PRO RESPONSIBILITY

As a registered PRO under Section 18 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA), SAICRA manages Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations on behalf of producers, importers, manufacturers, and reconditioners in the industrial packaging sector.

Our mandate covers industrial containers including steel drums, plastic drums, IBCs and related packaging regulated under the EPR framework.

SAICRA’s responsibilities include:

EPR Scheme Administration & Governance

We design, administer, and manage the full EPR scheme on behalf of our members, ensuring that all activities meet the legal requirements set out by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

This includes:

  • Establishing and managing the EPR Scheme Plan
  • Maintaining PRO registration and compliance
  • Coordinating all stakeholders in the value chain
  • Ensuring transparent and accountable oversight of funds and targets
Collection, Reconditioning & Recycling Targets

SAICRA ensures that producers meet the required national targets for:

  • Collection of used industrial containers
  • Reconditioning for safe reuse
  • Recycling of non-reusable or end-of-life containers
  • Safe recovery and disposal of hazardous residues

We work with accredited reconditioners, recyclers, and collectors to maximise recovery and minimise environmental impact.

Fee Collection and Financial Management

In line with Section 18 obligations, SAICRA:

  • Collects EPR fees from producers, importers, and obligated parties
  • Allocates funds to approved collection, reconditioning, recycling, and compliance projects
  • Ensures transparent financial governance
  • Ensures that all spending contributes directly to meeting regulatory targets
Compliance Monitoring & Producer Support

SAICRA provides end-to-end compliance support to its members, including:

  • Guidance on registration, fee obligations, and reporting requirements
  • Monthly / quarterly declaration support
  • Compliance documentation templates
  • Clarification on roles and responsibilities within the supply chain
  • Member training and industry updates

Our role is to ensure that producers remain fully compliant with all elements of the EPR regulations.

Auditing, Verification & Quality Assurance

We oversee auditing processes that ensure:

  • Accurate reporting of tonnages placed on the market
  • Verification of collection, reconditioning and recycling volumes
  • Quality and safety of reconditioned containers
  • Compliance by reconditioners and recyclers with SABS, UN, and regulatory standards

All data submitted to the DFFE must be third-party verified. SAICRA manages and coordinates this process.

Data Management, Reporting & Traceability

SAICRA is responsible for developing a reliable, transparent system for:

  • Member declarations
  • National reporting
  • Traceability of industrial packaging
  • Performance measurements against regulatory targets
  • Submission of verified annual reports to the DFFE

This ensures the sector operates with integrity, accountability, and measurable impact.

Industry Development & Capacity Building

We support the long-term sustainability of the sector by:

  • Investing in reconditioning infrastructure
  • Supporting innovation in drum reuse and recycling
  • Strengthening collection networks nationally
  • Developing roadmaps for circularity within industrial supply chains
  • Facilitating partnerships across government, reconditioners, and industry
Environmental Stewardship & Safety Standards

SAICRA promotes responsible environmental practices by ensuring:

  • Hazardous residues are managed safely
  • Containers are handled and recycled according to legal standards
  • Environmental, health, and safety compliance is upheld at every stage