With upcoming environmental regulations placing increasing pressure on electronics and electrical (E&E) brands’ sustainability performance, responsible resource management and waste reduction will come into focus in the years ahead. The electronics industry, known for its environmental impact, presents significant challenges due to various factors:
- Mining and Extraction Concerns: The extraction of precious Earths for materials and the use of non-biodegradable substances contribute to environmental degradation.
- Recycling Issues: Insufficient recycling infrastructure leads to inefficient resource utilization and exacerbates environmental harm.
- Carbon Emissions: Production-stage carbon emissions significantly contribute to the overall carbon footprint of electronic devices.
While precious metals and rare earths are commonly used in electrical devices, these valuable materials are often not reclaimed in e-waste, leading to further environmental damage through material extraction for new products. Effective e-waste management not only reduces environmental harm but also presents economic opportunities through the reuse of valuable materials in the supply chain.
AGEC law in France: A regulatory milestone
Governments worldwide are increasingly aware of the issues around e-waste, as well as the economic benefits to an established recycling infrastructure for E&E products. One government has already applied regulation in this area.
In 2020, France enacted the AGEC, which targets waste reduction and the advancement of a circular economy. AGEC law, or the “Anti-Waste law for a Circular Economy,” is geared towards preserving biodiversity and natural resources by limiting waste. It has short, medium, and long-term objectives to incentivise businesses spanning various industries to reduce waste and embrace circular practices.
An essential aspect of AGEC is the requirement to disclose the presence of precious metals and rare earths in E&E items through a Product Sheet of Environmental Qualities and Characteristics, as stipulated in Decree No. 2022-748 of 04/29/2022. Alongside other environmental disclosures, companies are obliged to indicate whether the electrical products they are introducing to the French market contain precious metals or rare earths on Product Sheet of Environmental Qualities and Characteristics.
It is anticipated that by providing this information on the product, consumers will be empowered to select products with reduced environmental impact. However, more importantly, it will facilitate efficient recycling of valuable materials in products at their end of their life stage, thereby fostering a circular economy.
This approach will therefore enable the reclamation and reuse of precious metals and rare earths in the production of new E&E products.
Who is in scope of this regulation?
AGEC is relevant to E&E companies that sell their products in the French market, encompassing both online retail platforms and brick-and-mortar stores. AGEC establishes progressively stringent requirements for businesses, based on turnover and unit volume. Companies are caught within the scope of Decree No. 2022-748 of 04/29/2022 if they meet the below criteria:
- An annual turnover of more than 50 million euros selling more than 25,000 units. Businesses achieving these figures needed to begin complying with the regulation on 1st January 2023.
- An annual turnover of more than 20 million euros selling more than 10,000 units. Businesses achieving these figures needed to begin complying with the regulation on 1st January 2024.
- An annual turnover of more than 10 million euros selling more than 10,000 units. Businesses achieving these figures needed to begin complying with the regulation on 1st January 2025.
Achieving compliance with Eurofins testing solutions
Eurofins offers tailored testing solutions to assist electronics companies in complying with France’s AGEC law. Our services include precise testing for the precious metals and rare earths listed in the regulation, ensuring compliance with this innovative piece of legislation.
By partnering with Eurofins, businesses can:
- Obtain accurate and reliable testing results to meet AGEC requirements.
- Streamline compliance processes and avoid penalties associated with non-compliance.
- Demonstrate commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Contact Eurofins for sustainable solutions
France’s AGEC law represents a significant step in addressing e-waste and promoting a circular economy. Compliance with its stringent requirements is essential for businesses across various sectors. Eurofins E&E testing Services offer a comprehensive solution to help companies meet these obligations efficiently and effectively. By choosing Eurofins, businesses can ensure their compliance with France’s AGEC law, contribute to environmental protection, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.
For any enquiries about precious metal testing, rare earth testing, AGEC law, or other sustainability-focused matters, please contact our sustainability services team.
