Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Beer Makers Seek Delay in Goa's DRS Rollout
The Brewers Association of India (BAI), which represents most of the beer market in India and Goa, has asked the Goa government to delay the start of a new system called DRS.
DRS is meant to reduce plastic pollution by making people pay a deposit when they buy beer bottles or cans, which they can get back when they return them.
The BAI says the current plan to start DRS in April 2026 is too soon.
They need more time to prepare their production lines and make sure everything works smoothly.
If the government doesn't delay, there could be problems with beer supplies during the busy summer season, and the state might lose a lot of money in taxes.
The BAI supports the idea of DRS but thinks the government should give them more time to get ready.
The Brewers Association of India (BAI) has requested the Goa government to defer the implementation of the Deposit Refund System (DRS) from April 2, 2026, to post-October 2026.
DRS aims to reduce plastic pollution by requiring a refundable deposit for beer bottles or aluminium cans.
BAI fears the current timeline could cause significant supply disruptions during the peak summer season, potentially costing the state Rs 50-55 crore in excise revenue.
BAI argues that essential preparations, such as redesigning production lines and onboarding new vendors, require more time than the current schedule allows.
BAI represents major beer makers like AB InBev, Carlsberg, and United Breweries, which together account for 85% of beer sold in India.
- Who
- Brewers Association of India (BAI) representing 85% of India’s beer market and 90% of Goa’s beer sales
- What
- Request to defer the implementation of the Deposit Refund System (DRS) in Goa
- When
- Proposed DRS implementation date is April 2, 2026; BAI requests deferral to post-October 2026
- Where
- Goa, India
- Why
- To avoid supply disruptions during the peak summer season and to allow time for necessary preparations and adjustments in the supply chain
- Organization
- Brewers Association of India (BAI)
- Market Share
- 85% of India’s beer market, 90% of Goa’s beer sales
- Proposed DRS Start Date
- April 2, 2026
- Requested Deferral
- Post-October 2026
- Estimated Revenue Impact
- Rs 50-55 crore
- Production Impact
- 8-10 lakh cases shortfall during peak season
- Key Companies
- AB InBev, Carlsberg, United Breweries
