The deadline for companies to register with the Environment Agency under the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 for this current year closed on 7 Nov. The only exceptions to this deadline are when a business becomes obligated after that date, for example, if there is a change in ownership of a company which means it suddenly becomes obligated or if a compliance scheme's registration is removed or it stops operating for any other reason and its members, therefore, have to register individually. Earlier this year the Agency decided to extend the deadline for applications until after the official 1998 cut-off point. However, the original closing date was in April this year and late applications will now no longer be accepted. The Agency has said it will take action against companies that it finds to be flouting the regulations.
