A recent study was undertaken by the WEEE Scheme Forum, to check the compliance of products sold through a major online marketplace with the WEEE regulations.  The study showed that 54% of power tools, 76% of LED lightbulbs, and 88% of fitness watches did not comply.

Commenting on the study, Nigel Harvey, Chief Executive of Recolight and Eucolight Vice President said: ‘Evidence shows there is large scale WEEE non-compliance sales through online marketplaces.  High street retailers have, for many years, checked the compliance of equipment producers.  Online operators could – and should – do the same.  There can be no excuse for knowingly aiding the sale of products that break the law.”

Recently a workshop held in Brussels, hosted by Eucolight – the European association for lighting WEEE compliance schemes – gathered more than 100 experts including Richard Allen to discuss online sales of non-compliant products.

Marc Guiraud, Secretary General of EucoLight, stated “It is urgent for policy makers and online marketplaces to take action to address non-compliance of products sold online. Member States are already starting to implement this at a national level”.

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