The DETR has issued a consultation paper, “Changes to the Percentage Activity Obligations and Other Matters”, which called for responses by mid-September. The consultation was primarily designed to take the views of those businesses affected by the Packaging Regulations on the proposals put before the Government by the Advisory Committee on Packaging in December 1998. These proposals seek to alter the percentage activity obligations, reducing the obligation on convectors by 2% and increasing the packer/filler under a retainer obligations by 1% each. Other issues have emerged during the review and the Government is now seeking views from businesses that would be affected by such issues as the proposed changes to the competition scrutiny regime for schemes, following the introduction of the Competition Act 1998. The consultation paper also invited views on options to require quarterly compliance reporting. The paper reinforces the Government’s view that responsibility lies with businesses to deliver the targets required under EC Packaging Directive, with compliance being achieved through effective consultation with businesses. The DETR has indicated that a number of technical issues will be considered and that all proposals will be subject to Parliamentary approval later in the year.
(DETR, August 1999)
Draft Guidance on the Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN) system, “Producer Responsibility Obligations - Evidence of Compliance and Voluntary Accreditation of Reprocessors and Exporters - Guidance” has been issued to trade associations and interested parties for limited consultation. The PRN system was introduced as a method of monitoring compliance with Regulations and to encourage re-investment in recovery and recycling capabilities. The PRN system was reviewed in 1998 and at the end of March 1999, with the main intention of bringing greater transparency to the operation of the system. It will now be a condition of accreditation of reprocessors that they declare their PRN revenue.
(DETR, August 1999)
Further to the draft proposals put forward earlier this year by the Directorate General XI of the European Commission to amend the EC Directive on packaging and packaging waste (EC/94/62), the DETR has launched a consultation exercise. The consultation paper is intended to form part of the ongoing development of the UK Government’s negotiating position on possible revisions to the Directive. Ministers have yet to form a view on the proposals to amend the Directive and responses to the consultation exercise are therefore particularly valuable. Comments are invited until 2 November 1999. (See April 1999 Environment Law Bulletin).
(DETR, September 1999)
