EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment - Main contents

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dossier	COM(2003)219 - Amendment of Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment.
document	COM(2003)219
date	December 8, 2003

(1) During the adoption procedure concerning Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)(3) concerns were raised about the possible financial implications of the wording of Article 9 of that Directive for producers of the equipment concerned.

(2) At the meeting of the Conciliation Committee of 10 October 2002 on that Directive the European Parliament, Council and Commission expressed their intention in a Joint Declaration to examine the issues relating to Article 9 of Directive 2002/96/EC, concerning financing in respect of WEEE from users other than private households, at the earliest opportunity.

(3) In accordance with the Joint Declaration, the Commission has examined the financial implications for producers following from the actual wording of Article 9 of Directive 2002/96/EC, and has found that the take-back obligation for WEEE put on the market in the past creates a retroactive liability for which no provision was made and which is likely to expose certain producers to serious economic risks.

(4) In order to prevent such risks, the financial responsibility for the collection, treatment, re-use, recovery and recycling of WEEE from users other than private households put on the market before 13 August 2005 should be borne by producers when supplying new products replacing products of equivalent type or fulfilling the same functions. Where such waste is not replaced by new products, the responsibility should be borne by those users. Member States, producers and users should have the possibility to make alternative arrangements.

(5) Pursuant to Article 17 of Directive 2002/96/EC, Member States are to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with that Directive by 13 August 2004. In order to avoid having to amend Member States' legislation adopted by that date, this Directive should be adopted as soon as possible and implemented in Member States' legislation at the same time as Directive 2002/96/EC.

(6) Directive 2002/96/EC should be amended accordingly.