SERI issues reminder on downstream audit process

The electronics recycling standards organization Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) has issued a reminder to e-scrap recyclers that its downstream vendor qualifications process could require more effort than they initially perceive.

In a report updated at the end of January, SERI writes in part, “The qualifications for a non-R2v3 downstream vendor [are] much more comprehensive since the non-R2v3 facility has not gone through the scrutiny of the R2 audit and certification process.”

Minnesota-based SERI characterizes the same downstream qualifications process as “streamlined” for an R2v3 certified vendor, “since they have already been through the scrutiny of the R2 audit and certification process.”

On its web page, the organization also refers to aspects of “Appendix A:  Transparency vs. Downstream Vendor Qualifications” document as a source of guidance.

SERI says it has found that a “common area of misunderstanding” relative to its downstream vendor requirements involves attempts to qualify such vendors, “but not completing the transparency requirements.”

“Using R2v3 certified facilities can streamline the requirements for qualifying downstream vendors and for tracking the downstream recycling chain," the organization says. "However, when facilities choose to stop tracking at the first R2v3 certified facility, they must be sure to register their downstream recycling chain with SERI.”