ETIRA Calls for Urgent Action on Non-Compliant E-Commerce Imports

March 19, 2025

 ETIRA welcomes the European Parliament’s strong stance against non-compliant e-commerce imports, which continue to undermine fair competition and endanger consumer safety. The Own Initiative Report on Product Safety and Regulatory Compliance in E-Commerce and Non-EU Imports highlights the urgent need to close loopholes that allow online marketplaces to sell low-cost office imaging consumables while avoiding EU duties, WEEE take-back obligations, and other compliance requirements.

The rise of online marketplaces has created a free-for-all for non-EU sellers, many of whom operate outside the reach of EU regulators. They ship cartridges and toners in small parcels, often misdeclared to evade customs duties, safety checks, and environmental regulations. Meanwhile, European remanufacturers must comply with strict WEEE, REACH, and RoHS regulations, invest in take-back schemes, and ensure their products meet the highest safety and environmental standards.

Graph created by ETIRA, based on data from the European Parliament’s 2025 report on e-commerce and regulatory compliance.

In 2024, 4.6 billion small e-commerce parcels entered the EU under the €150 customs duty exemption, double the figure from 2023 and triple that of 2022. Many of these shipments bypassed customs checks, flooding the market with cheap, disposable imaging consumables that do not meet EU safety and environmental standards. The cost to European businesses has been immense, with legitimate remanufacturers struggling to compete against products that are neither taxed nor required to meet EU sustainability regulations.

To tackle this growing problem, the European Parliament has proposed urgent reforms. A key recommendation is the removal of the €150 customs duty exemption, which has been widely exploited by non-EU sellers to undercut compliant European businesses. Ending this exemption will ensure that all imports, regardless of value, are subject to the same tax and regulatory requirements, creating a fairer competitive environment.

Another critical measure is stronger enforcement by customs and market surveillance authorities. Current enforcement efforts are inadequate, as authorities lack the resources to inspect the sheer volume of small parcels entering the EU. Many of these products are non-compliant, yet they pass through customs unchecked. Greater investment in customs controls, data-sharing, and regulatory oversight is urgently needed to ensure that non-compliant products are identified and stopped before they reach the market. More testing facilities for e-commerce products would help to identify non-compliant goods before they enter the single market. And new technology can help to enhance enforcement: AI, blockchain, and IoT are essential for improving e-commerce regulation and market surveillance to monitor product listings, automate inspections, and perform risk assessments.

The report also highlights the responsibility of online marketplaces in tackling this issue. Many of these platforms operate as intermediaries rather than direct importers, allowing them to sidestep liability for non-compliant products. The European Parliament calls for stricter rules that hold platforms accountable for ensuring that all products sold on their sites meet EU safety, environmental, and tax requirements. If a marketplace profits from the sale of these products, it must also share in the responsibility for compliance.

ETIRA Calls for Industry-Wide Action to Tackle Non-Compliant Printer Cartridges

February 26, 2025

The European Toner & Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) is calling on all responsible stakeholders across the European market—remanufacturers, OEMs, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, repair and recycling businesses, public sector buyers, and environmental organisations—to join us in demanding urgent action from the European Commission.

Every year, millions of non-compliant and illegal printer cartridges flood into the EU, bypassing essential environmental and safety regulations. These products undermine the circular economy, threaten consumer safety, and cripple legitimate businesses that invest in sustainability. Without a strong, coordinated response, Europe’s vision for a greener, fairer printing market will be lost to non-compliant imports and unsustainable practices.

The Crisis We Must Address

  • Illegal and non-compliant cartridges dominate the market, evading Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, failing REACH and CLP safety requirements, and misleading consumers with fake certifications.
  • The share of genuine remanufactured cartridges has plummeted, forcing many remanufacturers out of business and costing thousands of green jobs.
  • The European Commission’s studies confirm that cartridge reuse could reach 85%, yet this target remains unachievable without action against illegal imports.

Our Demands for a Fairer and Greener Market

ETIRA is calling on the European Commission to:

✅ Prioritise enforcement by designating printer cartridges as a Priority Control Area (PCA), ensuring proper oversight by Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

✅ Hold online marketplaces accountable for enabling the sale of non-compliant products, making them share responsibility for compliance enforcement.

