Disturbing EU-wide scale of WEEE non-compliance
The results of a multi-national study into non-compliance of products sold through online marketplaces were revealed at a workshop hosted in Brussels on 6 November by EucoLight. EucoLight, the European Association for lighting WEEE compliance schemes, undertook a study of over 4200 products made available for sale through online marketplaces in 10 EU countries. The results showed an exceptionally high level of non-compliance with national WEEE requirements. The non-compliance was evident across a wide range of product groups. However, smaller products, such as LED lightbulbs, were particularly problematic, with non-compliance in the range of 78-100%. Recolight CEO and former EucoLight Vice President Nigel Harvey said “The high level of evasion of WEEE obligations this study has uncovered is truly shocking. This is non-compliance on an industrial scale.” He went on “It was therefore very pleasing to hear that a number of countries, including the UK, are considering a range of different solutions to address the issue. This patchwork approach could make compliance more awkward for the online marketplaces, but it is the only way to address the problem quickly.” Natalia Sierra Conde, Director of Institutional Relations of Ambilamp Spain, and Chair of the EucoLight Policy Working Group said “Making multi-seller online platforms responsible for compliance is the simple solution. There are far fewer organisations reporting data, which makes audit checks and monitoring easier. And the risk of avoidance of financial obligations is much reduced.” Commenting on the outcome of the discussions, EucoLight Secretary General Marc Guiraud said “When considering which approach to adopt, EucoLight actively encourages all Member States to require online marketplaces to fulfil the role of producer, in respect of all product brought into the national territory via their platform.”
EucoLight Conference adopts positions on eco-modulation
High on the agenda for the EucoLight annual conference this month were non-compliance of product sold through online marketplaces, impact of open scope and eco-modulation of WEEE fees. The 4th EucoLight annual conference held this year in Copenhagen was attended by 70 delegates from 19 lighting WEEE compliance schemes. External speakers providing additional insight and debate were; Joe Papineschi (Eunomia), Maximillian Kling (Ramboll), Christophe Roeland (European Commission DG GROW), Alexander Goldberg (EWRN), Malte Becker (AiDUP consultancy) and Emmanuel katrakis (EuRIC). Key outcomes from discussions Online non-compliance remains a major issue to be tackled – – A legislative solution must be put in place to avoid the sale of non-compliant products through online marketplaces, putting compliant operators at a competitive disadvantage. The EucoLight preferred solution is that online platforms are regarded as the ‘producer’ of all products for which they facilitate, by whatever means, the import or entry into the Member State territory. Strengthening compliance with EU product rules is essential – Christophe Roel and from the European Commission presented new legislation on market surveillance and compliance of products (the “Goods Package”). This defines useful tools that reinforce the ability of national enforcement authorities to take action. Relevance of eco-modulated fees for lamps questioned – the modulation of WEEE fees paid by producers are intended as an incentive for producers to design products that are better for the environment. EucoLight members concluded that the eco-modulation of fees will be ineffective in the lampsmarket. Existing Eco-design requirements, and powerful market forces are already having far more effect at driving producer and consumer behaviour, as they move from fluorescent to LED lamps. Better harmonisation of EEE scope in lighting– The conference agreed to adopt pan-European definitions of a lamp for WEEE purposes. These definitions had been developed by EucoLight and LightingEurope.\ For more information about WEEE compliance schemes please visit www.eucolight.org
