More than 2,000 applications made for BCRS grace period until Oct. 31 to clear unlabelled stock

More than 2,000 applications were submitted for a grace period for eligible smaller retailers and non-profit organisations to clear their stock of non-BCRS-labelled beverages until Oct. 31.

The applications were mainly from smaller retailers such as provision shops, neighbourhood convenience stores, and standalone food shops.

Applications

In a press release on Sep. 29, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the grace period, announced on Sep. 18, recognises the extra time these smaller retailers and non-profit organisations need to deplete their stock of non-BCRS-labelled beverages and transition.

NEA approved and processed 85 per cent of the over 1,600 applications.

It is also expediting the processing of the remaining applications, mainly those recently submitted.

Various factors, such as the nature of the business, the number of outlets owned by the company, the applicants’ existing stocks of non-BCRS-labelled products, their ability to clear the existing stocks by Sep. 30, and their efforts and plans to deplete the existing stocks, were considered when assessing the applications.

Reminder

NEA reminded smaller retailers granted the grace period not to bring in any more new stock that is not BCRS-labelled.

Retailers were also reminded to indicate to customers the non-BCRS-labelled stock, which is not subject to the 10-cent deposit.

Applicants who were not granted the grace period were reminded to clear all remaining non-BCRS-labelled stock by Sep. 30.

NEA also advised smaller retailers who have not applied and continue to face challenges clearing their remaining stock of non-BCRS-labelled beverages to register for the grace period by Sep.30 at go.gov.sg/retailer-non-bcrs-stock-extension-request.

NEA said it will assess each submission based on the retailer’s circumstances and notify applicants of the outcome.

NEA also advised non-profit organisations that need a grace period to register with NEA to do so by Sep. 30 at go.gov.sg/bcrs-registration-for-non-profit-organisations.

The list of non-profit groups given the grace period to receive and distribute non-BCRS-labelled beverages is at go.gov.sg/bcrs-info-for-industry.

NEA will progressively update the list as it receives and approves more applications.

Non-profit organisations that are granted the grace period are not allowed to sell their non-BCRS-labelled beverage stock.

BCRS scheme

The BCRS scheme will enter full implementation on Oct. 1.

All retailers should therefore stop taking in new supplies of non-BCRS-labelled beverages from then on, as it is an offence to do so.

Those found guilty may be liable to a fine of up to S$10,000 and/or a jail term of up to three months.

Non-labelled stock, such as stock imported from overseas suppliers, can be amended manually or with a labelling machine.