✅ Introduce a system similar to the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for printer cartridges, ensuring transparency, compliance verification, and informed consumer choices.

✅ Strengthen border controls and customs enforcement to prevent non-compliant products from entering the EU market.

✅ Embed sustainable public procurement rules to ensure that public sector buyers prioritise genuine remanufactured products over disposable, non-compliant imports.

✅ Increase funding and resources for Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) to enforce compliance effectively.

Join the Campaign – Let’s Demand Change Together!

Button to co-sign the letter.

No single organisation can win this fight alone. We need the entire European printing industry to stand together. Whether you are a remanufacturer, an OEM, a distributor, a retailer, or a business committed to sustainability, your voice matters.

📢 ETIRA is calling on all stakeholders to unite and campaign for stricter enforcement, fair competition, and real sustainability in the European market.

📧 Contact ETIRA today at info(at)etira.org, to support our campaign, co-sign our letter to the EU, and help shape the future of our industry. Together, we can ensure a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable future for printing in Europe.

🔗 Spread the word! Please share this message, co-sign our letter to the EU, and stand with ETIRA.

Co-Signatories: 

Belgium:
ETIRA European Toner & Inkjet Remanufacturers’ Association
Recyca BV

Germany:
CM Printing GmbH
Delacamp

Italy:
PACTO Association
Refilservice srl
Sapi SRL

Spain:
IMEX EU Trading SL
GENERAL MACHINES TECHNOLOGY, S.L.

United Kingdom
ECS – Effective Consumable Solutions
Honest Inks Ltd.
Keypoint Intelligence

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Circular Planet: A Closed-Loop Farce Disguised as Sustainability?

January 22, 2025

Circular Planet, the much-celebrated OEM-led cartridge collection initiative, recently marked its first anniversary, hailing the collection of 2.6 million print consumables and boasting that nearly 40% were “sent back to OEMs for reuse.” On the surface, it seems like a sustainability success story, but upon closer inspection, this programme raises significant concerns.

What Does “Reuse” Actually Mean?

The term “reuse” is at the heart of Circular Planet’s claims, but its meaning is far from clear. Does it mean cartridges are reused as cartridges — cleaned, refilled, and returned to market? Or does it refer to the mere recycling of parts? The lack of clarity leaves room for significant greenwashing.

Moreover, sending 40% of the collected cartridges “back to OEMs” does not guarantee they are reused in any meaningful way. OEMs could just as easily dismantle, recycle, or even discard these cartridges without ever returning them to their intended purpose. Without transparency or third-party oversight, these claims of “reuse” seem hollow at best and misleading at worst.

Numbers That Don’t Add Up

Circular Planet’s collection of 2.6 million cartridges represents less than 1% of the estimated 300–400 million OEM cartridges placed on the European market annually. Of those, only around one million cartridges were supposedly “reused” — a figure that pales in comparison to the programme’s lofty sustainability rhetoric.

And what about the logistics? The idea of cartridges collected in southern Spain being sent to the Netherlands, processed at a Polish facility, and then returned to the original printer in Spain raises serious questions about economic, environmental, and social benefits. Is this truly circularity, or just a wasteful shuffle masked as sustainability?

Undermining the Reuse Sector

For over 25 years, independent remanufacturers have championed true circularity by reusing cartridges multiple times, reducing waste and lowering environmental impact. In contrast, Circular Planet centralises cartridge returns to OEMs, cutting off access to high-quality reusable cores for the independent sector.

For every cartridge collected under Circular Planet, one less cartridge is available for independent remanufacturers, who have long demonstrated their commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of print consumables. This monopolisation of the cartridge lifecycle undermines open circularity and exacerbates the supply shortage, leaving smaller players in the reuse sector struggling to survive.

A Veil for Unfair Competition?

OEM control of the cartridge collection and reuse process raises serious questions about anti-competitive practices. By monopolising access to used cartridges, OEMs can restrict independent remanufacturers from competing, stifling consumer choice and driving up costs. This lack of competition benefits no one except the OEMs themselves.

