{"id":"tas:sr-2023-093","name":"Container Refund Scheme Regulations 2023","slug":"container-refund-scheme-regulations-2023","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"tas","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"93 of 2023","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":179466,"registerId":"tas-tas:sr-2023-093-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1 Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Short title","content":"### 1 Short title\n\n> These regulations may be cited as the [Container Refund Scheme Regulations 2023](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/sr-2023-093) .","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"### 2 Commencement\n\n> [*\\[Regulation 2 Substituted by S.R. 2025, No. 12, Applied:16 Apr 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-04-16/sr-2025-012#GS4@EN) These regulations take effect on the day on which [section 10 of the](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS10@EN) [Container Refund Scheme Act 2022](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005) commences.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Interpretation","content":"### 3 Interpretation\n\n> In these regulations –\n> \n> > ***Act*** means the [Container Refund Scheme Act 2022](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005) .","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Containers","content":"# Part 2 Containers","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Exempt containers","content":"### 4 Exempt containers\n\n> For the purposes of the definition of ***exempt container*** in [section 3](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS3@EN) of the Act, each of the following classes of containers is prescribed as a class of containers to which the Act does not apply:\n> \n> > > (a) containers that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) are made of glass; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) are marketed as being able to be refilled, with a beverage or substance, by the person who first supplied the container, the beverage or the substance;\n> > \n> > > (b) containers designed to hold less than 150 millilitres of liquid;\n> > \n> > > (c) containers designed to hold more than 3 litres of liquid;\n> > \n> > > (d) containers that have held one or more of the following beverages:\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) [*\\[Regulation 4 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 17, Applied:06 May 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-05-06/sr-2025-017#GS4@Hpa@EN) animal milks that are unflavoured;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) [*\\[Regulation 4 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 17, Applied:06 May 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-05-06/sr-2025-017#GS4@Hpb@EN) plant-based milk substitutes that are unflavoured;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iii) concentrated juice, whether fruit juice or vegetable juice or a combination of both, that is intended to be diluted before consumption;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iv) concentrated cordial, or similar concentrate, that is intended to be diluted before consumption;\n> > \n> > > (e) containers that have held a beverage that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) is included, as a tonic or supplement, on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods within the meaning of the *Therapeutic Goods Act 1989* of the Commonwealth; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) is supplied with a label, or accompanying document, that specifies –\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > > (A) a recommended maximum dose for the beverage; and\n> > > > > > \n> > > > > > > (B) a statement that the beverage is for medicinal or therapeutic purposes;\n> > \n> > > (f) containers that have held one litre or more of –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) flavoured milk; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) flavoured plant-based milk substitutes; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iii) a beverage that is comprised of at least 90% fruit juice or vegetable juice, or a combination of both;\n> > \n> > > (g) containers that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) are made of cardboard; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) have an interior lined with plastic or foil, or both; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iii) have held one litre or more of –\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > > (A) wine; or\n> > > > > > \n> > > > > > > (B) a beverage that contains wine and has an alcohol by volume content of less than 10%; or\n> > > > > > \n> > > > > > > (C) water, including mineral water and spring water;\n> > \n> > > (h) containers that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) are made of plastic or foil, or both; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) have held 250 millilitres or more of wine;\n> > \n> > > (i) containers that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) are made of glass; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) are sold while containing only the following beverages:\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > > (A) wine;\n> > > > > > \n> > > > > > > (B) [*\\[Regulation 4 Amended by S.R. 2025, No. 17, Applied:06 May 2025\\]*](/view/html/inforce/2025-05-06/sr-2025-017#GS4@Hpc@EN) .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  \n> > > > > > \n> > > > > > > (C) an alcoholic beverage produced by distillation.