16/01/2012

Electric and electronic devices: EU treats waste as resources
Strengthening EU standards on treatment of end-of-life electronics

By Thomas Bickl, Press Adviser to the ENVI Committee

The collection and recycling of end-of-life electric and electronic devices will be subject to stricter EU standards. Drawing on practical experience with the existing directive, the European Parliament has successfully fought for more ambitious goals in the deal reached with Member States.

Dealers' obligation

Dealers will be obliged to take back end-of-life devices regardless of whether they sell a new one at the same time. This holds for appliances smaller than 25 centimetres and for big retail shops with a sales area of more than 400m2.

New measurement system

The measuring system for the collection of old appliances will change from four kilogrammes per person per year currently to 45 percent of new sales in 2016 and 65 percent in 2019. "We have achieved ambitious targets for the collection of devices. What had been considered waste is turning into a precious resource again," noted European Parliament Rapporteur and EPP Group MEP Karl-Heinz Florenz.

Burden of proof reversal

The burden of proof will be reversed for the exporting of end-of-life appliances. This means that in the case of a customs and excise check it will be down to the company, not the clerk, to prove that the devices are still in working order and not to be considered as waste. Mr. Florenz identified that "This allows for effective containment of illegal shipping. In return, we will be able to retain precious resources and avoid the often more than questionable treatment in developing countries".

Simplified registration process

The registration of manufacturers will be simplified and include online businesses. Official branches in other EU Member States will no longer be required, a legal representative will suffice. "This is good news for smaller manufacturers as it means less red tape for them," according to the European Parliament Rapporteur.