In an important regulatory step to ensure the smooth implementation of the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS), the Government of Goa has issued a fresh order amending and expanding powers granted under its earlier notification dated 12 August 2024.
The order, issued by the Department of Environment & Climate Change under Section 14 of the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1996, authorizes officers from the Department of Legal Metrology, not below the rank of Inspector, to exercise enhanced powers for inspection, verification, and enforcement of the DRS mechanism.
This move aims to strengthen compliance, curb violations in the handling of DRS products, and ensure that the circular economy model envisioned through the Deposit Refund Scheme is effectively operational across the state.
Expanded Powers for Legal Metrology Officers
The order empowers authorized officers to exercise specific functions necessary for the efficient enforcement of the Deposit Refund Scheme under the previously issued notification. The newly granted powers include:
1. Inspection & Enforcement Authority
Officers can inspect, verify, and enforce provisions listed under Clauses 5, 8, 9, and 10 of the 2024 notification. These clauses primarily cover:
- Responsibilities of producers and entities
- Proper labeling and use of the Unique Scheme Identifier (USI)
- Mandatory compliance norms for DRS operations
- Consumer-focused processes relating to refunds and returns
2. Power to Enter and Search Premises
They may enter and search, at reasonable times:
- Shops, warehouses, manufacturing units
- Vehicles transporting DRS products
- Any location suspected of DRS operations
This ensures comprehensive oversight of all supply-chain points.
3. Examination of Books and Digital Systems
Officers are empowered to inspect:
- DRS products
- Registers, accounts, invoices
- Digital systems and electronic databases
This facilitates detection of non-compliance or manipulation of data related to the Deposit Refund Scheme.
4. Power to Seize Non-Compliant Products
They may seize:
- DRS products
- Packaging material
- Documents and digital records
that appear to be in violation of the DRS provisions or may be required as evidence for proceedings under the Act.
5. Conditional Return of Seized Goods
A significant feature of the order is provision allowing seized products to be returned within 15 days, provided the concerned entity affixes a valid Unique Scheme Identifier (USI) on all DRS products.
This supports corrective compliance while penalizing intentional violations.
6. Recording, Retention & Disposal Powers
Officers may:
- Record relevant details
- Obtain signatures
- Retain seized goods for prosecution
- Dispose of them as they deem appropriate
This ensures evidence integrity and procedural authority throughout enforcement actions.
Effective Date
The order clearly states that it comes into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, making the enforcement powers immediately applicable.NOVEMBER 19 TH 2025.
Significance of the Amendment
- Strengthens on-ground enforcement of Goa’s Deposit Refund Scheme.
- Brings Legal Metrology officers into the compliance ecosystem.
- Addresses gaps in monitoring, labeling, and traceability of DRS products.
- Ensures that producers and sellers adhere strictly to sustainability norms.
- Enhances transparency and accountability to promote a cleaner, zero-waste Goa.