The significant changes entailed by this recast Directive are summarized below:
1. Widen the scope:
From 13rd August 2012 to 14th August 2018(transitional period), the WEEE recast Directive covers 10 categories of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) listed in Annex I. And Annex II includes the indicative list of EEE which falls within the categories of Annex I. Compared with the original WEEE directive (2002/96/EC), photovoltaic panels are newly added in category 4 and other categories are not changed. From 15th August 2018, the recast WEEE Directive will cover all types of EEE with the exception of the explicitly mentioned exclusions and apply to 6 categories of EEE listed in Annex III (the "open scope"). And Annex IV includes the non-exhaustive list of EEE which falls within the categories listed in Annex III.
The first stage: from 13rd August 2012 to 14th August 2018
WEEE recast Directive 2012/19/EU Annex I
1. Large household appliances
2. Small household appliances
3. IT and telecommunications equipment.
4. Consumer equipment and photovoltaic panels
5. Lighting equipment
6. Electrical and electronic tools.(with the exception
of large-scale stationary industrial tools)
7. Toys, leisure and sports equipment.
8. Medical devices (with the exception of all implanted and infected products)
9. Monitoring and control instruments
10. Automatic dispensers.
The second stage: from 15th August 2018
WEEE recast Directive 2012/19/EU Annex III
1. Temperature exchange equipment
2. Screens, monitors, and equipment containing screens having a surface greater than 100cm2
3. Lamps
4. Large equipment (any external dimension more than 50cm), this category does not include equipment included in categories 1 to 3.
5. Small equipment (no external dimension more than 50 cm), this category does not include equipment included in categories 1 to 3 and 6.
6. Small IT and telecommunication equipment (no external dimension more than 50 cm)
2. Setting up of collection
system:
Distributors should provide for the collection, at retail shops with sales areas relating to EEE of at least 400 m2, or in their immediate proximity, of very small WEEE (no external dimension more than 25 cm) free of charge to end-users.
3. Collection Rate:
Each Member State shall ensure the implementation of the "producer responsibility" principle and set up a minimum collection rate achieved annually. From 2016, Member States will be required to collect 45% of the average weight of EEE placed on the market. And from 2019, the minimum collection rate will increase to 65%.
4. Gradually improve recovery target:
The new WEEE directive sets minimum recovery, reuse and recycling (3R) targets for each product category in three steps:
1) From 13th August 2012 to 14th August 2015
2) From 15th August 2015 to 14th August 2018
3) From 15th August 2018
Producers shall meet the following minimum recovery targets set out in Annex V of the WEEE Recast:
5. Registration and reporting requirement:
Harmonise the registration and reporting requirements of producer or authorised representative according to Annex X.
What is the influence of 2012/19/EU to you?
As the new WEEE Directive covers more electric and electrical equipments and improves the recovery target, the EEE manufacturers are subject to more responsibilities. The relevant enterprises shall focus on the ecodesign of product, and consider the whole life cycle of products, in order to improve the quick upgrade, re-use and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
How can TÜV SÜD support you?
TÜV SÜD can provide companies with cost-effective and comprehensive strategy for WEEE compliance. Equipped with strong expertise and a global network of laboratories, TÜV SÜD offers a wide range assessment, consulting and training service for WEEE.