Is this a collaborative sustainability effort, or simply a cartel-like operation disguised as an environmental initiative? The absence of freely available empty cores and transparent pricing reinforces these concerns.

The Way Forward

Circular Planet’s first year has revealed what’s possible — and what’s problematic. If the programme is to genuinely contribute to a sustainable future, it must redefine its approach:

  • Clarify “Reuse”: The term must unequivocally mean reuse as a cartridge, not mere recycling or disposal of parts.
  • Ensure Transparency: Independent audits must verify the fate of collected cartridges, holding OEMs accountable.
  • Collaborate with the Reuse Sector: Circularity must involve all stakeholders, not just a monopolistic few.

At ETIRA, we call for a balanced approach that upholds the principles of the circular economy, ensuring sustainability is not just a corporate PR exercise. The next chapter of Circular Planet must be about inclusivity and genuine environmental stewardship. Let’s hold them accountable to that standard.

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ETIRA’s 2025 Vision: Tackling Non-Compliance and Championing Sustainability

January 13, 2025

As Europe’s office imaging market enters 2025, ETIRA calls for more vigorous enforcement and a unified push towards sustainable, compliant remanufacturing.

The European office imaging market faces a pivotal year in 2025, marked as a tipping point where rising economic pressures and tightening regulations reshape the industry. The European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) is intensifying its efforts to tackle long-standing challenges and seize emerging opportunities for its members.

“2025 will test our industry’s resilience,” said Javier Martinez, ETIRA president. “But it’s also a chance to double down on compliance, sustainability, and fair competition.”

The Compliance Battle Intensifies

A top priority for ETIRA is addressing the ongoing influx of non-compliant imports. Despite years of advocacy, cartridges failing to meet EU standards—lacking CE markings, WEEE registration, or REACH compliance—continue to dominate market share, often entering through online platforms.

ETIRA highlights a growing EU-wide effort to hold online marketplaces accountable. An Online Sales Compliance team at the European Parliament is actively working to make platforms fully responsible for the products sold. ETIRA is engaging with this team to drive progress and align strategies.

“The unchecked flow of non-compliant imports undermines everything we’re working towards,” said Martinez. “2025 must be the year we see stronger enforcement and penalties across all EU member states.”

ETIRA urges greater collaboration among national authorities, industry stakeholders, and EU institutions like ECHA (REACH) and Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) to eliminate regulatory loopholes and penalize offenders.

Sustainability as a Growth Driver

With the EU’s circular economy agenda gaining momentum, 2025 represents a significant opportunity for compliant remanufacturers. ETIRA is championing remanufactured cartridges as cost-effective, environmentally responsible alternatives perfectly aligned with EU sustainability goals.

“The demand for sustainable solutions is growing, and remanufactured cartridges are ideally positioned to meet that demand,” said Martinez.

ETIRA strongly advocates for the inclusion of product criteria similar to those envisioned for Digital Product Passports (DPPs). These criteria would provide essential information about a product’s compliance, sustainability credentials, and remanufacturing history, empowering buyers to make informed choices.

Economic Challenges in 2025

The backdrop for ETIRA’s efforts is a challenging economic environment. Corporate bankruptcies surged in 2024, and the new year brings heightened inflation, rising energy costs, and interest rates.

These pressures are influencing office imaging sector trends. Businesses are increasingly opting for remanufactured cartridges as value-driven alternatives while delaying investments in new printers, relying instead on existing equipment.

“This environment reinforces the need for high-quality, compliant remanufactured consumables,” said Martinez. “But it also underscores the importance of fair competition—non-compliant products hurt both the environment and the economy.”

Looking Forward: ETIRA’s 2025 Agenda

ETIRA’s roadmap for 2025 includes:

  • Advocacy for Fair Competition: Collaborating with EU institutions to strengthen enforcement against non-compliant imports and create a level playing field.
  • Promoting Sustainability: Raising awareness about the benefits of remanufactured cartridges in achieving EU circular economy targets.
  • Digital Product Passport-Type Information: Championing DPP-like product information to enhance market transparency and reward compliant businesses.
  • Supporting Members: Providing resources and advocacy to help remanufacturers navigate economic and regulatory challenges.

