British Group Welcomes ELV Regulations

Following lengthy negotiations, automobile manufacturers in the United Kingdom have welcomed the news that End of Life Producer Responsibility Regulations 2005 have been laid before the British Parliament. The rules clarify what manufacturers must do to provide free take-back of ELV, beginning Jan. 1, 2007. The regulations set targets for recycling and reuse of scrap automobiles.

Christopher Macgowan, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said, “The regulation presents a challenging framework for vehicle manufacturers, but we are determined to meet our obligations under the new rules. The scheme, where each producer takes responsibility for ensuring there are facilities to take-back their vehicles, is a common sense approach. It is the simplest and most cost-effective solution for vehicle makers and most convenient for last owners.”

Key points clarified by the regulation are:

Producers must submit their network plan for Authorized Treatment Facilities and/or collection points to DTI by Aug. 31, 2005

Networks must be operational by Jan. 1, 2006, with free take-back obligation starting Jan. 1, 2007

The nearest ATF must be on average within 10 miles of 75 percent of owners, and within 30 miles of all owners

Producers will not be responsible for costs of transporting to an ATF but may offer greater flexibility in remote locations

Producer responsibility for free take-back extends only to vehicles that are presented at ATF as complete and free of other waste materials

Personal importers will assume responsibility for imports

85 percent of vehicles by weight must be recycled or reused, with targets to be monitored by SMMT and DTI, based on certificates of destruction

Responsibility for brands with no current producer will be the subject of further consultation between the industry and Secretary of State.