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed marks for containers","content":"### 5 Prescribed marks for containers\n\n> > (1)  In this regulation –\n> > \n> > > ***GS1 Standard*** means the *GS1 General Specifications* standard published, from time to time, by the not-for-profit international organization known as GS1 AISBL, registered in Belgium on 13 July 2012 with the Enterprise Number 419.640.608;\n> > \n> > > ***GTIN barcode*** means a product barcode that –\n> > > \n> > > > > (a) contains a Global Trade Item Number (*GTIN*) encoding; and\n> > > > \n> > > > > (b) complies with the GS1 Standard.\n> \n> > (2)  For the purposes of the definition of ***prescribed marks*** in [section 3](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS3@EN) of the Act, an approved container is required to display at least one of the following barcodes on the exterior of the container:\n> > \n> > > > (a) a GTIN barcode that is unique to the class of approved containers, being a class of approved containers that contain a specific volume of a specific beverage, of which the approved container is a member;\n> > > \n> > > > (b) a product barcode that –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) is unique to the class of approved containers of which the approved container is a member; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) complies with the EAN/UPC symbology specifications for EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A or UPC-E barcodes, as set out in the GS1 Standard; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) complies with the dimensional specifications and symbol placement guidelines that apply to the class of data carriers to which the barcode belongs, as set out in the GS1 Standard; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iv) does not duplicate a GTIN barcode or another product barcode; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (v) is not less than 8, but not more than 14, numbers in length.\n> \n> > (3)  In addition to a barcode prescribed under [subregulation (2)](#GS5@Gs2@EN) , for the purposes of the definition of ***prescribed marks*** in [section 3](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS3@EN) of the Act, an approved container is required to display the following information, on the exterior of the container, in a manner that is clear and legible:\n> > \n> > |  | 10c refund at collection depots/points in participating State/Territory of purchase |","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Refund amount for containers","content":"### 6 Refund amount for containers\n\n> For the purposes of [section 7](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS7@EN) of the Act, the refund amount prescribed for a single approved container is 10 cents.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Applications for approval of containers","content":"### 7 Applications for approval of containers\n\n> For the purposes of [section 12(1)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS12@Gs1@EN) of the Act, an application is made in the prescribed manner if –\n> \n> > > (a) the application is made to the Secretary in an approved form; and\n> > \n> > > (b) the application contains information on each of the following:\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) details of the unique barcode for the container;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) the physical external dimensions of the container;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iii) the type of beverage for which the container is, or is to be, used;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (iv) details of each material used in the container and each colour of those materials, if relevant;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (v) the lid and opening mechanism of the container;\n> > > > \n> > > > > (vi) any other information specified on the application as being required.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Applications to transfer container approvals","content":"### 8 Applications to transfer container approvals\n\n> > (1)  If a person who holds the approval of an eligible container, under [section 12](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS12@EN) of the Act, ceases to be the first responsible supplier for the container, the person may apply to the Secretary for the approval, of the container, to be transferred to a person specified in the application.\n> \n> > (2)  An application under [subregulation (1)](#GS8@Gs1@EN) must be –\n> > \n> > > > (a) in an approved form; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) signed by –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the person who holds the approval to be transferred; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the person who will hold the approval if the transfer is granted.\n> \n> > (3)  After receiving an application under [subregulation (1)](#GS8@Gs1@EN) , the Secretary may request further information from the applicant before making a decision on the application.\n> \n> > (4)  After receiving an application under [subregulation (1)](#GS8@Gs1@EN) in respect of the transfer of the approval of a container, the Secretary may –\n> > \n> > > > (a) grant the transfer of the approval; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) refuse to grant the transfer of the approval.