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

Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Thailand’s latest national health survey shows a sharp increase in e-cigarette use among people under 30, particularly among female adolescents. Researchers found that vaping has not reduced overall tobacco harm and has instead driven growth in new nicotine users, with younger ages of initiation. Public health experts urged sustained enforcement and comprehensive policies centred on banning e-cigarettes, strengthening law enforcement and expanding public awareness to protect children and youth.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Chinese vape exports to the U.S. jumped from about 2.2 million kg in June to 14.8 million kg in October 2025, despite tougher enforcement, the Washington Examiner reported. 2Firsts finds the surge reflects delayed bulk shipments, not demand recovery. With U.S. inventory exceeding 160 million devices and distributors paying ~10% upfront, cash-flow stress has shifted to Chinese manufacturers, and discounted stock is spilling into other markets.
Dec.14 by Echo Duo
Australia: NSW police and ABF seize illicit tobacco and vapes worth over A$1.6 million in Sydney’s southwest
Australia: NSW police and ABF seize illicit tobacco and vapes worth over A$1.6 million in Sydney’s southwest
In Australia’s New South Wales, a joint operation in Sydney’s southwest led to the seizure of illicit tobacco and vape products valued at over A$1.6 million (about US$1.09 million) from a warehouse in Riverwood.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Launches Limited-Edition “Purple Dusk” Colorway for Ploom AURA, Priced at JPY 2,980
Japan Tobacco Launches Limited-Edition “Purple Dusk” Colorway for Ploom AURA, Priced at JPY 2,980
Japan Tobacco has launched the fourth installment of its limited-color series for the Ploom AURA heated-tobacco device, unveiling “Purple Dusk” . Priced at JPY 2,980 (about USD 18.7, tax included), it goes on limited early sale via official channels from Jan 13, before rolling out to convenience stores and other retail outlets across Japan from Jan 20.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban
Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban
Malaysia is accelerating efforts toward a nationwide ban on vaping, with the Health Ministry aiming to finalise the policy by 2026. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Cabinet has already agreed in principle to move toward a ban, stressing that the issue is no longer whether vaping will be banned, but when.
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangladesh enforces a complete ban on e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products, with jail and heavy fines
Bangladesh enforces a complete ban on e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products, with jail and heavy fines
UNB reports that Bangladesh has imposed a complete ban on e-cigarettes, vapes, and other emerging tobacco products as the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use Control (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 has come into effect.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai