Product Responsibility and Market Surveillance

Product Responsibility

The amendment to the Circular Economy Act of 29.10.2020 implements EU regulations in Germany. The aim is to promote waste prevention, strengthen recycling, and improve material cycles.

Product responsibility is an essential element of the circular economy.

In particular, requirements for the development of durable products, the use of secondary raw materials in production, take-back systems, and environmentally sound disposal are the focus.

Specific requirements are defined by laws and regulations. The scope of waste management product responsibility for batteries, electrical and electronic equipment, vehicles, (mineral) oils, and packaging is regulated by the following legal provisions:

• Battery Act,
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act,
• End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation,
• Waste Oil Regulation
• Packaging Regulation

Substance bans, labeling requirements, and take-back obligations specify the waste management responsibility of manufacturers and distributors.

Market Surveillance

The Market Surveillance Act, which came into force on 16.07.2021, includes the monitoring of vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries and accumulators, as well as packaging and packaging waste. It monitors compliance with the requirements for placing products on the market, such as substance bans, limit values, and labeling requirements.

The "Rapid Exchange of Information System" (RAPEX) is the European Union's rapid alert system for dangerous consumer goods, excluding food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

The RAPEX system provides an information transfer on measures to prevent or restrict the use of dangerous products (e.g., take-back or recall actions).

Through the rapid alert system, consumers and traders can obtain information about products in various categories, such as children's toys and electrical appliances.

For further questions, the staff of the Lower Waste Management Authority will be happy to assist you.