PANAJI
With confusion over dual QR code requirements forcing the postponement of the Goa Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS), the DRS Authority is now working with the Excise Department to develop a single, integrated QR code framework to ensure the smooth rollout of Phase I for liquor and liquor-based products from April 2027.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Authority released a detailed implementation roadmap outlining timelines for stakeholder registration, onboarding, QR code testing and simulation exercises to ensure manufacturers, distributors, retailers and HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés) establishments are fully prepared ahead of the Scheme’s launch.
DRS Authority Chairman Anthony de Sa said the integrated framework would eliminate the need for stakeholders to comply with two separate QR code systems.
“This is a joint effort between the DRS Authority and the Excise Department to give stakeholders a single, simplified QR code requirement instead of two separate ones. We are utilising this period to ensure an appropriate transition and implementation framework, so that all stakeholders are able to transition smoothly to the DRS,” he said.
The Excise Department already mandates QR-coded liquor bottles for tracking consignments and preventing smuggling. However, the introduction of an additional QR code requirement under the DRS had created uncertainty among, bottling companies, liquor retailers and other stakeholders over which system would be adopted. The issue ultimately led to the postponement of the Scheme, which was originally scheduled to be launched on September 1.
De Sa said over 1,600 HoReCa establishments have registered under the scheme, with onboarding continuing ahead of the tourist season.
The Authority has advised them to complete registration by November 2026. Beverage brands must register by January 2027, while full compliance is required by February.
Registered establishments will be able to avail app-based bulk collection of beverage containers from their premises once the scheme becomes operational. Before the April 2027 rollout, the government will conduct a comprehensive simulation exercise in March involving manufacturers, distributors, retailers, HoReCa establishments and collection centres to test the system and address operational issues.
