for producers and importers
EEE is part of our live, waste of which is becoming an increasing problem. All EU countries, as well as producers of appliances are intensively involved so as to prevent accumulation of WEEE in the nature and to ensure its recovery. Since August 2005, producers of electrical and electronic equipment have become responsible for their products throughout the product life cycle. Starting with the development, production, use and ending with the disposal of unnecessary appliances the producers have to apply environmental principles and contribute to improving environmental quality. With these goals established ten most important manufacturers and importers of electrical appliances market in the Slovak non-profit association of legal persons ENVIDOM - Association of appliances for recycling.
The basic responsibilities of producers and importers provides amended Waste Act in force since November 2009 and the subsequent decrees and regulations:
Under the new law ( Act no. 223/2001 , § 54c ) all producers and importers who sell their products in Slovakia required to be entered into The Register of Producers of EEE in the Ministry of Environment and to fulfill its obligations regarding the reporting of the quantity of products on the market , data collection and evaluation of collected WEEE registration and other duties. The purpose of such records is to review if Slovakia meets its obligations in the collection and recycling of WEEE arising from its EU membership.
Producer/ importera to meet these obligations can become a member of a registered collective organizations that will provide for him all his obligations in registration with the Ministry of Environment, reporting and administration and of course, the collection and recycling of WEEE itself . Manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic categories 1-7 are even obliged by law to be registered in one of the registered collective tak-back system. Such collective tak-back system is also ENVIDOM.
Also foreign manufacturers / importers of EEE are responsible for the collection and recycling of WEEE. It means, also those manufacturers/importers who are located outside the Slovakia but sell their products to consumers in Slovakia – for example also internet retailer, which is located in for example Hungaria but sells on the Slovak market.
It is because , consumers who buy products from such retailers will dispose their old appliances usually in Slovakia and tretment of such WEEE must be financed.
If a manufacturer / importer has not been entered in the register , the trader who sold it´s products automatically takes over above mentioned responsibilities. If they fail to comply , threatening him for fined up to 165 969 €. Therefore, all dealers and distributors should to check that their suppliers - importers , producers, if they are entered in the Register.
Current slovak legislation relating to EEE and WEEE can be found here (in Slovak language)...
