Two new directives will impact on the export of electrical and electronic devices into the EU market: Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) and the Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

The purpose of the WEEE Directive is the prevention, recovery and safe disposal of waste and the promotion of equipment design that facilitates the repair, dismantling, reuse and recycling of equipment. The directive applies to all types of household appliances, IT and telecommunication equipment, Audio/Video equipment, lighting and power tools, toys, medical devices as well as products for professional use. Annexes IA and IB give more examples of electrical devices covered by the scope of the WEEE Directive.

Electrical equipment must be designed to facilitate dismantling and disassembly of parts like batteries, printed circuit boards, toner cartridges, CRTs, LCDs, cables and the like.

Manufactures must also provide information to users on waste collection points, the requirement not to dispose equipment in household waste and mark labels with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol for all equipment placed on the market after 13 August 2005.