Comply with the legal rules regarding electrical appliances

Are you an entrepreneur who sells appliances, lamps, or batteries on the Dutch market? Then you may have to deal with ‘producer responsibility’. This is the case if, for example, you purchase the items outside the Dutch borders (intra-community acquisition). If you fall under this scheme, you’re legally obligated to collect and process these items in a safe and responsible manner.

Stichting OPEN

You don’t have to go at it alone. Sign up with Stichting OPEN, a Dutch organisation that shapes this manufacturer responsibility on behalf of importers and manufacturers of appliances, batteries, and lamps. Stichting OPEN collaborates with collection, sorting, recycling, and other chain partners. Great for the environment, since parts, materials, and raw materials aren’t wasted but retained or even reused. These rules also apply to partners. They’re listed here.

Rules for manufacturers and importers: register with and report to Stichting OPEN

To find out whether the rules associated with manufacturer responsibility also apply to you, you must be able to answer ‘yes’ to at least 1 of the following questions:

• Do you produce electrical appliances in the Netherlands and put them on the market in the Netherlands?
• Do you buy electrical appliances abroad and put them on the Dutch market?
• Are you based abroad and do you sell electrical appliances directly to Dutch consumers?

It’s good to know that almost all items that use electricity – so all appliances with a plug or a place for a battery – fall under this scheme. When in doubt, contact Stichting OPEN. Click here for more information and the FAQ about Stichting Open.