A Vision for the Future

As Europe’s office imaging market adapts to the complexities of 2025, ETIRA remains committed to protecting and promoting its members’ interests. The association aims to secure a stronger, more competitive future by prioritising compliance, sustainability, and collaboration.

“2025 is a year of action,” said Martinez. “If we work together, we can overcome challenges and ensure a thriving, sustainable remanufacturing industry.”

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ETIRA: New Non-OEM Cartridges – A Threat to Compliance, Sustainability, and Public Health

November 28, 2024

Recent compliance checks reveal widespread violations of EU regulations, endangering the environment and the health of citizens.

BRUSSELS/BREDA – 28 November 2024—The European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) has issued an urgent warning to European buyers: new non-OEM cartridges are high-risk and often blatantly illegal. ETIRA investigations revealed that 75% of these products fail to meet EU standards, with only 8% fully compliant. In contrast, remanufactured OEM cartridges performed significantly better, with 85% meeting most or all regulations.

Key Findings from ETIRA’s Compliance Checks

From July to November 2024, ETIRA reviewed approx. 50 new non-OEM toner and remanufactured OEM cartridges across Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Romania, Spain, and Italy. Products were sourced from major suppliers, including Plate Bürobedarf, Kaut-Bullinger, Ribbex, Backhausen, HQ-Patronen GmbH, TonerPartner GmbH, “Stefan Brogno tintendienst.de,” Tonerdumping., Hispamicro, Muchocartucho, Inkcloud, Inforpor (Xerox), Linsed, Life 365 Italy, Alphaink, Ecostore, Buffetti, TS Bohemia, Mall/Allegro, and Compatible cz.

Key results:

New Non-OEM Cartridges:

  • 75% failed basic documentary compliance checks regarding permanent CE and Wheelie bin marks, entry in the national WEEE registry, and, where required, packaging registry and Declaration of Conformity.
  • Packaging frequently lacked accurate supplier information, or only listed suppliers outside the EU.
  • Often carried the CE logo without meeting the EU standards it stands for
  • Instances of false labelling as being a remanufactured OEM product

One of the most troubling findings was the non-compliance of products purchased from Ribbex, a prominent supplier in Germany. Cartridges in boxes labelled as “Rebuilt” and “Made in Germany” were, in fact, new non-OEM cartridges imported from SE Asia by a Portuguese entity.

Remanufactured OEM Cartridges:

85% were relatively compliant, with only one supplier missing from the national WEEE registry.

Hazardous Practices Continue

These findings echo ETIRA’s product tests performed in the past, which showed new non-OEM toner cartridges often failed hazardous chemical checks, including decaBDE and toner emissions. These products endanger public health, the environment, and legitimate businesses.

ETIRA Demands Stronger Enforcement

ETIRA is taking decisive action by reporting violations to national market surveillance authorities and exposing buyers of non-compliant products.

“The EU’s circular economy demands stronger enforcement against hazardous chemicals and illegal goods,” said Javier Martinez, ETIRA President. “Over 30% of the market is illegal, threatening fair competition, environmental care, and consumer health—urgent action is essential.”

What Buyers Should Know

ETIRA reminds buyers and suppliers that non-OEM cartridges must comply with REACH, WEEE, and other EU directives. Importers are responsible for ensuring compliance, and failure to do so risks legal penalties.

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ETIRA Raises Concerns Over Misuse of Certification by ECOService

October 1, 2024

ETIRA, the European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association has made an official complaint to the International Testing and Certification body (ITC SRL) regarding the misuse of certification labels by the Italian company ECOService. ETIRA’s concerns relate to the improper use of the ITC label.

As confirmed by ITC, their labels do not hold any accreditation of, nor can they issue certifications regarding ecolables or even specific products. However, it appears ECOService is applying its ITC certificate as if it is an ecolabel certifying its toner and inkjet products.

