Defra announced, on 20/06/05, that it would continue its investigation into allegations of inappropriate issuing of Packaging Waste Recovery Notes (PRNs) & Packaging Waste Export Recovery Notes (PERNs) by some packaging waste re-processors & exporters. PRNs & PERNs are issued by re-processors & exporters of packaging waste. Producers purchase PRNs/PERNs from re-processors & exporters as evidence that packaging waste has been recovered & recycled as required. Defra intends to identify any weaknesses in the existing arrangements by examining the robustness of recording & monitoring systems & the audit trails adopted. Defra's plan of action follows allegations that PRNs/PERNs are being issued, in some cases, for waste that is not packaging & in others, for tonnages for which a note has already been issued.
