Major changes in producer responsibility: WEEE open scope

Under the rules of the 'WEEE open scope', the current 10 categories of WEEE are brought back to 6 more general categories. This open scope aims towards covering more devices, making it more difficult to remain out of the scope of the directive. So even if your products were excluded under the old WEEE directive, this change might have major consequences for your environmental compliance!

Some examples of the changes:

• The environmental compliance for products like cables or components will expand strongly and will be applicable for a lot more countries than they are now.

• All of the 10 categories will be replaced and/or changed into a new category. The only category that will remain the same is lamps, however the category will receive a new number (3 instead of 5).

Countries can choose own subcategories

One of the distinguishing elements that defines the category of a product is the largest external dimension. Important to note is that Member States are allowed to add their own subcategories in their national jurisdiction. Which countries will do so, and what those categories will be, will be clarified over the next months.

Assistance or more information?

Doubting whether or not you need to adjust your processes? Or if your organization faces obligations that it did not have before? Please do not hesitate to call us for information or assistance: +31(0)88-4321800. Our experts are here to help! They are on top of all the developments and changes and can help you with scanning your products to see if they are applicable under the open scope. We can even take over your registration and process reports so that you are compliant with all environmental compliance obligations.

Keep an eye out on our website to stay up to date with the latest news about the WEEE open scope!