Generally manufacturers, importers and distributors are required to register as WEEE producers when they put products on the EU member states market for the first time
In most EU countries, registration as a WEEE producer is only possible if you have a company registration number or mailing address in the related country.
This is becoming a growing issue for foreign manufacturers whose products may be imported and sold by several distributors in each EU member state.
Furthermore registering as a WEEE producer often causes high costs and administrative work for each distributor.
This is also a high burden especially for small distributors who have to organise a WEEE collection and recycling process.
Registration on behalf of distributors.
In countries like Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, Luxembourg, and Denmark, producers can take over the burden of registration from their distributors.
In other countries foreign manufacturers have the possibility to register via a local representative with the national compliance schemes.
So far several manufacturers have registered in foreign countries and have made use of this opportunity as a strategic sales advantage in the respective countries.
Furthermore they are actively involved in the registration process and fulfil their obligations.
WEEE registration timetable.
France: by end of Nov 2006.
Germany: completed Nov 2005.
Poland: completed Sep 2006.
UK: by March 2007.
Italy: by Jan 2007.
Spain: started Jan 2006.
As WEEE requirements are country specific, the SGS WEEE Service can provide you a tailor-made service, no matter where you are located.
SGS assists you in analysing your market sales and determining a proper WEEE take-back system that includes collection, transportation, inspection and verification arrangements.
