A joint statement by NGOs including the WEEE Forum warns that Green Deal ambition for sustainable products are threatened by “gaping online sales loophole.”
United NGOs and industry associations, including the WEEE Forum, warn that millions of products sold online including textiles, electronics, furniture, and cosmetics will be able to escape the EU framework on product sustainability currently being negotiated.
The statement said: “Some online sellers will undermine the Green Deal by dodging current and future EU legislation without having to face any consequences.”
The online sale of goods to consumers in cases where traders are located outside of the EU and do not have an EU-based economic operator that can be held liable for the traders’ products and activities presents a serious loophole for Green Deal policies attempting to improve product sustainability, the statement said.
Key recommendations by the group include that “Online marketplaces should have distinct obligations to ensure that either traders selling on their platform meet ESPR requirements or the traders demonstrate that they have a liable economic operator registered in the EU or EEA” and “Enforcement on non-EU retailers who sell directly to EU consumers should be increased, with the potential to block parcels and/or their vendors’ sites which demonstrate non-compliance.”
The full statement can be read here.
