IndustryNews
OECD report finds large scale WEEE non-compliance online E
ucoLight – the voice of European WEEE compliance schemes – has
welcomed the OECD* report on ‘Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the impact of online sales’, to which EucoLight members contributed. Recognition of the online WEEE non- compliance challenge, (free-riding), faced by Producer Compliance Schemes is a vital first step to addressing the problem. EucoLight endorses the recommendation to define multi seller online platforms as ‘producers’ of the products that they list from non-registered companies, and that transit through their fulfilment houses. The report indicates that online WEEE non- compliance is hindering the efficiency of WEEE systems, affecting around 5-10% of the total OECD Electric and Electronic Equipment (EEE) market. This issue affects especially small devices, such as LED lamps. EucoLight has been promoting policy responses to tackle WEEE non-compliance and is actively facilitating the debate among stakeholders and institutions, to identify possible solutions.
EucoLight Secretary General, Marc Guiraud, explains: “WEEE schemes, which aim to make producers responsible for the environmental impact of the products they sell, have been key in increasing recycling and collection rates. When producers selling online avoid their obligations, they impose an unfair burden in the rest of the system and on compliant producers. Non -declared products prevent correct calculation of collection rates, and therefore achievement of the collection targets. Nigel Harvey, EucoLight Vice President and Recolight CEO, said: “The OECD report confirms the large scale of WEEE non-compliance through online marketplaces and fulfilment houses. There is an urgent need for regulatory change. The VAT system has been amended to make online fulfilment houses jointly liable for VAT payments for any product they hold in stock in the UK. A similar approach is now needed for WEEE.” *The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
www.eucolight.org
Harvey presents at Sustainability Resource Group
ecolight CEO Nigel Harvey was due to present at a House of Commons meeting of the All Party Sustainable Resource Group on 19th July, as Electrical Wholesaler went to press. The discussions will feed into UK strategy on
R
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). There are already EPR systems in the UK covering WEEE, batteries, and packaging but Government is now considering if, and how to set up systems for new product groups. Nigel Harvey discussed the operation of
current systems, and the importance of maintaining producer oversight of producer responsibility legislation. He also discussed the need for better controls and enforcement of non- compliant sales through online marketplaces (see separate story). Representatives from WRAP, TechUK, and REPIC also spoke at the event. Defra is expected to publish its Resources and
Waste Strategy towards the end of 2018. It is widely anticipated that Extended Producer Responsibility will feature prominently.
www.recolight.co.uk
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