The 5 most common WEEE mistakes U.S. companies make (and how to avoid them)
If you sell electronic products in the European Union (EU), complying with the WEEE Directive is mandatory. However, many U.S. businesses make costly mistakes simply because they don’t fully understand the requirements.
In this article, we’ll cover the five most common mistakes companies make and how to avoid them to ensure smooth EU sales.
Table of Contents
❌ Mistake #1: Thinking WEEE doesn’t apply to your business
Many manufacturers and sellers believe that WEEE only applies to large corporations, but this is not true. If you export electronics to the EU, you must comply, regardless of your company size.
How to avoid it:
Check if your products fall under WEEE regulations.
If you sell on Amazon or other platforms, ensure compliance before they block your sales.
❌ Mistake #2: Not registering in an EU country
To comply with WEEE, you must register in the EU country where you sell your products. Each country has its own rules, and failing to register can result in penalties.
How to avoid it:
Identify your main EU market and register as a producer there.
If you sell in multiple countries, consult an expert to determine where registration is required.
❌ Mistake #3: Not appointing an authorized representative (AR)
If your company does not have a physical presence in the EU, you must appoint an Authorized Representative (AR) to act on your behalf for WEEE compliance. Without an AR, your business cannot legally sell electronics in the EU.
How to avoid it:
Find a trusted AR with experience in EU environmental regulations.
Circular Compliance can help you select a reliable representative.
❌ Mistake #4: Failing to report recycling and collection data
WEEE compliance isn’t just about registration. You must also submit periodic reports detailing the amount of electronic products sold and recycled.
How to avoid it:
Keep a detailed record of your EU sales.
Work with a WEEE compliance expert to ensure accurate periodic reporting.
❌ Mistake #5: Underestimating WEEE Compliance costs
Some companies assume WEEE is a minor expense and are shocked when they face high recycling costs, fines, or blocked sales.
How to avoid it:
Include WEEE costs in your export budget.
Partner with compliance experts to avoid unnecessary expenses.
How to ensure WEEE Compliance?
The best way to avoid mistakes is to get expert guidance.
📞 Book a free consultation with our Circular Compliance specialists to assess your compliance status and avoid fines.
👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation
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