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<\/p>\nThe Deposit and Return System (SDR) is based on the application of a deposit fee charged to consumers at the point of purchase, which will subsequently be reimbursed upon the return of the empty packaging at an authorised collection point.<\/p>\n
The system applies to non-reusable primary beverage packaging with a capacity of less than 3 litres, including water, soft drinks, juices, energy drinks and beer, provided that they are duly identified with the \u201cVolta\u201d symbol.<\/p>\n
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It is also important to note that, between 10 April and 9 August 2026<\/strong>, a transitional period<\/strong> will apply during which packaging with and without the \u201cVolta\u201d symbol may coexist on the market, allowing for stock clearance and a gradual adaptation by economic operators to the new rules.<\/p>\n From a legal perspective, producers and importers of beverages will be required to ensure their registration with the system\u2019s managing entity, SDR Portugal, as well as to carry out prior registration of packaging and ensure its correct identification with the \u201cVolta\u201d symbol and the corresponding EAN code.<\/p>\n Retail establishments will, in turn, be subject to different levels of take-back obligations depending on their size. This obligation will be mandatory for establishments with a surface area of 400 m\u00b2 or more and, with certain nuances, for those with an area between 50 m\u00b2 and 400 m\u00b2.<\/p>\n The reimbursement of the deposit to consumers will be carried out upon return of the packaging at collection points and may take the form of cash, vouchers or digital solutions, with no requirement to present a purchase receipt.<\/p>\n The legal framework governing the SDR is set out in the Unified Regime for Specific Waste Streams (UNILEX), approved by Decree-Law no. 152-D\/2017, as amended by Decree-Law no. 24\/2024, reflecting the legislator\u2019s increasing focus on environmental sustainability and the circular economy.<\/p>\n The Commercial and Corporate Law Department<\/a> of Belzuz Abogados, S.L.P.<\/a> remains at your disposal to provide all necessary clarifications and to support companies in analysing the applicable legal framework, adapting their operational models and ensuring compliance with the obligations arising from this new regime.<\/p>\nFor the return to be accepted, the packaging must be empty, not deformed and must display a legible barcode; otherwise, it may be rejected.<\/h3>\n
The SDR will require companies to adapt:<\/h3>\n
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