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Article Date: 11/08/2005
Article Title: DTI announcement puts a damper on WEEE
We have been following the saga of the implementation of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances Directives (ROHS) into UK law for some time. The final regulations had been promised over the summer with the intention that the marking obligation would commence on 13 August 2005 with the producer's actual financial obligations commencing in January 2006.
The DTI have announced this afternoon that the implementation date has been postponed until June 2006. The reason for the delay appears to relate to continuing concern from UK businesses as to how the legislation will operate. Many of these we believe relate to how the actual allocation system for WEEE will operate. The DTI's view is that given the amount of planning and preparation required a delay is worthwhile to get things right.
The Environment Agency now anticipate making announcements in relation to the opening of the registration period early in the autumn with a view to registration starting in January 2006.
The DTI announcement is silent as regards the obligation to mark equipment from 13 August 2005 however clearly there will be no UK regulations in force which would impose any such restriction.
Jane Southworth
janesouthworth@eversheds.com
0161 831 8195
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