\n> \n> > (5)  If the Secretary grants the transfer of the approval of a container under [subregulation (4)](#GS8@Gs4@EN)  –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the Secretary must notify the applicant for the transfer and the person to whom the approval is to be transferred –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) that the transfer has been granted; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the date on which the transfer takes effect; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) the conditions that apply to the approval to which the transfer relates; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) if necessary, the Secretary must ensure that the list of approved containers, kept under [section 12(3)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS12@Gs3@EN) of the Act, is updated to correctly reflect the information relating to the container.\n> \n> > (6)  If the Secretary refuses to grant the transfer of the approval of a container under [subregulation (4)](#GS8@Gs4@EN) , the Secretary must notify, in writing, the applicant for the transfer and the person to whom the approval was proposed to be transferred –\n> > \n> > > > (a) that the Secretary has refused to grant the transfer; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the reasons for the refusal; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) that [section 40](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS40@EN) of the Act applies to the refusal to grant the transfer.\n> \n> > (7)  If the Secretary refuses to grant the transfer of the approval of a container, the approval for that container is revoked unless otherwise specified by the Secretary in the written notification given under [subregulation (6)](#GS8@Gs6@EN) in respect of the refusal.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Prescribed maximum amount of containers","content":"### 9 Prescribed maximum amount of containers\n\n> For the purposes of [section 30(1)(b)(i)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS30@Gs1@Hpb@Hqi@EN) of the Act, the prescribed maximum amount of containers, to be deposited by one person at a single time, is 1 500 containers.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Refunds not payable for containers in certain circumstances","content":"### 10 Refunds not payable for containers in certain circumstances\n\n> > (1)  For the purposes of [section 31(1)(f)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS31@Gs1@Hpf@EN) of the Act, a refund amount is not payable in respect of an approved container if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the container has held, or is or has been wholly or partially covered in, a substance that has the potential to cause harm to persons, property or the environment because of one or more of the following:\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the chemical properties of the substance;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the physical properties of the substance;\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) the biological properties of the substance; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the container is broken; or\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the container is missing a part of the container that is not intended, by its manufacturer, to be removed from the container.\n> \n> > (2)  For the purposes of [section 31(1)(f)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS31@Gs1@Hpf@EN) of the Act, a refund amount is not payable in respect of an approved container at a container refund point if the person depositing the container –\n> > \n> > > > (a) is depositing a number of approved containers, that includes the container, in an amount that exceeds the maximum amount of containers prescribed under [regulation 9](#GS9@EN) ; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) intends to claim an amount, in substitution of the refund amount, that is not calculated on the specific number of approved containers deposited.","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Scheme Participants","content":"# Part 3 Scheme Participants","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"First responsible supplier","content":"### 11 First responsible supplier\n\n> > (1)  For the purposes of [section 5(1)(b)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS5@Gs1@Hpb@EN) of the Act, persons specified in agreements as the first responsible supplier for a container are a class of persons prescribed as the first responsible suppliers in respect of the containers if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the agreement complies with this regulation; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the agreement has been approved, in writing, by the scheme coordinator before the agreement comes into force.\n> \n> > (2)  An agreement referred to in [subregulation (1)](#GS11@Gs1@EN) complies with this regulation in respect of an eligible container if –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the agreement is only between –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the person who first supplies, or is intending to first supply, the container in the State; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) the person specified in the agreement as the first responsible supplier for the container; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the person specified in the agreement as the first responsible supplier for the container is also employed, or engaged, in relation to the manufacturing, bottling or distribution of the container; and\n> > > \n> > > > (c) the agreement specifies –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) the date on which the agreement is to come into force, being a date that is after the approval of the agreement by the scheme coordinator as required under [subregulation (1)(b)](#GS11@Gs1@Hpb@EN) ; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) each eligible container to which the agreement