Following our protest, ITC acknowledged that the ECOService certification in question is merely a “Certificate of Conformity” to an internal ITC document ITC/03/23, tied to CAM requirements, but in no way an official ecolabel or product certification.

Public tenders in Italy, a common platform for the procurement of remanufactured cartridges, often stipulate the need for Class 1 ecolabels. This requirement, while promoting sustainability, has inadvertently fostered a culture of misuse by many companies, including ECOService. For the last 3 years, ETIRA has brought to light instances where resellers, in a bid to meet these demands, have presented counterfeits or new products labelled as remanufactured in their offers to tenders. Another stark example of this trend was the infamous January 2024 Italian National Police tender case. That case centred on the supply of counterfeit toner cartridges to regional police and a hospital. The company won the bid by offering lower prices but was later found to be supplying non-original cartridges with fake manufacturer labels. The reseller was incarcerated, and later it turned out that he was also tied to a company that made improper use of the Italian Elabel! ecolabel.  Following ETIRA’s protests, this company lost its Elabel! accreditation.

CAM Requirements in Focus

Public procurement in Italy is governed by the Criteria Ambientali Minimi (CAM), or Minimum Environmental Criteria, which outline the environmental standards that products must meet in public tenders. These criteria, part of Italy’s Green Public Procurement policies, ensure that products like remanufactured cartridges are sustainable, requiring lifecycle assessments, recycling, and reduced emissions. Misusing ecolabel certifications undermines the effectiveness of CAM, leading to unfair competition in tenders and posing a risk to Italy’s sustainability goals.

This development highlights ETIRA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards in the remanufacturing industry and preventing any misuse of certifications that could undermine market integrity.

Catalonia Bans Single-Use Printer Cartridges

July 12, 2024

Catalonia has enacted a new waste law emphasizing circular economy principles, a significant step towards environmental sustainability. The legislation, inspired by similar measures in the Balearic Islands, aims to revolutionize waste management across various sectors, including document printing.

ETIRA (European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association) has been actively engaged in discussions with Catalonia’s Waste Prevention Agency. These discussions have focused on the new law and the broader implementation of circular criteria in document printing. Key strategies include extending the lifespan of devices and reusing consumables, which are crucial for reducing economic and environmental costs.

“The new waste law in Catalonia has a strong circular ambition and includes several measures from the Balearic waste law, which Mr. Sebastia Sanso presented at the FOE last year. ETIRA has been contacted by the Waste Prevention Agency to discuss not only this specific topic but also the implementation of circular criteria in document printing. This involves extending the lifespan of devices and reusing consumables to reduce both economic and environmental costs. ETIRA recognizes and appreciates the commitment of the Catalan Waste Agency (ARC) and the Center for Telecommunications and Information Technologies (CTTI) in leading the ‘Circular Economy’ initiative,” stated ETIRA.

A cornerstone of the new law is the ban on single-use printer cartridges and toners, effective January 1, 2025. This measure is part of a broader prohibition on single-use items and non-recyclable products. Other significant bans include:

  • Prohibition of single-use plastic utensils and food containers in restaurants.
  • Ban on the sale and distribution of products containing micro and nanoplastics.
  • Large food retailers are required to allocate 20% of their sales area to bulk or reusable packaging.
  • Ban on providing plastic bags of any thickness at points of sale and for home deliveries.
  • Prohibition on non-rechargeable razors in the Catalan market from January 1, 2025.

Catalonia, located in northeastern Spain, is a significant economic powerhouse contributing substantially to the country’s GDP. With its capital, Barcelona, Catalonia boasts diverse commercial activities, including manufacturing, services, tourism, and technology.

The region is renowned for its dynamic industrial sector, encompassing the automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Catalonia’s ports, particularly the Port of Barcelona, serve as crucial hubs for international trade, facilitating extensive import and export activities.

These bans are aligned with Catalonia’s goal to reduce waste and promote the reuse of materials, fostering a culture that moves away from single-use products.

ETIRA’s collaboration with Catalonia’s authorities signifies a solid commitment to a sustainable future. The new law sets a precedent for other regions by incorporating circular economy principles in document printing, highlighting the importance of innovation and responsibility in waste management.

