IMI

**WEEE in Switzerland -- Recycling of Electronic and Electrical Waste**

**INTRODUCTION**

Switzerland is not a member of the EU and, as such, does not apply EU
regulations and standards for the recycling of electric and electronic
waste. Switzerland has had a relevant recycling system in place for some
ten years. The system has been the result of a private sector initiative
seeking a hands-on solution with a minimum of bureaucratic red tape. The
Swiss government, in the meantime, adopted the system which is well
established and provided the needed legal back-up by means of a law
which has been in effect since January 1, 2005.

**How does the system work?**

Retailers of electronic and electric equipment and peripheral supplies
(e.g. cables and contacts) are requested to collect a recycling fee from
the consumer which is integrated in the retail price. The fees are then
paid to two trade associations (see below) which use these funds to
finance the recycling. All relevant retailers in Switzerland do have the
obligation to take back any used or broken equipment and supplies at no
charge. They, in-turn, keep the returned items ready for pick-up by the
recycling companies.

**Relevant trade associations**

a\. **SWICO** is the trade association charged with the recycling of
anything related to IT, HiFi equipment, electronic instruments (e.g.
scientific and laboratory instruments) as well as relevant cables,
contacts, etc. The recycling fee has been a percentage of the sales
price of the product and will now be changed to a flat fee as of
September 2005. The exact amounts can be found on a table as well as any
other relevant guidelines on the SWICO homepage in English. Homepage:
**[www.swico.ch]{.underline}**

b\. **SENS** is the trade association in charge of the recycling of
household appliances and similar equipment. It applies an identical
system like SWICO and already operates with flat fees. Any relevant
information may be obtained in English on the association homepage:
**[www.sens.ch]{.underline}**

**Registration**

A registration is not required. However, voluntary registration is
possible at no cost with the relevant associations.

**Labelling**

There is no labeling requirement.

**What are the responsibilities of American companies selling to
Switzerland?**

a\. Companies with an office in Switzerland selling directly to
consumers and end-users have to collect the relevant recycling fee for
payment to SWICO or SENS.

b\. Companies which do have a local Swiss representative have no
obligations at all. The recycling fees, in that case, have to be
collected by the representative (for direct sales to the end user) or by
the retailers.

c\. Companies selling directly from the U.S. (e.g. via Internet) to
consumers and end-users in Switzerland should also collect and pay the
recycling fee. In particular, companies which sell to Swiss clients on a
regular basis and which, as a result, have a certain sales volume should
look into this matter. One way would be to register voluntarily and free
of charge with one or the two associations. The associations are willing
and flexible to work out mutually convenient solutions.

d\. There seem to be service organizations in the U.S. and Canada which
offer relevant services (collection of the fees, payment, etc.).

**Please note** that the associations act on behalf of the government.
They do have the right to request relevant documents and proofs if there
were suspicions that the rules are not respected. Legal action is
possible in cases of extreme and syst