Producer Information

Are you a producer of EEE?

A producer of EEE is defined as any person who irrespective of selling technique used, including by means of distance communication:

Manufacturers and sells electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) under his or her own brand;
Resells under his or her own brand, equipment produced by other suppliers (Note: a reseller not being regarded as the ‘producer’ if the brand of the producer appears on the equipment);
Imports or exports EEE on a professional basis into a Member State.

Producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) fall into two groups: B2B and B2C:

B2B (Business to Business) producers supply EEE that is for professional use only. B2B type WEEE will typically not arise in household waste. Examples of B2B type equipment include: computer servers, network storage, catering equipment, medical devices, laboratory equipment and vending machines. For companies operating B2B there is currently no compliance scheme in operation, so all B2B EEE producers must self-comply. Log on and submit a waste management plan or report. Further guidance on how to submit a plan or report can be accessed from the B2B Waste Management plan and report page (follow link at the top of page);
B2C (Business to Consumer) producers supply household type EEE either directly or through distributors (retailers), to household end users. Examples of B2C type equipment include: mobile phones, hair straighteners, fridges, cookers, toys and IT equipment. Please note that some producers can be operating as both B2B and B2C. To read more about retailer/distributor obligations go to the Retailers / Distributors section.

As a producer of EEE (B2B and/or B2C), the main obligations are as follows:

Producers must register and renew registration with the Registration Body WEEE Register Society Limited. Producers are obligated to declare the quantities of EEE that are placed on the market to the WEEE Blackbox;
Finance the environmentally sound management of WEEE by joining either one of the compliance schemes: WEEE Ireland or European Recycling Platform (ERP) Ireland or by self-compliance (see information below);
Ensure EEE placed on the market is in compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Regulations, S.I. 341 of 2005 as amended.

Self-complying producers of EEE must submit waste management reports and plans to the EPA. In general, the purpose of the plan is to set out the method by which WEEE take-back will be financed and managed. Annual reports are required to be submitted by 31^st January and should contain detailed accurate information on quantities of waste (WEEE) taken back and managed by the producer during the previous calendar year. A similar system exists for producers who wish to self-comply in accordance with the battery regulations. Log on and submit a waste management plan or report.

Are you a producer of batteries?

Obligations under the battery regulations are not defined as B2B or B2C, but broken down into three types; portable, automotive and industrial. If a producer places equipment incorporating batteries onto the Irish market, companies will have producer obligations in accordance with the battery regulations also. For more information on battery types follow the link for batteries. As a producer of batteries, the main obligations are as follows:

Producers must register and renew registration with the Registration Body WEEE Register Society Limited;
Producers are obligated to declare the quantities of batteries placed on the market to the WEEE Blackbox;
Finance the environmentally sound management of waste batteries by joining either one of the compliance schemes: WEEE Ireland or European Recycling Platform (ERP) Ireland or by self-compliance;
Ensure batteries placed on the market are in compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances and labelling requirements of the battery Regulations.

As batteries are not considered to be either B2B or B2C, each company can decide whether to finance the environmentally sound management of batteries through joining a compliance scheme or self-compliance. Similarly to WEEE, self-complying producers of batteries must submit waste management reports and plans to the EPA. Note: there are fees payable to the EPA on submission of the battery plan. Download Battery Plan and Report templates.