors, retailers and HoReCa establishments with adequate time to understand and comply with the new system.
Focus on Sustainable Waste Management
The Goa government has reiterated its commitment to implementing a Deposit Refund Scheme that balances consumer interests with the compliance requirements of businesses and industry.
The scheme is also expected to support Goa’s broader objectives related to responsible waste management, resource recovery and environmental sustainability.
With more than 1,600 HoReCa establishments already registered, the Authority is now focusing on expanding onboarding and testing the transition framework ahead of the April 2027 rollout.
Early registration, QR testing and simulation exercises are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth implementation of the Goa DRS.
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