relates; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (iii) the date on which the agreement ceases to have effect, if the agreement is not sooner terminated; and\n> > > \n> > > > (d) the agreement complies with any relevant guidelines published by the Minister under [regulation 15](#GS15@EN) in respect of the form and content of such an agreement; and\n> > > \n> > > > (e) the agreement includes a statement that the person specified in the agreement as the first responsible supplier for an eligible container understands and agrees that, on the date on which the agreement comes into force, the person –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) is the first responsible supplier under the Act for the container while the agreement is in force; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) must have in place a supply agreement, with the scheme coordinator, in respect of the container.\n> \n> > (3)  The scheme coordinator may refuse to approve an agreement referred to in [subregulation (1)](#GS11@Gs1@EN) if the scheme coordinator is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that –\n> > \n> > > > (a) the agreement does not meet the requirements of [subregulation (2)](#GS11@Gs2@EN) ; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) the person specified in the agreement as the first responsible supplier is unlikely to meet the financial obligations required as first responsible supplier.\n> \n> > (4)  As soon as is practicable after an agreement that meets the requirements of this regulation has come into force, the person specified in the agreement as the first responsible supplier for an eligible container is to provide a copy of the agreement, that is signed by all the parties to the agreement, to the scheme coordinator.\n> \n> > (5)  For the avoidance of doubt, the person specified in the agreement under this regulation as the first responsible supplier for an eligible container is taken, on the date on which the agreement comes into force, to be the first responsible supplier under the Act for the container.\n> \n> > (6)  For the avoidance of doubt, a person who first supplies an eligible container in the State is prescribed, under [section 5(2)(c)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS5@Gs2@Hpc@EN) of the Act, as not the first responsible supplier for the container while an agreement under this regulation is in force in respect of the container.","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Reporting requirement","content":"### 12 Reporting requirement\n\n> For the purposes of [section 21(d)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS21@Hpd@EN) and [section 22(e)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS22@Hpe@EN) of the Act, it is a condition of each agreement to be a scheme coordinator or a network operator that the relevant scheme coordinator or network operator must provide regular reports –\n> \n> > > (a) as specified in the terms of the agreement; and\n> > \n> > > (b) in accordance with the guidelines published by the Minister under [regulation 15](#GS15@EN) .","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Circumstances where material recovery facility operator may send container to landfill","content":"### 13 Circumstances where material recovery facility operator may send container to landfill\n\n> For the purposes of [section 26(4)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS26@Gs4@EN) , an approved container, for which a material recovery facility operator has received a refund under the scheme, may enter landfill if the material recovery facility operator has proven, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that –\n> \n> > > (a) the container has become unsuitable to recycle in circumstances that were unforeseen by, or out of the control of, the material recovery facility operator; and\n> > \n> > > (b) all reasonable steps were taken by the material recovery facility operator to prevent, or reduce the effect of, those circumstances on the containers; and\n> > \n> > > (c) after those circumstances occurred –\n> > > \n> > > > > (i) the container cannot be made suitable for recycling; or\n> > > > \n> > > > > (ii) it is impracticable for the container to be made suitable for recycling.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Refund point operator may request proof of identity","content":"### 14 Refund point operator may request proof of identity\n\n> For the purposes of [section 30(2)](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS30@Gs2@EN) of the Act, the prescribed circumstances where a refund point operator may require a person to provide proof of the person’s identity include where the refund point operator believes, on reasonable grounds, that the person is not who the person claims to be when requesting the refund.","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"# Part 4 Miscellaneous","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Guidelines","content":"### 15 Guidelines\n\n> The Minister may publish such guidelines as the Minister considers necessary for one or more of the following reasons:\n> \n> > > (a) to provide technical guidance to scheme participants as to how to ensure compliance with the Act and the scheme;\n> > \n> > > (b) to identify the roles or functions of scheme participants under the Act and the scheme;\n> > \n> > > (c) to inform the public on the details of the scheme and the roles or functions of each scheme participant;\n> > \n> > > (d) for such other reason that the Minister considers necessary in respect of the Act or the scheme.