What is in a name? – Regulation of electrical and electronic products

Abstract:

Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical equipment (RoHS) marked both a major step by the European Community in regulating the environmental impact of products and possibly the high-water mark of Community environmental product regulation. In this article the author describes the state of transposition of the WEEE and RoHS Directives; considers what 'electrical and electronic equipment' is regulated; and outlines issues still to be resolved in environmental product regulation.