The Dutch industry association, Techniek Nederland, views the motion by parliament member Chris Stoffer (SGP) as a breakthrough toward a circular economy. The motion, passed by the Dutch House of Representatives on October 15, calls on the government to promote the repair and reuse of electronic devices. Martin Hof, consumer electronics sector manager at Techniek Nederland, stated, “This is great news for the electronics sector, repair businesses, refurbishers, and the environment. Repair should become the norm.”
Making devices more repairable
Techniek Nederland believes this is the ideal time to remove barriers to electronics repair. The association for the electrical retail sector aims to engage with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to discuss measures that make repair and reuse more appealing. Hof emphasizes that manufacturers should make their devices more repairable and provide spare parts at reasonable prices. Additionally, he suggests that the government could reduce VAT on repair services and lower labor taxes.
Existing legislation blocks reuse
Current legislation sometimes hinders the reuse of devices. Hof explains, “If a retailer collects an old washing machine when delivering a new one, they are not allowed to refurbish the old device. Similarly, using parts from two machines to create one working unit is prohibited.” Techiek Nederland, together with auditing company TüV Nord and credit risk assesment company DAS behind Dutch 'Keurmerk Refurbished' (Certified Refurbished Label).
Learning from international initiatives
Hof also highlights the importance of looking at successful initiatives abroad. “In France, there is a repairability index that shows how easy it is to repair a device. In Austria and France, repair services even earn a bonus.”
National repair registry
Implementing the motion could boost repair services by professional, accredited companies. Last year, Techniek Nederland launched the Dutch National Repair Registry in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. This registry lists all recognized, skilled repair companies in the Netherlands.
European legislation sets the standard
European legislation already provides opportunities to significantly reduce electronic waste. The EU’s Ecodesign Directive, for example, sets sustainable and circular design requirements for products. Earlier this year, the European Parliament adopted the Right to Repair, which mandates that manufacturers must repair devices and inform consumers about their repair rights.
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