E3B and individual Computers stop selling hardware

[Schoenfeld]

Both companies, who became famous for innovative and powerful hardware expansions for classic Amiga computers, are forced to stop selling hardware until further notice due to changes in German law. No hardware is being shipped within the EU, neither to resellers, nor to direct customers.

According to the national implementation of EU-directive 2002/96/EG into German law (Bundesgesetzblatt 2005 Teil I Nr. 17), every vendor in Germany must be registered with the Stiftung EAR. For vendors from outside Germany, the importer must be registered, in case the vendor himself is not registered in Germany. This law applies to all electronic products that are mentioned in rule EAR 03-011, no matter what country they come from - within or outside the European union.

The new law aims at vendors and importers, who need to take resposibility for the electronic devices if they are discarded at the end of the product's life. Putting electronic devices into circulation without being registered (indicated by a trashcan symbol) is against German law since today, and can be penalized with a monetary fine of up to 50.000,- EUR.

Due to the complicated implementation by German authorities, it's not easy to estimate the consequences and the new obligations created by this law. In addition to that, the extremely high administration effort goes with high fees that must be paid to the Stiftung EAR - especially smaller companies' existance is endangered by the fees that are more than one hundred times higher than the recycling cost itself. individual computers and E3B, who have been developing and producing in Germany for many years, are now evaluating possibilities to comply with the strict rules in a close cooperation, so customers all over Europe can continue to buy top quality products from Germany. Both companies want to act responsible and sustainable in this regard.

Many issues are not yet resolved, therefore both companies cannot continue to deliver hardware to customers and resellers within the European union. Customers outside the EU are not affected by this decision.

We're hoping to proceed with the necessary steps in a timely manner. Unfortunately, the "Stiftung EAR" cannot cope with the bureaucracy created by their own rules, so our registration number is not yet assigned. We are of course interested in continuing to offer innovative products, and will do everything to keep the shortage as short as possible. We're asking for your indulgence for any inconveniences.

[Plaz]

Without knowing or understanding the details here, it sounds kind of nutty. Are car manufactures resposible for auto sold when they reach end of life? Clock manufactures, pillow manufacures? I agree that proper disposal and recycling are important and I support it. But what will this law do besides penalize the makers? Anyone have an easy explination in 100 words of less that I could understand? It seems an unfair law from where I read it.

Thanks
Plaz

[jj]

I agree recycling is important . But this ruling is fking stupid. Yet another crazy ruling from the idiots running europe.  I am all for europe uniting, by sharing trade, ideas, freedom of travel and  to work.  But I really think that is where it should end, I am sick to death of being told what i can eat and buy.

[dammy]

It sounds like a backdoor firewall for the big corporations against new competition.  They can afford to take such a hit in order to comply but the small OEMs can not.  Interesting way of keeping the field to the existing OEMs, make it impossible for small start ups to survive.

Guess the EU figures they don't need new companies to create new jobs.

Dammy

[kzin]

" Are car manufactures resposible for auto sold when they reach end of life? Clock manufactures, pillow manufacures?"

I saw a TV program, about how there is a shortage of second hand car parts in the EU due to it's cheaper to export the old cars out of the EU, than recycle em.

[weirdami]

If I read that right, they just can't sell to anyone in the EU. They should still be able to sell outside the EU. I don't see why it wouldn't be possible for them to ship their stuff to the USA or any other non-EU country while this whole stupidity is being sorted out. People in the EU would just then have to get someone to ship it back to them. Or, for best results, get out of (or disband, altogether) the EU.

[Jose]

Sick!! :pissed:
Would it be too difficult to just switch to another EU country ?

[textory]

I guess it's just another bureaucratic regulation tailor-made for the big players (Dell, Apple & Co.) in order to kick out of business small hardware companies. Recycling? Protection of environment? Lip service... :madashell:

[odin]

Sounds it's about time to start an umbrella company on the Cayman Islands or something.

[Argus]

I heard there is a new law to take place in 2006 in the EU for manufacturers to take back old cars once they are junked.  Naturally, Germany was the one country that voted against.

[weirdami]

The only thing that's going to happen with all this idiocy is that the prices of things are going to go higher because that's what happens when the cost of business goes up: businesses pass the cost on to the consumers. Cars in the EU might not be advertised with the higher price, but when you go to buy them, you're going to get hit with a "recycling surcharge". Probably the same with computers and whatever else has recycling facism thrust upon it. Want an accelerator card? Sure, we got 'em. 200 Euros is the price...oh, why is the bill for 300 Euros? You gotta pay for future recycling.

[amigakit]

@weirdami

Your correct - big companies such as HP, IBM, Apple etc can absorb a lot of recycling costs due to economies of scale but small innovative companies such as Individual and E3B cannot sustain these extra costs.