France’s EEE Legislation update: The Sustainability Index
Summary
EEE Sustainability Index in France: On April 5, 2024, Decree No. 2024-316 was adopted and took effect on April 8, 2024. This legislation introduces the sustainability index for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), aiming to promote transparency and sustainability in EEE production and consumption.
The EEE Sustainability Index
The EEE sustainability index evaluates products’ environmental and social impacts, including energy efficiency, recyclability, manufacturing practices, and social responsibility. It aims to promote sustainable EEE production and consumption by providing transparent information to consumers.
Implementation Timeline and Product Categories
The dates when the sustainability index will take effect differ for various product categories and will be detailed in individual Ministerial Orders. As of now, Orders have been issued for televisions and washing machines, scheduled to become effective on January 7, 2025, and April 7, 2025, respectively.
Transition from Repairability Index
The sustainability index replaces the repairability index starting from these dates. The repairability index was introduced on January 1, 2021, for various products like smartphones, laptops, televisions, lawnmowers, and window washing machines. Later, on November 4, 2022, it was extended to washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and pressure washers. Over time, the sustainability index will gradually replace the repairability index for other types of EEE.
Guidelines for Sustainability Index
The Decree update provides guidelines for creating the sustainability index and rules for how it should be communicated and displayed. Producers are responsible for calculating the index for every equipment model sold in France.
The index is determined based on factors like repairability, reliability, and software/hardware updates, each rated out of ten. Detailed methods for calculating the index for each product category are outlined in separate Orders.
Moreover, in a commitment to transparency, Producers or importers must give the index and criteria to sellers or distributors for free and electronically when delivering the equipment. They can also show the index on the equipment or its packaging as a label. Sellers must then prominently display the sustainability index for each item for sale or nearby. This is to encourage accountability and empower consumers to make informed choices.
Conclusion
The adoption of Decree No. 2024-316 has marked a moment in the drive towards sustainable practices in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). This decree adoption has laid down the foundation for implementing the sustainability index, which evaluates the environmental and social impacts of EEE products.
RLG can help
Our experts stay current with the latest regulations and will guide you through the process, ensuring your business is at the forefront on all regulatory requirements.
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