Netherlands

Extended producer responsibility for Textile in Netherlands

 The recent Manufacturer Adherence Decree of April 14, 2023 for textile goods asserts that apparel and fabric producers are accountable for the additional handling and readiness for reuse of items distributed in the Netherlands starting from July 1, 2023.

The regulations took effect on July 1, 2023, and manufacturers are advised to register within a suggested period of 6 weeks. Companies should commence the recording of their sales volumes, as obligatory reporting will be enforced in 2024.

Contents of the textile encompass 

• Attire like blouses, jumpers, and pants
• Bedding accessories like quilt covers and bed linens
• Table coverings including tablecloths
• Diverse domestic textiles such as hand towels and kitchen cloths

Who is obliged to register in Netherlands

The new EPR regulations in the Netherlands are applicable to all establishments vending textiles. Irrespective of whether they cater to commercial or private clientele, a diverse array of market participants must adhere to the recent guidelines:

• Dutch manufacturers retailing finalized products to vendors
• Importers of fabrics
• Online shops, both Dutch and foreign, operating within the nation
• Other enterprises involved in the production of end products.

This category excludes providers of raw materials and pre-owned vendors, as their merchandise is already in circulation.

Threshold

According to the new rules, no threshold is specified in the Netherlands. Therefore, every company and retailer selling textile-related goods must register to comply with these rules.

Registration Process

The registration procedure encompasses the subsequent stages:

1. In order to comply with these regulations, initial registration must be completed via the EPR Textile portal (UPV Textile) on the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Resources’ website, adhering to all ensuing stipulations provided.
2. The subsequent step is to register with one of the endorsed producer associations, which undertake the responsibility for adhering to the requisite regulations and finalizing a cooperative pact.
3. Submission of reports.
4. Settling the obligatory invoices.

 Authorized Representative

If a producer is situated outside the Netherlands and is not registered, they must designate a legal or natural entity registered within the Netherlands as an accredited representative. This representative will shoulder the responsibilities on the manufacturer’s behalf concerning compliance with the regulations outlined in the Extended Producer Accountability Edict. The authorized representative must meet the criteria specified in ministerial regulations.

Reporting Deadline

Representatives and enterprises operating in the Dutch market who wish to adhere to the regulations on recycling and disposal must present an annual report on products marketed in the industry by August 1, 2024.

Fines and Penalties

In accordance with the Dutch Environmental Management Act, enforcement can be carried out both through administrative measures and legal prosecution.

Extended producer responsibility for EEE in Netherlands

As per the WEEE Regulations implemented by the Dutch government on 10.12.2020, manufacturers or importers bear a degree of responsibility for handling waste produced by products that have been introduced to the market or are slated for introduction.

What the EEE encompasses

• Heat exchange equipment
• Devices with displays, monitors, and screens exceeding 100 cm²
• Illumination apparatus
• Large-sized equipment (any external dimension surpassing 50 cm)
• Compact apparatus (no external dimension surpassing 50 cm)
• Small IT and telecommunication devices (no external dimension surpassing 50 cm)

Who must register for EEE in Netherlands

All enterprises involved in the importation, vending, or production of electronic and electrical equipment or the recycling of electrical waste in the Netherlands are obligated to adhere to the regulations for end-of-life waste management and disposal.

Threshold

There exist no thresholds. Each enterprise engaged in activities associated with electrical and electronic equipment must conform to the rules of extended producer responsibility.

EPR Registration process

To adhere to the EPR regulations, you must follow these steps:

1. Enroll in the Dutch National WEEE Register to obtain an EPR certificate with the EPR identification number.
2. Companies or entrepreneurs can enlist with the collective compliance system (Producer Responsibility Organization) to mitigate their compliance commitments.
3. Present yearly reports.
4. Gather contributions.
5. Maintain operations with a sense of integrity.

Authorized representative

There are no requirements. Foreign companies that trade in electrical equipment in the Netherlands and wish to comply with the EPR rules can register themselves.

Reporting Deadline

Yearly reports regarding the sales of electronic products should be furnished by July 1. However, the compliance organization can establish its own cutoff, given that the Producer Responsibility Organization will be responsible for the companies to the state.