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Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme Mutual Recognition Act – COAG Consultation Regulation Impact Statement – Standing Committee on Environment and Water

The Northern Territory Government has released a COAG Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on options to continue its existing container deposit scheme to reduce the amount of litter from cans and bottles. Under national and international obligations, states and territories cannot restrict the sale of goods from other states, territories or New Zealand. Specifically, states and territories cannot require bottles and cans to be labelled in a certain manner, including requiring a label that informs consumers that a deposit refund is available.  Northern Territory’s existing container deposit scheme is currently operating under a temporary exemption from these obligations. The Consultation RIS examines options for the container deposit scheme in the Northern Territory following the expiry of the temporary exemption (on 3 January 2013), including seeking approval from the relevant Ministerial Council for a permanent exemption. The Consultation RIS was prepared by the Northern Territory Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment, and assessed as adequate by the Office of Best Practice Regulation. The consultation period closes on 3 December 2012.