UK Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) EDI Compliance & Integration
Prepare your EDI systems for DRS compliance. The UK Deposit Return Scheme launches in October 2027. Is your business ready?
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will introduce new requirements for drinks manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers, including changes to product data, deposit accounting, invoicing and supply chain processes. For many businesses, preparing for DRS will mean reviewing and updating existing EDI systems to accommodate new EDI message requirements.
DRS launches 1 October 2027
- Launch
- 1 Oct 2027The scheduled start date across the UK.
- Where
- England, Scotland, NIOne scheme. Wales runs its own, which also covers glass.
- Containers
- 150ml to 3 litresSingle-use drinks containers.
- Materials
- PET, aluminium, steelPlastic bottles and drinks cans.
Transalis are EDI experts with over 20 years’ experience.
We can assess, implement, test and manage the EDI changes your business needs to support DRS compliance requirements.
Transalis can help you prepare your existing EDI systems for October 2027, whether you continue with your current arrangements or choose to move to a fully managed Transalis EDI solution.
Is your EDI ready for the UK Deposit Return Scheme?
The October 2027 DRS deadline is approaching. Do you know whether your existing EDI systems and trading partner connections need updating? Book a complimentary, no-obligation DRS EDI Readiness Assessment with Transalis.
Our EDI specialists will review your current arrangements and help identify:
- Which EDI messages may require changes.
- Whether your invoice and product data mappings can accommodate DRS requirements.
- Which trading partner connections may need updating.
- What ERP and business system integration changes may be required.
- The next steps to prepare your EDI systems for October 2027.
Your outcome: a clearer understanding of the EDI changes your business may need and how Transalis can implement and manage them.
Book Your FREE DRS EDI Readiness Assessment
Find out what changes your existing EDI systems may need ahead of October 2027. Complete the form and a Transalis EDI specialist will contact you to discuss your requirements.
When does the UK Deposit Return Scheme start, and who does it affect?
From 1 October 2027. The scheme affects businesses throughout the drinks supply chain, from manufacturers and importers to wholesalers, distributors and retailers.
From 1 October 2027, the Deposit Return Scheme is scheduled to introduce a refundable deposit on eligible single-use drinks containers across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The scheme affects businesses throughout the drinks supply chain, from manufacturers and importers to wholesalers, distributors and retailers. Producers pay the deposit on to the scheme when they sell to the next business in the chain, so the deposit travels on business-to-business invoices.
For organisations already exchanging purchase orders, invoices, despatch advice and product information electronically, this could mean modifying existing EDI message formats, mappings and system integrations.
The challenge is not simply understanding DRS. It is ensuring your existing business systems and electronic trading connections are ready to support it.
Businesses will need systems that handle the additional information and financial processes DRS brings. Transalis can manage the EDI changes for you, helping minimise disruption to your existing trading relationships.
How can Transalis help you prepare for DRS?
Transalis provides managed EDI solutions that simplify electronic trading and automate business transactions. Our EDI specialists help you through every stage of your DRS preparation. One experienced EDI provider manages your DRS-related EDI changes.
Assess your existing EDI systems
We review your current EDI arrangements, trading partner connections, message formats and integrations to identify potential changes required to support DRS.
Implement the required EDI changes
Our technical specialists update EDI message mappings, product data exchanges and integration processes to accommodate new DRS requirements.
Integrate your business systems
We connect EDI transactions with your ERP, finance, warehouse and other business systems, automating the exchange of information between trading partners.
Test your trading partner connections
We test updated EDI messages and integrations against agreed trading partner specifications, so your electronic transactions stay accurate and reliable.
Manage and support your EDI
With Transalis managed EDI services, our specialists provide ongoing technical management, monitoring and support as DRS requirements evolve.
Which EDI messages may need to change for DRS?
DRS may change how product information, deposits and transaction details are communicated electronically. These are the messages most likely to be affected.
- 01Producer or importerRegisters products, adds the deposit, pays it to the scheme
- 02Wholesaler or distributorPays the deposit in, charges it on
- 03RetailerCharges the deposit at the till
- 04ShopperGets the deposit back at a return point
Producers pay the deposits to the scheme operator, the Deposit Management Organisation, when they sell to the next business. Every invoice down the chain then has to carry the deposit correctly, which is why INVOIC mappings change.
| EDI message | Potential DRS-related changes |
|---|---|
| ORDERSPurchase Orders | Identification of products and containers within the scheme |
| INVOICElectronic Invoices | Inclusion and identification of applicable deposit charges |
| DESADVDespatch Advice | Accurate product and shipment information |
| RECADVReceiving Advice | Confirmation of goods received and transaction reconciliation |
| MASTER DATAProduct Master Data | GTINs, product identification and relevant DRS attributes |
The exact changes will depend on your trading partners, existing systems and the applicable DRS technical specifications. Transalis can assess these requirements and implement the necessary EDI changes, without you managing the technical work internally.
How is the deposit shown on an EDI invoice?
Ireland's deposit return scheme has run since February 2024, and its EDI invoices already carry the deposit. GS1 Ireland's guidance for the EANCOM invoice (INVOIC) adds the deposit in three places:
The UK scheme sets its own rules, and your trading partners will set their own specifications. But Ireland shows the shape of the change: the deposit becomes a separate, structured amount on every line of every invoice. Mappings that cannot carry it will need updating before October 2027.
- PRI+AAF01 · Deposit per unitEach invoice line states the deposit charged on one consumer unit.
- MOA+49602 · Deposit per lineEach line carries the total returnable packages deposit for that line.
- MOA+49603 · Deposit in the totalsThe invoice summary repeats the total deposit, under its own tax code.
Why is EDI important for the Deposit Return Scheme?
DRS adds information and financial processes, so businesses need accurate, consistent data throughout their supply chains. EDI exchanges that structured information automatically between computer systems.
