This marks the final step in the rollout of Defra’s new Record Reprocessed or Exported Packaging Waste Digital Service, which was expected to be completed on 27 February 2026.
Digital service back online
The latest changes mean that accredited reprocessors and exporters are now able to create and authorise new PRNs and PERNs through the digital system.
At the same time, producers and compliance schemes can view PRNs and PERNs within the Report Packaging Data service and formally accept or reject them.
The move is expected to enable the resumption of PRN and PERN trading, following a period in which functionality constraints had limited activity across the market.
Robbie Staniforth, Chief Policy and Impact Officer at Ecosurety, commented: “We are very pleased with the recent release of the PRN functionality on RPD. It means that normal service for PRN trading can resume after a concerning period since the start of the year.
“They have listened to our feedback and sped up delivery to meet their commitment of getting the system working by the end of February. We are very grateful for their efforts.”
Paul Sanderson, Chief Executive of The Recycling Association (TRA), added: “It is good news that producers and compliance schemes can now accept and reject PRNs and PERNs on the new Report Packaging Data service.
“It should mean the revival of the trade of PRNs and PERNs that puts cash into the recycling system.”
Delays to the system
The latest update follows earlier confirmation from Defra that PRNs and PERNS could not be issued through the digital service during January and most of February 2026, after a delay to the original go-live date at the beginning of 2026.
Defra acknowledged industry frustration at the time and apologised for the delays affecting businesses across the packaging waste supply chain.
Sanderson added: “But lessons need to be learned from this as recycling reprocessors and exporters have suffered over the last six months from trying to understand how to get registration and accreditation, they are still dealing with the complexities of the summary logs, and of course there has been severe pressure on cashflow for many companies.
“Business has really suffered as a result of this uncertainty.”
The announcement also followed earlier concerns from industry over potential delays to the accreditation of packaging reprocessors and exporters, which are required to be approved under the new regulations before issuing evidence.
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