SGS Reports: EU Updates and Expands Scope of WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU)

Helsinki, Finland, February 24, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Producers of electrical and electronic goods for distribution and marketing within the EU must meet the requirements of the recast WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU), which became effective in 2014.

Originally introduced in 2002, as Directive 2002/96/EC, the WEEE Directive has been reviewed and updated to expand its scope, and producer responsibilities. The Directive overarching aim is to prevent the waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). To achieve this, the Directive places responsibility for WEEE on producers (its manufacturers, or importers) to ensure that it is recovered, reused or recycled.

How has WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU changed?

Manufacturers and importers should be aware that:
- The scope of items falling within the definition of WEEE has been extended, to include all electrical and electronic equipment. Exemptions remain for certain items, such as large-scale stationary industrial machinery and military material. Also, electrical and electronic equipment is now classified under six categories (previously 10)
- When transposed into national law, photovoltaic panels fell within the scope of the WEEE directive
- Introduction of Authorised Representatives for non-EU based operators

What is the role of an Authorised Representative?
Authorised Representative may fulfil the obligations of a producer of electrical and electronic equipment for distance sellers, sellers and/or manufacturers not based in a given EU Member State, in that Member State. For example, an Authorized Representative registers in the national registry of electrical and electronic equipment producers and may join a collective compliance scheme on the behalf of the foreign producer.

Producer Responsibility Requirements
Under WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU manufacturers and/or importers must contribute financially to cover the cost of collecting, treating and disposing of professional and household electrical and electronic equipment in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition, it imposes labelling requirements, and compels producers to register and report in each Member State where they place electrical and electronic equipment.

Producer, manufacturer and importer obligations differ depending on whether the WEEE is from private households or other sources. Distributors also have obligations related to the management of waste equipment.

WEEE Compliance Services
SGS offers a full range of producer responsibility services (http://www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/electrical-and-electronics/audio-video-and-household-appliances/technical-assistance/weee-consultancy) to help manufacturers and importers to comply with the WEEE Directive requirements, as well as similar requirements in other countries:

- Requirements survey
- Regulatory monitoring
- Compliance management advisory services

With a global network of Electrical and Electronic products experts and testing facilities, SGS can provide a pragmatic summary of the obligations that apply to products in their destination countries, as well as advising on the most appropriate and beneficial technical and administrative tasks.

For full details, visit our website http://www.sgs.com/ee.

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 85,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,800 offices and laboratories around the world.