UK government department Defra has issued an update on the delayed introduction of its new Record Reprocessed or Exported Packaging Waste Digital Service, confirming that interim measures will be put in place to minimise disruption across the packaging waste supply chain. The digital service, originally expected to go live in January, is now anticipated to launch later than planned due to the need for further development.

Defra had previously warned industry stakeholders that it would not be possible to issue Packaging Waste Recycling Notes (PRNs) or Packaging Waste Export Recycling Notes (PERNs) during January. However, in its latest communication, the department acknowledged that the February solution also requires additional work, prompting regulators to prioritise temporary arrangements.

In an update sent to stakeholders, Defra apologised for the delays, describing the situation as “deeply frustrating” for businesses operating across the packaging waste and recycling supply chain. The department emphasised that it is treating the issue as a priority and is working closely with regulators to ensure continuity.

Crucially for the sector, Defra confirmed that PRN and PERN trading can continue outside the new digital system. Contracts, sales and payments for PRNs and PERNs remain unaffected, allowing compliance activity to proceed while the digital platform is unavailable.

Reprocessors and exporters will also continue to issue 2025 PRNs and PERNs, including notes for December waste, via the existing National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD). Defra said this arrangement will continue without disruption until the end of January 2026 and applies across all four UK administrations.

The update comes amid wider industry concern about potential delays to accreditation under the new Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024. From 1 January 2026, all UK packaging reprocessors and exporters must be registered and accredited in order to issue PRNs or PERNs.

Defra stated that further updates will be shared as interim measures are finalised and development of the digital service progresses. Businesses requiring support have been advised to contact Defra’s EPR customer service team directly.

The announcement highlights the operational challenges surrounding the transition to digital reporting under the UK’s evolving extended producer responsibility framework, as regulators and industry work to maintain compliance while new systems are brought online.