Panaji: Goa’s plan to roll out QR-coded liquor bottles under its Deposit Refund System (DRS) from Sep 1 could be delayed after a parallel QR code initiative by the excise department, aimed at tracking smuggling, created confusion over implementation.With govt departments, liquor retailers, bottling companies and stores unclear about which QR code to use, and the excise department itself not ready to launch its system by the deadline, govt is considering postponing the DRS rollout so that both systems can be integrated into a single QR code, officials said.“The DRS authority and the excise department will hold consultations this week and govt will take a decision. Govt may decide to delay the roll-out beyond Sept 1,” an excise department official said.The Goa Deposit Refund Scheme Authority said Recykal, the agency appointed to implement the scheme, has already designed and printed the QR code to be affixed to liquor bottles and alcohol packaging. However, since the excise department plans to introduce its own QR code, govt wants only one sticker on each bottle.Authorities plan to levy a refundable deposit of Rs 5 to Rs 10 on liquor packaging.Meanwhile, to simplify implementation of the DRS, authorities have decided to collect used liquor bottles and beverage containers from large housing societies, hotels, restaurants and cafes across Goa.Collections will be scheduled through an app, likely once a month depending on the quantity of packaging, with refundable deposits credited instantly through a fully digital verification and payment process. The app-based collection system forms part of the first phase of the Goa DRS and is intended to simplify packaging recovery for the hospitality sector while strengthening the state’s circular economy.Collected packaging will be transported to designated material recovery facilities (MRFs), where it will be sorted for reuse and recycling.“Reusable bottles are returned to participating brands wherever possible, while the remaining material is processed and sent to authorised recyclers, supporting Goa’s circular economy objectives,” said Goa DRS authority chairman Anthony de Sa.“The first phase has been designed to ensure that both consumers and the hospitality sector have simple and convenient return options. With scheduled bulk pickup, we are creating a collection system that is practical, transparent and capable of recovering significantly higher volumes of packaging. This phased approach will ensure a smooth transition while strengthening Goa’s waste recovery ecosystem,” de Sa said.For households and small vendors, DRS-enabled bottles and containers can be returned through an expanding network of reverse vending machines (RVMs). More than 100 RVMs have already been installed across Goa.The refundable deposit, charged separately from the maximum retail price (MRP), will be returned in full once the packaging is scanned and verified using its unique DRS QR code. The digital verification process is intended to ensure secure refunds while preventing fraud.
