The national Belgian WEEE take back scheme Recupel published updated information on obligations for online marketplaces that put products onto the market in Belgium.
Starting from 29.03.2025, WEEE obligations are also set for the operators of online marketplaces, specifically to inform producers and importers (hereinafter “sellers”) selling electronics to consumers and end-users through their sales platform, in writing, about their legal EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) obligations and to verify whether these sellers comply with those legal obligations by an affiliation with Recupel or by having an individual waste management plan in each of the regions.
What do operators of marketplaces need to do?
In addition to inform the sellers about their EPR obligations, as an operator of an online marketplace, you must check whether new or already active sellers on your sales platform are members of Recupel or have an individual waste management plan. If the sellers are members of Recupel, you can allow them to sell electronics via your sales platform. Membership at Recupel can be verified via the membership list. If they are not members, you must refuse the sellers access to your sales platform.
Do you not wish to do this? As an operator of an online marketplace, you can also choose to assume the obligations related to the extended producer responsibility (EPR) of sellers active on your sales platform if they are not affiliated with Recupel.
EPR means that, in addition to the reporting obligation, as an online marketplace you must also comply with the requirements related to the (cost-free) take-back obligation and the annual reporting of what the sellers/online marketplace have removed from the market in terms of waste from EEE. The online marketplace will also be required to pay the Recupel contributions for the appliances sold in Belgium to consumers and end-users through its sales platform.
If you have any questions on packaging, WEEE or battery compliance in Belgium please do not hesitate to contact the Go4Recycling team.