NEA Provides Grace Period for Eligible Smaller Retailers and Non-Profit Organisations to Clear Non-BCRS-Labelled Beverage Stock

Source: Government of Singapore

29 September 2026 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) recognises that some smaller retailers may require more time to clear their remaining stock of non-Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS)-labelled beverages, despite efforts made during the six-month transition period. 

2.        Following industry feedback, NEA earlier announced on 18 September 2026 that we will be granting a grace period until 31 October 2026 to smaller retailers and Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) to clear their remaining non-BCRS-labelled beverage stock. This is in recognition that these smaller retailers and NPOs have made genuine efforts and plans to deplete their stock of non-BCRS-labelled beverages, but need more time for the transition.  

3.        As of 29 September 2026, 9.00am, NEA has received over 2,000 applications. The applications are mainly from smaller retailers such as provision shops, neighbourhood convenience stores, and standalone food shops. We have approved around 85 per cent of the over 1,600 applications processed so far. NEA is expediting the processing of the remaining applications, which are mainly those which were recently submitted.

4.        In assessing the applications, we have taken into consideration various factors such as the nature of 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 30 September 2026 and their efforts and plans to deplete the existing stocks. 

5.        Smaller retailers who have been granted the grace period have been reminded not to bring in any more new stock that is not BCRS-labelled, and to clearly indicate to customers the non-BCRS-labelled stock, which is not subject to the 10-cent deposit.  

6.        Applicants that are not granted the grace period are to clear all remaining non-BCRS-labelled stock by 30 September 2026. 

7.        The rest of smaller retailers who have not applied and continue to face challenges clearing their remaining stock of non-BCRS-labelled beverages are strongly encouraged to register with NEA by 30 September 2026 at go.gov.sg/retailer-non-bcrs-stock-extension-request. NEA will assess each submission based on the retailer’s circumstances and notify applicants of the outcome. 

8.        Similarly, NPOs who need a grace period are strongly encouraged to register with NEA by 30 September 2026 at go.gov.sg/bcrs-registration-for-non-profit-organisations. NPOs granted the grace period may continue to receive and distribute donated non-BCRS-labelled beverage stock to their beneficiaries until 31 October 2026. NPOs who have been granted the grace period are not to sell the non-BCRS-labelled beverages. 

9.        A list of NPOs given the grace period to receive and distribute non-BCRS labelled beverages is at go.gov.sg/bcrs-info-for-industry. This list will be progressively updated as we receive and approve more NPO applications.  

10.       As the BCRS will enter full implementation on 1 October 2026, all retailers should stop taking in new supplies of non-BCRS-labelled beverages. From 1 October 2026 onwards, other than the retailers and NPOs given the grace period, only BCRS-labelled beverage products are to be supplied, sold, or distributed in Singapore.   

11.        The BCRS is a key initiative to reduce beverage container waste and support Singapore’s transition towards a more circular economy. NEA will continue to work closely with businesses and community partners to support a smooth transition.