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Transitional arrangements","content":"### 16 Transitional arrangements\n\n> > (1)  For the avoidance of doubt, the scheme does not apply to an approved container that is held at a material recovery facility, or another facility operated by a material recovery facility operator, immediately before the commencement of [section 10](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS10@EN) of the Act.\n> \n> > (2)  For the purposes of determining the number of approved containers held at a material recovery facility, or another facility, operated by a material recovery facility operator immediately before the commencement of [section 10](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2022-005#GS10@EN) of the Act, the scheme coordinator –\n> > \n> > > > (a) may appoint a person –\n> > > > \n> > > > > > (i) to undertake an audit of each material recovery facility, or other facility, operated by the material recovery facility operator; and\n> > > > > \n> > > > > > (ii) to provide the scheme coordinator with a report, within 10 days after this regulation commences, on the results of that audit; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) is to pay the reasonable costs of a person appointed under [paragraph (a)](#GS16@Gs2@Hpa@EN) incurred in performing an audit, or preparing a report, under that paragraph.\n> \n> > (3)  A scheme coordinator may only appoint a person under [subregulation (2)(a)](#GS16@Gs2@Hpa@EN) if the scheme coordinator is satisfied that the person –\n> > \n> > > > (a) has the appropriate skills, and qualifications, to undertake an audit of a material recovery facility or other facility; and\n> > > \n> > > > (b) does not have a direct, indirect or perceived conflict of interest in relation to undertaking an audit, or preparing a report, in respect of a material recovery facility or material recovery facility operator.\n> \n> > (4)  A material recovery facility operator must comply with any reasonable request of a person appointed under [subregulation (2)(a)](#GS16@Gs2@Hpa@EN) in respect of a material recovery facility, or other facility, operated by the operator.\n> > \n> > Penalty:  In the case of –\n> > \n> > > > (a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; or\n> > > \n> > > > (b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.\n\nDisplayed and numbered in accordance with the *[Rules Publication Act 1953](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1953-050)*.\n\nNotified in the *Gazette* on 27 December 2023\n\nThese regulations are administered in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.","sortOrder":19}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[{"type":"other","section":"Status Information / Currency of version","severity":"low","reasoning":"While not a legislative drafting flaw per se, the metadata presents an access date (5 April 2026) that postdates the file modification date (6 May 2025) by approximately 11 months with no intervening amendments shown, yet the document cannot be meaningfully analysed for substantive logical flaws because no operative regulatory provisions (definitions, obligations, penalties, refund amounts, eligibility criteria) are actually reproduced in the text provided. The access date predating any supplied amendment table entry is a minor temporal inconsistency in the status information.","confidence":0.4,"description":"The document states it was 'accessed 5 April 2026 at 14:39' but also states the file was 'last modified 6 May 2025'. The access date of 5 April 2026 precedes no future amendment but is presented as a current access timestamp, which is internally inconsistent with the 'version current from 6 May 2025 to date' framing when no substantive regulatory content is visible to confirm this version remains operative."},{"type":"impossible_compliance","section":"Document Structure - Entire document","severity":"high","reasoning":"A regulation that contains no operative provisions creates an impossible compliance situation: regulated entities (container manufacturers, retailers, collection point operators, consumers) have no ascertainable obligations or entitlements. Every heading appearing twice verbatim suggests a serious document rendering or publication error. If this represents the totality of the gazetted instrument, the entire scheme lacks legal operability.","confidence":0.85,"description":"The document as supplied contains no substantive regulatory content whatsoever — no definitions, no operative provisions, no schedules, no refund amounts, no eligibility criteria, no container specifications, no compliance obligations. Every heading is duplicated verbatim (e.g. 'Container Refund Scheme Regula Container Refund Scheme Regulations 2023', 'Status Information Status Information', 'Currency of version Currency of version'). The document is structurally self-referential metadata with no legislative substance, making it impossible for any person to comply with, enforce, or derive rights from it."},{"type":"circular_definition","section":"All headings throughout document","severity":"medium","reasoning":"The pattern of every heading appearing twice — once truncated and once in full — is consistent with a document that has been nested inside itself or rendered by a system that processes both a table of contents and body content as equivalent sections. This structural circularity means no clear hierarchy of provisions exists, undermining the basic interpretive framework required for statutory construction under the Acts Interpretation Act 1931 (Tas).","confidence":0.9,"description":"Every single heading in the document is duplicated — 'Status Information Status Information', 'Currency of version Currency of version', 'Table of Amending Instruments Table of Amending Instruments', 'Responsible Minister and Depar Responsible Minister and Department', 'Authorisation Authorisation'. This systemic duplication, combined with truncated headings appearing alongside their full versions, suggests the document structure is internally corrupted or circularly self-embedded."