NSW Return and Earn: Checking Container Approval Before Listing a Drink

Before offering an imported drink in New South Wales (NSW), check whether its specific container is covered by Return and Earn. Eligible beverage containers need NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) approval, and the first supplier must have the relevant scheme arrangement. Match the barcode, beverage, packaging and refund mark to the actual product before a retailer accepts or lists stock. EPAapproval status

Identify the first supplier

The first supplier is the business responsible for an eligible beverage container when it is first supplied into NSW. Depending on the transaction, it may be a manufacturer, distributor or retailer, rather than the overseas beverage brand. The NSW EPA says the first supplier must have a Supply Arrangement with scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and ensure each unique eligible container has EPA approval. EPAarrangement

For an imported beverage, map the actual transaction: Who owns the goods at their first NSW supply, who holds the supply arrangement, and who holds the relevant container approval? Ask for the supplier's legal business identity and its Exchange for Change arrangement details. A downstream retailer still needs to check the containers it sells, but should not assume that every wholesaler is the original first supplier. EPA

Exchange for Change describes supply-volume reporting and contributions under the scheme arrangement. These obligations are separate from obtaining EPA approval for a container. The current supplier arrangement listed by Exchange for Change took effect on 9 March 2026. Confirm the applicable supplier contract rather than treating product registration as proof of a commercial arrangement. arrangement

Check container eligibility and existing approval

NSW's scheme covers many drink containers designed to hold 150 mL to 3 L, but there are beverage and package exclusions. As of November 2026, examples include plain milk and milk substitutes, glass wine or spirit bottles, and pure fruit or vegetable juice containers of 1 L or more. A juice concentrate or a formulated juice drink should not be classified by name alone. Check the actual beverage category, capacity and container before deciding it needs approval. EPAexpansion

The EPA says the scheme is due to expand from mid-2027, including larger pure-juice containers and cordials. That announced future scope is not a reason to mark a currently excluded container as approved today. Review the rule again against the intended date of sale. expansion

Use the official NSW container search tool with the exact barcode and product details. It distinguishes Approved, Pending approval, Excluded, Refused, Revoked and Withdrawn. Pending is not approved. Excluded means the container is outside the scheme and cannot receive its refund, not that it has failed a required application. If the result conflicts with supplier records, seek clarification from EPA before treating the SKU as cleared for sale. approval status

Match the barcode, material and pack details

The NSW EPA describes a unique container class using its barcode, physical dimensions, beverage type, material and, for PET or glass, colour. A barcode match alone is therefore not a complete identity check. Eligible containers must also display the applicable 10c refund marking. NSW suppliers and retailers should verify the legibility of that marking on the actual retail pack. EPA

The EPA also requires compliant barcodes and prohibits cans with fully detachable ring-pull lids. An ordinary pack drawing or barcode supplied by a brand does not establish an EPA approval. Keep a screenshot or dated record of the actual approval result alongside the final pack specification. EPAapproval status

Review changes before the next retail listing

The EPA states that a change to barcode, dimensions, material or contents requires an application for a new container approval. A change only to label artwork does not itself require a new approval, although the refund marking must still be correct. Recheck these distinctions whenever a beverage flavour, packaging line or design version changes. EPA

A practical release sequence is to have the NSW buyer identify the first supplier, obtain the approval evidence, compare the current retail pack and only then release the listing. Record who checked the exact pack, when the search was performed and what changed since the approved version. If status is pending or the class does not match, ask the supplier and EPA to resolve it before supply. EPAapproval status

For a selected VINUT drink, contact VINUT about available product and packaging specifications. The NSW first supplier and retailer should use those records alongside the applicable EPA approvals and scheme arrangements for their actual transaction.