Germany's New Electrical Law Amendment Fails to Bring Real Change

Oct.10.2024
Germany's New Electrical Law Amendment Fails to Bring Real Change
Germany's DUH criticizes new electrical law amendment as lacking substantial change, calling for higher e-waste recycling rates and more incentives.

According to Press Portal, the German environmental aid agency (DUH) believes that the newly passed amendment to the "Electricity Act" has failed to bring about any substantial change.


Barbara Metz, Federal Executive Director of the German Environmental Protection Association (DUH), stated that...


Through this fake revision, basically all content has not changed. The legally required 65% electronic waste recycling rate can still be underestimated without any consequences. The current industry recycling rate allows some manufacturers to hide behind it, and the current recycling rate is only about 30%, far below the standard. We demand that every manufacturer must meet the prescribed recycling rate. In the future, all sales points can return disposable e-cigarette, but this is far from enough. As long as there are no incentives for consumers to recycle in stores, these small electronic devices will continue to harm the environment. We demand a comprehensive ban on disposable e-cigarettes. At the same time, the situation of reusing is completely ignored. Only 1.7% of collected old devices are refurbished for reuse. We call for mandatory quotas for electronic device reuse, similar to the practices in Spain or Belgium.


In addition, DUH is calling for a deposit system to be implemented for lithium-ion batteries.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Arizona Moves to Tighten Vape Supply-Chain Enforcement, Targeting Illicit Products
Arizona Moves to Tighten Vape Supply-Chain Enforcement, Targeting Illicit Products
Arizona state Sen. Shawnna Bolick introduced SB 1397 to curb illicit vapes by tracing product origins, intercepting illegal shipments, and cracking down on retailers that violate state law. The proposal would require manufacturers to hold a state license to sell in Arizona, with fines up to $10,000 for unlicensed sales.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan is considering administrative penalties for the use, import, export, production, wholesale and retail sale, and storage for sale of e-cigarettes, including confiscation of products. The proposed amendments were discussed at a parliamentary committee meeting. The draft sets fine ranges for individuals, officials, and legal entities, and introduces a separate fine for vaping in prohibited places and public areas.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Deputy Mikhail Ivanov delivers a lesson on the harms of vapes to Sormovo school students
Deputy Mikhail Ivanov delivers a lesson on the harms of vapes to Sormovo school students
According to the United Russia Nizhny Novgorod branch website, Nizhny Novgorod City Duma deputy chair Mikhail Ivanov (Mikhail Ivanov) spoke to students at School No. 78 about the harms of vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems and nicotine-free liquids, stressing that such topics should be discussed with children “honestly” and “only with facts.”
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
Tennessee’s “Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act” Would Require New Licenses for Tobacco and Vapes
A newly introduced Tennessee bill, S.B. 2086, would create a statewide tobacco product retail licensing system, move oversight to the Tennessee Alcohol Commission, and impose fees and escalating penalties. The proposal also requires all tobacco product sales to occur as in-person, over-the-counter transactions at licensed locations—effectively banning direct-to-consumer shipping of cigars and potentially restricting curbside or phone-order pickup models.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
Swedish Match, a unit of Philip Morris International (PMI), will close its office in Richmond, Virginia, in April 2026 and eliminate 135 positions. PMI said the move is tied to adjustments in its U.S. operating footprint.
Feb.03
West Virginia Bill Seeks to Replace Per-mL Vape Liquid Tax With 50% Sales-Price Tax
West Virginia Bill Seeks to Replace Per-mL Vape Liquid Tax With 50% Sales-Price Tax
West Virginia proposes tax rate adjustments on e-cigarette devices and e-liquids, with penalties for late reporting. Effective from July 1, 2026.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai