Phase one registration for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is now open, with Exchange for Change inviting businesses to register ahead of the scheme’s launch in October 2027.

The organisation, which will deliver the scheme, said that businesses should register as soon as possible.

The first phase only requires basic information, including company details, primary contact information, trading name and relevant business and mailing addresses.

Businesses can save their progress and return to the registration if required. Once submitted, they will receive a reference number on screen and by email.

The organisation said that retailers in urban areas with a footprint of less than 100m² are automatically exempt from operating a return point and therefore do not need to register.

Likewise, following an announcement in June, urban retailers with a sales area between 100m² and 199m² are now also exempt, as are rural retailers with less than 200m² of sales area.

These exemptions are not automatic, however, and retailers will have to apply for the extension, with details on the process set to be published in the coming months.

Exchange for Change said that phase two of registration will open in January 2027, when further information will be required.

Russell Davies, Exchange for Change CEO, said: “Opening our registration portal is another important milestone as we work with businesses across the drinks supply chain to prepare for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme in October 2027.

“We are designing the scheme to be as clear and straightforward as possible. Phase one is a simple process that gives producers and retailers an opportunity to start registering now, by providing the core information we need before more detailed information that will be collected in phase two next year.”