Swappie’s Chief Technology Officer, Jori Ahvonen, is calling on European Union and national policymakers to take decisive steps in transforming electronic waste (e-waste) into an engine for sustainable economic growth. He stresses that upcoming political moments, such as Germany’s 2025 federal election and Denmark’s presidency of the EU Council in July, present crucial opportunities to solidify Europe’s leadership in the circular economy.
Legal clarity on refurbished electronics
One of the key demands is the legal definition of "refurbished" electronics. Standardized regulations would enhance consumer confidence in pre-owned devices, ensuring that quality standards are met across all member states. Without a clear framework, discrepancies in national interpretations continue to hinder market expansion.
Reuse should be the priority
Current policies tend to favor recycling over reuse, leading to unnecessary waste of functional electronics. Ahvonen calls for stricter rules against exporting functional devices and e-waste outside the EU, alongside incentives for refurbishing and reselling electronics within the region.
Expanding the right to repair
The right to repair should not be limited to smartphones and tablets. Swappie and other industry leaders advocate for its extension to laptops, home appliances, and other consumer electronics. Standardized, widely available spare parts would lower repair costs and make the refurbishment market more competitive.
Addressing regulatory inconsistencies
SecondaryMarket.news can highlight some more additional regulatory gaps affecting the secondary electronics industry in the EU. Inconsistent enforcement of CE regulations for used devices creates barriers and causes Legal inequality. Additionally, while non-USB-C devices have been banned in the EU since December 2024, some continue to enter the market. The question remains whether the EU will take decisive action or leave enforcement to individual states.
Future legislation and VAT concerns
The upcoming EcoDesign and energy label directives raise concerns about their applicability to refurbished products. If these measures fail to include used electronics, it could undermine sustainability goals. Moreover, the persistence of marginal VAT fraud calls for either stronger controls or a complete exemption of VAT on used products to create a fairer marketplace.
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