TemaNord Restrictions on export of used EEE

The purpose of the report is to clarify the legal possibilities of restricting export of certain types of used EEE due to e.g. content of hazardous substances, energy consumption and/or limited market value. The focus is current environmental regulation and trade regulation which have been evaluated in order to identify if they can serve as the legal basis for setting restrictions on export. The analysis concentrates on the legal framework of trade within the rules of the internal market in the EU and the legal concept of the WTO that regulates trade between countries worldwide. The report concludes that waste regulation has very limited possibilities in regards to restricting export of used EEE. In regards to trade restrictions, it cannot be ruled out that such restrictions can be adopted in accordance with the rules of the internal market in the EU and the legal concept of WTO.