Implementation of the WEEE Directive in the UK 

The UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has published an update on the implementation timetable for the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment ("WEEE") Directive in the UK.

The DTI announced on 10 August 2005 that the main producer responsibility and retailer take-back obligations under the WEEE Directive will now come into force in the UK from June 2006. It is expected that producer registration will take place in January and February 2006. Prior to this announcement, these requirements were all intended to come into force in January 2006.

In its announcement, the DTI states that the UK Regulations that will implement the WEEE Directive will come into force "in the next few weeks". Importantly, obligations to place an identifying mark on new electrical and electronic equipment (in the form of a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol) are expected to commence from the date of implementation of the UK Regulations.