How to obtain and accept PRNs or PERNs
If you have recycling obligations, obtain PRNs or PERNs from accredited reprocessors or exporters, directly or through your compliance scheme. Match the material and evidence year, then accept the notes in your report packaging data account before the deadline. Factory packaging data can be coordinated by Cambridge China Bridge.
Start with your recycling obligation
Check your status using our packaging EPR guide. This guide covers the next step for an obligated large producer: obtaining and accepting recycling evidence. Keep a working schedule showing each material, the obligation, evidence acquired, evidence accepted and the remaining shortfall.
Ask your Chinese factory for component weights tied to the agreed packaging specification. Our packaging sourcing guide covers that preparation. Keep recycled-content documents separate: Plastic Packaging Tax is a separate regime.
Obtain evidence from accredited issuers
Accredited waste reprocessors and exporters issue PRNs and PERNs. You can obtain evidence directly or through a compliance scheme working on your behalf. Check the issuer against the official public register before agreeing a purchase.
Ask for the issuer identity, material, tonnage, accreditation year and waste period before accepting an offer. Request a written explanation of how the evidence will reach your account. Keep the purchase confirmation alongside the accepted-note record.
Match evidence to the material
A note normally meets only the obligation for its stated material. Surplus glass evidence cannot cover a paper shortfall. Paper, board and fibre-based composite material have a combined obligation, which can be met using any combination of paper or board notes and fibre-based composite notes.
For glass, at least 76% of the glass recycling obligation must be covered by glass re-melt evidence. The remainder can use glass re-melt or glass other evidence. Check the re-melt share separately from the total glass tonnage.
Choose the evidence year before acceptance
Evidence for months other than December can only meet obligations for its accreditation year. December evidence can be allocated to the year the waste relates to or the following year. Check the waste period rather than assuming the purchase date determines the allocation.
Before allocating December evidence forward, compare your current-year shortfalls with the notes available. Record the chosen year against each note and ask your compliance scheme to confirm its allocation if it manages the evidence for you.
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Accept the notes and close the shortfall
Use your report packaging data account to check recycling obligations and accept acquired notes. Buying evidence and accepting it are separate steps. Reconcile the accepted evidence against your material schedule and investigate any unmatched note before treating the obligation as met.
The deadline for meeting obligations for the year ending 31 December is 31 January of the following year. For 2026 obligations, that means 31 January 2027. Set an earlier internal review date so missing evidence or an account problem can be investigated before the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Can my Chinese factory supply my PRNs or PERNs?
Obtain the notes from accredited reprocessors or exporters, directly or through your compliance scheme. Ask the factory for packaging weights and specifications to support your reporting file.
Can spare plastic PRNs cover a wood shortfall?
No. Evidence must match the material obligation. Paper, board and fibre-based composite material have a combined obligation; plastic and wood do not.
Can I carry December PRNs into the next year?
December evidence can meet the year the waste relates to or the following year. Evidence for other months can only meet obligations for its accreditation year.
When must I accept packaging recycling evidence?
Accept acquired notes through your report packaging data account and meet the annual obligation by 31 January of the following year. For 2026 obligations, the deadline is 31 January 2027.