Automating data exchange
Reducing manual handling of product, order, delivery and invoice information.
Supporting deposit accounting
Enabling the exchange of deposit-related invoice information between trading partners.
Improving data accuracy
Reducing errors caused by manual data entry and inconsistent information.
Connecting trading partners
Supporting electronic communications between drinks manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers.
Simplifying reconciliation
Providing reliable electronic transaction records to support financial and operational processes.
Supporting scalable operations
Helping businesses manage large transaction volumes across many trading relationships.
What is the UK Deposit Return Scheme?
The UK Deposit Return Scheme encourages consumers to return empty drinks containers for recycling. From October 2027, consumers buying eligible drinks pay a refundable deposit, which they reclaim when they return the empty container to an approved collection point.
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland it covers drinks containers between 150ml and 3 litres made from:
- PET plastic
- Aluminium
- Steel
The scheme brings new responsibilities for drinks producers, importers and retailers, including product registration, deposit handling, reporting and labelling. Different arrangements apply in Wales, so businesses trading across the UK should check the rules for each market.
Why does product identification matter for DRS?
Accurate product identification is essential for DRS. GS1 standards, including Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), identify products consistently throughout the supply chain. Businesses may need to review their product master data and make sure relevant DRS information reaches trading partners accurately.
Transalis supports established EDI standards and message formats, including EDIFACT, EANCOM and XML. Our EDI specialists adapt existing message mappings and integrations to meet agreed trading partner requirements.
Why choose Transalis for your DRS EDI requirements?
Over 20 years of EDI expertise, established trading partner connectivity and fully managed integration services. New trading requirements create work, technical complexity and disruption; our role is to make those changes as straightforward as possible.
- organisations
- 15,000+
- countries
- 50+
- invoice value processed annually
- 7bn+
20+ years of EDI experience
Established expertise in electronic trading and systems integration.
Fully managed EDI services
Technical specialists to implement, test and support your EDI changes.
Extensive trading partner connectivity
An established international Trading Network connecting businesses and their trading partners.
ERP and business system integration
Automated electronic transactions across your existing business applications.
Multiple EDI standards
Support for different message formats and trading partner specifications, including EDIFACT, EANCOM and XML.
Ongoing support
Experienced technical teams to help manage changes and maintain reliable EDI communications.
Whether you need to modify an existing EDI solution, connect additional trading partners or replace your current EDI provider, Transalis can help.
Frequently asked questions about DRS and EDI
When does the UK Deposit Return Scheme start?
The UK Deposit Return Scheme is scheduled to start on 1 October 2027 in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wales runs its own scheme on the same date, which also covers glass.
Is EDI mandatory for the UK Deposit Return Scheme?
No. DRS legislation does not generally require businesses to use EDI. However, EDI can help businesses automate the exchange of product, invoice and transaction information needed to support DRS processes and trading partner requirements.
Will my existing EDI system need changing for DRS?
Possibly. Businesses may need to update EDI messages, product data, invoice mappings and system integrations, depending on their existing arrangements and trading partner requirements. Transalis can assess your current EDI setup and identify the changes needed.
Which EDI messages may change for DRS?
The messages most likely to change are ORDERS (purchase orders), INVOIC (invoices, which may need to carry deposit charges), DESADV (despatch advice), RECADV (receiving advice) and product master data such as GTINs. The exact changes depend on your trading partners, your systems and the applicable DRS technical specifications.
How is the DRS deposit shown on an EDI invoice?
As a separate, structured amount. In Ireland, where a deposit return scheme has run since February 2024, GS1 Ireland's guidance adds the deposit to the EANCOM invoice (INVOIC) per unit (PRI+AAF), per line (MOA+496) and in the invoice totals. The UK scheme and your trading partners will set the exact UK specifications.
Can Transalis implement DRS-related EDI changes for my business?
Yes. Transalis can assess, develop, test and manage the EDI message and integration changes needed to support DRS trading requirements. The exact scope depends on your systems and the specifications of your trading partners.
Can Transalis work with my existing ERP system?
Yes. Transalis provides EDI integration services for businesses using a range of ERP and business systems. Our technical team can assess your existing infrastructure and recommend the right integration approach.
Can Transalis replace my existing EDI provider?
Yes. Transalis can help businesses move from an existing EDI provider to a managed Transalis EDI solution, including DRS-related changes where required.
When should businesses start preparing their EDI systems for DRS?
Now. Businesses should begin reviewing their EDI systems and trading partner requirements ahead of the planned October 2027 launch. Early preparation leaves time to identify changes, implement new mappings, complete testing and resolve integration issues.
Sources
- GOV.UKDeposit Return Scheme, drinks producer and retailer responsibilities (opens in a new tab)What producers and retailers must do from 1 October 2027, and which containers are in scope.
- GOV.UKDeposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, policy statement (opens in a new tab)The government's policy for the scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- GS1 IrelandEANCOM invoice message for the Deposit Return Scheme (opens in a new tab)How Irish suppliers carry the deposit in EDI invoices since the scheme started in 2024.
Scheme details last checked against GOV.UK: 16 October 2026.
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- EDI Made SimpleFully managed EDI that connects you to your retailers and trading partners, with no software to run.Read more
- Switch to TransalisHow businesses move from another EDI provider to Transalis without disrupting trading.Read more
- EDI for food and drink suppliersWhat UK grocers ask of food and drink suppliers, and how EDI meets it.Read more
Get your EDI systems ready for DRS with Transalis
October 2027 is approaching. Don’t leave your EDI changes until the last minute. Whether you’re a drinks manufacturer, importer, supplier, distributor or retailer, our EDI specialists can assess your requirements, implement the changes and provide ongoing managed support, so you can concentrate on running your business.