It is already the case in some countries such as Germany or Belgium before this date, but it is not yet required in all other EU countries.
Cartridges as well as remanufactured cartridges, containing an electrical part (chip) will have to be declared to the authorities in units and weight.
It will be up to the national authorities to decide how to classify them into the WEEE categories. Some countries already integrated such requirement into their national law. Cartridges in many cases fall into the category “small equipment” or “small IT and telecommunication equipment” usually with a connection to the previous categories (annex 2 of directive 2012/19/EU).
Moreover, each country will decide whether they keep on using the “old categories” (annex 2 of directive 2012/19/EU), or the new categories based on annex 3 of directive 2012/19/EU. More often, the two systems will coexist.
Compliance schemes already collect printer cartridges within old printers and copying equipment.
However, authorities expect to get a transparent reporting system. Such transparency goes along with audit systems and controls to ensure a fair and compliant shipment and recycling of cartridges.
In general, compliance will be easily handled and delegated to collective take back and recycling schemes whereas in some countries individual compliance will be made available to producers at least theoretically.
Last week, Ecologic, the French WEEE partner of WEEElogic hosted a meeting in Paris to present its compliance solution for printer cartridges to OEMs, remanufacturers, distribution channel and empty cartridges collectors.
The purpose of the meeting was to present how Ecologic plans to address the introduction of printer cartridges into the scope of WEEE from August 2018 and the solutions offered to the entire industry stakeholders.
Producers will first need to assess which of their cartridges will be classified as “Consumer” and “Professional” based on the type of hardware the cartridge is used. If this method is not sufficient, they need to use further relevant criteria such as type of selling contract, yield etc., enabling them to justify their choice. Depending on the nature of their products, producers will then have to proceed as follows:
Currently, OEMs, remanufacturers, distribution channel and importers are trying to understand both, the requirements and their compliance solutions that will affect their existing organization in terms of costs or new set-up requirements.
Ecologic and WEEElogic will support producers to simplify proceedings and guarantee full compliance solutions.
Get access to our France WEEE country profile here:
Romain Letenneur
April 5th, 2018