Regulatory Review Group Annual Report 2024-2025

Quotes

Tobacco and Vapes Bill Team

“Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Vaping Framework was published in November 2023. Following its publication the Tobacco and Nicotine policy team presented at the RRG early in 2024 to ensure an good understanding of the policy direction as some of the suggested measures would directly impact retailers in Scotland.

The UK wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill (‘Bill’) entered the UK Parliament in November 2024 and received approval from the Scottish Parliament in May 2025. Officials engaged the RRG on the Bill to highlight potential impact on retailers across Scotland. The opportunity was given for officials to present an overview of the Bill at an in-person meeting of the RRG. The meeting provided the opportunity for clarification and discussion of the implementation of the Bill with an agreement for further presentations as the Bill progresses through the UK Parliament.

The early discussion on both Tobacco and Vaping Framework and the Bill provided us with the opportunity for engagement with the retail sector prior to formal consultation and greater understanding of the potential impacts while implementing measures from the Bill.

The process engaging with the RRG has been positive and we look forward to continuing to work with them as we implement the Bill.”

Deposit Return Scheme Team

“Officials have been engaging with the Regulatory Review Group (RRG), since 2018, when the deposit return scheme consultation was published. The RRG have influenced the development of the policy, particularly the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessments, which has helped identify and mitigate potential challenges with implementation.

In early 2025, officials attended the RRG to consult stakeholders on the proposed DRS Amendment Regulations and Designation Order. In follow up correspondence, RRG members highlighted several recommendations for consideration during implementation of DRS. Specifically, clear communication to consumers on circular economy aims, to maximise consumer participation; clearly articulating the cost to businesses; and costs to retailers’ who act as return points. RRG officials also facilitated a meeting between DRS officials and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who were able to cascade DRS messaging to their stakeholders.

Officials will continue to engage with the RRG as we work towards the scheme launch in 2027, to maximise the benefits of this forum.”

Restriction of Promotions of Food High in Falt Salt & Sugar Team

“We have valued the RRG’s independent advice and recognise the RRG as a key partner in supporting effective implementation of regulations to restrict the promotion of food and drink high in fat sugar or salt . We are acutely aware of the importance of the New Deal for Business in cultivating a high-functioning relationship between business and government, which supports our long term public health and economic aims. As the forum for the early identification and mitigation of implementation challenges associated with regulations we have welcomed the scrutiny of the RRG in helping to ensure the policy is proportionate, balancing the potential positive health impacts with the effects and implementation challenges for business and industry.”

Single Use Cups Team

“Engaging with the Regulatory Review Group was an important step in developing policy proposals for a minimum charge on single-use beverage cups. The Group provided valuable, timely feedback on initial proposals we presented to them, especially on implementation challenges and the impact our policy could have on businesses and consumers.

We look forward to continuing to engage with the Group as we develop this policy further.”