}],"contradictions":[{"severity":"low","section_a":"Status Information: 'Version current from 6 May 2025 to date'","section_b":"Status Information: 'accessed 5 April 2026 at 14:39'","confidence":0.35,"description":"The version is described as current 'from 6 May 2025 to date', with 'date' implicitly meaning the access date of 5 April 2026. However, the Table of Amending Instruments link is provided without any amendments being listed or visible, creating a contradiction between the implication that the version has been stable for ~11 months and the existence of an amendments table that presumably exists for a reason."},{"severity":"high","section_a":"Document title: 'Container Refund Scheme Regula Container Refund Scheme Regulations 2023'","section_b":"Document body: contains zero operative regulatory provisions","confidence":0.88,"description":"The document title asserts the existence of a 'Container Refund Scheme Regulations 2023' — implying a complete regulatory instrument establishing a container refund scheme — but the body of the document contains exclusively metadata and status information with no scheme provisions. The title and the content are fundamentally contradictory as to what the document is."}]},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the available metadata, the regulations appear consistent with their original purpose of implementing Tasmania's container refund scheme. The 2025 amendment (reflected in the current version date of 6 May 2025) suggests some updates have been made since original enactment in 2023, but there is no indication of a fundamental shift in scope from the original intent of establishing operational rules for the container deposit scheme."},"complexity_factors":["Regulations operate as subordinate legislation beneath a parent Act, requiring cross-referencing to understand full obligations","Multiple regulated parties involved (consumers, producers, retailers, collection point operators, scheme coordinators) each with different obligations","Technical definitions required to determine which containers are eligible for refund","Scheme involves financial flows and compliance mechanisms across a supply chain","Full text of specific provisions was not available for analysis, limiting precise complexity assessment","Tasmania joined existing interstate schemes, so there may be interaction with national frameworks"],"plain_english_summary":"Tasmania's Container Refund Scheme Regulations 2023 set out how the state's \"cash for containers\" system operates in practice: consumers can reclaim a small deposit (typically 10¢) by returning eligible drink containers to approved collection points. \n\nThey affect everyday purchasers, retailers and producers, collection-point operators and scheme coordinators, aiming to cut litter and boost recycling. These regulations are subordinate to the parent Container Refund Scheme Act and must be read with that Act for the full legal framework."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation shows clear scope expansion through amendments. The original 2023 regulations have been amended by S.R. 2025, No. 17 to expand exemptions to include unflavoured plant-based milk substitutes alongside animal milks (Regulation 4(d)(i)-(ii)), and to add an incomplete exemption category for glass containers sold with spirits/distilled beverages (Regulation 4(i)(B) shows ellipsis indicating pending content). This suggests the scheme's exemption framework is being actively expanded beyond the original beverage categories, likely in response to industry consultation or practical implementation issues. The commencement provision was also substituted in 2025, indicating implementation delays or coordination changes."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple nested exemption categories in Regulation 4 with complex material/size/beverage combinations (e.g., cardboard containers with plastic/foil lining holding 1L+ of wine/water, vs plastic/foil containers holding 250ml+ of wine, vs glass wine bottles)","Extensive cross-referencing to the parent Act (Container Refund Scheme Act 2022) — nearly every regulation references specific sections of the Act","Technical barcode specifications referencing external GS1 standards (EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E symbology specifications)","Conditional logic in Regulation 11 for first responsible supplier agreements with multiple cumulative requirements (subregulation 2 has 5 separate conditions with sub-bullets)","Amendment tracking visible in text (S.R. 2025 amendments) showing evolving scope, particularly for milk and plant-based milk exemptions","Regulation 10(2) contains double-negative style conditional logic ('exceeds maximum... and intends to claim... not calculated on specific number')","Transitional arrangements in Regulation 16 with audit appointment requirements and penalty provisions"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese regulations set out the detailed rules for Tasmania's Container Refund Scheme — the \"10c refund\" system for drink containers. They work together with the Container Refund Scheme Act 2022 to specify which containers qualify for refunds, which don't, how much you get back, and how businesses must participate.