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

KT&G Q1 2026 Financial Results: Revenue at $1.156 Billion, E-Cigarettes to Launch Independent Overseas Expansion
KT&G Q1 2026 Financial Results: Revenue at $1.156 Billion, E-Cigarettes to Launch Independent Overseas Expansion
KT&G reports a 27.6% increase in Q1 operating profit, with traditional and new tobacco sectors driving growth.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands has outlined what the newly approved UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for retailers. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a wider range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers. Imperial Brands emphasized that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Trump’s Tobacco Investments and Industry Donations Draw Scrutiny as FDA Eases Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules
Trump’s Tobacco Investments and Industry Donations Draw Scrutiny as FDA Eases Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules
A report by KFF Health News says that as the Trump administration pursued a series of policies favorable to the nicotine and tobacco industry, President Donald Trump increased his holdings in tobacco companies while benefiting from substantial industry-linked political donations, prompting questions from public health advocates about potential conflicts of interest and regulatory direction.
Jun.12
Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
Scotland Plans to Remove Business Rates Relief From Vape Shops From 2027
The Scottish Government plans to remove business rates relief from vape shops from April 1, 2027, saying the measure is intended to ensure vape retailers contribute to the high street and align rates relief with public health commitments, while the impact on convenience stores that sell vaping products remains unclear.
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA Tobacco Center Pushes Review-Efficiency Statement After Commissioner’s Exit
FDA CTP issued a May 7 statement on accelerating product review and improving PMTA efficiency, but did not push it via official X and newsletter until May 13, one day after FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation was confirmed. FDA has not explained the delay, and no public evidence links it directly to the leadership change. The timing is notable given CTP’s usual 24-hour distribution practice.
Special Report
May.14
UK Local Council Proposes £5 Refundable Deposit on Vape Devices
UK Local Council Proposes £5 Refundable Deposit on Vape Devices
Norwich City Council is set to debate a proposed vape deposit scheme that would require consumers to pay an extra refundable £5 per device at purchase, with the money returned when the device is handed back, as recent recycling-facility fires, including a major Widnes blaze reportedly very likely caused by a vape, draw greater attention to the risks of improperly discarded lithium-battery devices.
Jul.01