Lorax encourages WEEE update awareness
April 25, 2018
Michelle Carvell, Lorax Compliance.
The manufacturers and retailers of electrical goods in Germany are being urged to be aware of changes to electronics legislation, which will come into effect later this year.
Lorax Compliance, which helps manufacturing businesses adhere to both local and global environmental compliance regulations, has reminded German companies that they are required by law to sign up to the Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register, a ‘common body of manufacturers’.
This registers all manufacturers of electrical/electronic equipment, as part of an update to the German WEEE Act ElektrogG, which stipulates that – unless specifically excluded – all electrical and electronic equipment manufactured in Germany will fall under WEEE legislation from the 15th of August.
New companies, which are launching their products onto the German market for the first time, can apply for fresh registration on the register from the 1st of May, and are advised to do so “in good time”, owing to lengthy processing times.
Those companies with existing registrations will be transferred, but are also advised to check their registrations are correct, and inform Stiftung EAR if amendments are necessary. All registrations must be corrected and finalised by the 31st of December.
Lorax Compliance’s Chief Operating Officer, Michelle Carvell, has urged companies to act as soon as possible. “Registration of EEE in Germany can be a lengthy process, so ensure your goods are registered in the correct category in plenty of time,” she recommends. “Any work required will need to be done well in advance of the deadlines.”
The updates to the WEEE legislation will take hold from the 15th of August, across the European Union. Some Member States, such as Finland and Germany, have already implemented the changes, which includes the reduction of WEEE categories from 10 down to 6 – although Member States have been given powers to create their own sub-categories; some countries are waiting until August, or beyond, to announce what these will be.
Categories : Around the Industry