\n\n**Key things covered:**\n\n- **Which containers are excluded from the scheme** — including refillable glass bottles, very small (under 150ml) or very large (over 3 litre) containers, plain milk and plant-based milks, concentrated juices and cordials, therapeutic tonics, large flavoured milk or juice containers, and various wine containers depending on size and material\n\n- **Labelling requirements** — approved containers must display specific barcodes (GS1/GTIN compliant) and the words \"10c refund at collection depots/points in participating State/Territory of purchase\"\n\n- **The refund amount** — fixed at 10 cents per eligible container\n\n- **How containers get approved** — manufacturers or suppliers must apply to the Secretary with details including barcode information, dimensions, materials, and beverage type\n\n- **Transferring approvals** — if a business stops being the \"first responsible supplier\" for a container, they can apply to transfer approval to another business, with both parties signing and the Secretary deciding whether to allow it\n\n- **Deposit limits** — maximum of 1,500 containers per person per single deposit\n\n- **When refunds can be refused** — if containers are broken, contaminated with harmful substances, missing parts, or if someone tries to claim a bulk payment without counting individual containers\n\n- **Who counts as \"first responsible supplier\"** — allows agreements where manufacturers or distributors take on legal responsibility instead of the first seller, provided the scheme coordinator approves\n\n- **When recycling facilities can send containers to landfill** — only if containers become unsuitable for recycling due to unforeseen circumstances despite all reasonable steps being taken\n\n- **Identity checks** — refund points can ask for ID if they suspect someone isn't who they claim to be\n\n- **Transitional rules** — containers already at recycling facilities when the scheme starts aren't covered, with audit arrangements for counting existing stock\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- Drink manufacturers and suppliers (who must get containers approved and pay into the scheme)\n- Supermarkets and retailers\n- Recycling facilities and refund point operators\n- Consumers returning containers for refunds\n- The scheme coordinator (the organisation running the overall system)\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThese regulations determine whether your empty bottle or can is worth 10 cents or nothing. They balance encouraging recycling with practical exemptions for containers that are hard to recycle or already have reuse systems (like refillable wine bottles). The rules also prevent fraud by limiting bulk deposits and allowing identity checks, while ensuring businesses can't dodge responsibility by shifting it to others without approval."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"These regulations narrow and specify the Act’s broad framework by prescribing which containers are excluded, fixing the per‑container refund amount, mandating barcode/marking standards, setting application and transfer procedures for approvals, imposing deposit limits and defining circumstances when refunds are not payable (see regs 4,5,6,7,8,9,10). In practical effect the regulations convert the Act’s high‑level scheme into detailed operational coverage, shifting from broad legislative scope to concrete administrative boundaries and compliance duties."},"complexity_factors":["Detailed, technical classes of exempt containers by material, volume and beverage type (reg 4)","External technical standards referenced for barcodes (GS1 Standard / GTIN) and dimensional/specification requirements (reg 5)","Multiple administrative regimes: approval of containers, transfer of approvals, application content requirements (regs 7–8)","Discretion and decision points allocated to different officials: Secretary and scheme coordinator power to approve/refuse, request further information and impose conditions (regs 8,11,12,13)","Operational limits and tests that create compliance complexity (maximum deposit 1,500 containers; 10c fixed refund; when refunds withheld for contamination, breakage or missing parts) (regs 6,9,10)","Reporting, audit and transitional arrangements that require appointing independent auditors, paying audit costs, and potential penalties for non-cooperation (regs 12,16)","Interlocking cross-references to the Act for definitions and enforcement, increasing interpretive work (throughout; see prelim reg 3 and multiple cross-references)"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations put meat on the bones of the Container Refund Scheme: they define which beverage containers are excluded, set the refund at 10 cents, require specific barcodes and exterior marks, prescribe approval and transfer processes for container types, limit how many containers one person may deposit at once, and set when refunds won’t be paid. They apply to beverage producers, importers, distributors, material‑recovery operators, refund‑point operators and the scheme coordinator. Mechanically, the Secretary and the scheme coordinator exercise approval, audit and enforcement powers and non‑compliance attracts penalties (regs 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,16)."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/container-refund-scheme-regulations-2023","history":"/api/acts/container-refund-scheme-regulations-2023/history","analysis":"/api/acts/container-refund-scheme-regulations-2023/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/container-refund-scheme-regulations-2023/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/container-refund-scheme-regulations-2023/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/container-refund-scheme-regulations-2023/documents"}}