Products of concern & producer responsibility
What is a product of concern?
A product of concern (problem product) is a product which, or the waste of which, can cause harm to human health, the environment, or property if used incorrectly or if its waste is managed improperly.
The following product groups are classified as products of concern:
- Batteries and accumulators;
- Electrical and electronic equipment;
- Tyres;
- Motor vehicles and their components;
- Agricultural plastic;
- Wet wipes;
- Balloons;
- Tobacco products with filters and filters marketed for use with tobacco products;
- Fishing gear containing plastic.
Some products may be linked to multiple categories of products of concern simultaneously. For example, a power tool is considered electrical and electronic equipment and may also contain an accumulator.
It is essential for a company to understand whether a product it manufactures, imports, sells, or leases is classified as a product of concern. An obligation may arise even if products of concern make up only a small part of the company's business activities.
Important to know concerning this step
No, it does not. The obligation to register in PROTO can arise even if handling products of concern is only a minor part of the company's activities.
For example, an obligation may arise for a company that:
- Sells equipment that contains accumulators;
- Imports vehicle components;
- Orders tyres from abroad;
- Sells electronics in an online store;
- Places products classified as products of concern on the market under its own trademark.
Waste generated from products of concern may contain substances or materials that require separate collection and treatment. Specific requirements help ensure that this waste does not end up among municipal waste and is instead collected, treated, and recovered properly.
Contacts
Have you wondered whether your company’s product is classified as a problematic product?
Write to the Environment Agency or visit the Problematic Products Register website.