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ETIRA Secures Victory for Sustainability in Spanish Airport Authority Tender

July 1, 2024

In a landmark achievement for sustainability, the Spanish airport authority, AENA, has agreed to include remanufactured printer cartridges in their tender process following the intervention of ETIRA (European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association). This decision marks a significant step towards promoting reuse, a core principle of the European Green Deal.

Previously, AENA’s tender specifications required only OEM printer cartridges, to ensure product quality following concerns about extremely poor quality of “Compatibles” thereby disadvantaging the reuse sector. Recognising the potential environmental impact, ETIRA, led by President Javier Martinez and supported by Secretary General Vincent van Dijk, vigorously lobbied for a change in the tender requirements.

ETIRA’s efforts have paid off, as AENA has now revised its tender to accept remanufactured cartridges produced in Europe. This change supports the circular economy and ensures compliance with stringent environmental standards. Remanufactured consumables may be accepted, provided they originate exclusively from the European Union and demonstrate the highest quality and environmental respect through a Type I environmental label in accordance with ISO 14024.

AENA’s compromise with sustainability is clear, and it has taken a new step forward. Most of the company branches are EMAS-certified.

Javier Martinez expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This decision by AENA is a significant win for sustainability and the environment. It demonstrates the value of remanufacturing and supports our goal of reducing waste and promoting reuse.”

Vincent van Dijk added, “We are delighted that AENA has recognized the importance of including remanufactured cartridges. This sets a positive precedent for other organizations to follow.”

ETIRA’s successful advocacy underscores the importance of collaboration and persistence in achieving environmental goals, paving the way for a greener future in Europe.

Beware of Illegal Printer Cartridges:

May 28, 2024

Beware of Illegal Printer Cartridges: A Call to Action from ETIRA-  ETIRA model protest letter

At the recent The Recycler Live conference, Javier Martinez brought to light a pressing issue facing our industry: the prevalence in the EU market of non-OEM newbuilt printer cartridges that fail to comply with EU regulations. Javier Martínez presented eye-opening research and a stark warning to consumers and industry professionals alike.

The Scope of the Problem

ETIRA’s research reveals that one-third of printer cartridges sold in Europe are non-compliant with EU standards. These newbuilt cartridges, often manufactured in China, lack proper labelling and safety information, making them both illegal and potentially hazardous. The environmental impact is staggering, with these non-compliant cartridges contributing to 420,000 tons of e-waste annually in Europe alone. Moreover, they are responsible for causing early damage to 20% of printers, exacerbating the e-waste problem.

Legal and Environmental Hazards

These newbuilt non-OEM cartridges do not meet critical EU regulations such as CE marking, WEEE, RoHS, and REACH. They often omit essential labels like the waste bin icon, misleading consumers about the appropriate disposal methods and increasing environmental risks. By avoiding these compliance measures, manufacturers reduce costs but at the expense of consumer safety and environmental health.

The Importance of Consumer Education

Educating consumers is crucial in distinguishing between legal and illegal cartridges. ETIRA recommends remanufactured OEM cartridges, particularly those made in Europe, as the best legal and environmentally friendly option. These cartridges comply with all EU regulations and offer significant environmental benefits. By shifting to remanufactured cartridges, we can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 45-60% and lower consumer costs by as much as 60%.

Taking Action

ETIRA calls for increased vigilance and regulatory enforcement to combat the sale of these illegal cartridges. Consumers and businesses should demand proper documentation and report any non-compliant products to authorities. ETIRA has a model letter, available upon request, that members may send to public bodies, to insist that public tenders comply with all EU legal requirements. By ensuring that the cartridges we purchase and use are legal, we can protect our environment and promote sustainable practices within our industry.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory compliance and industry and consumer awareness. The proliferation of illegal, non-compliant newbuild printer cartridges poses significant environmental and public health risks. We can drive positive change in the industry by choosing remanufactured OEM cartridges and supporting compliant practices. ETIRA remains committed to advocating for a safer, more sustainable future in the toner and inkjet remanufacturing sector.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s act now to ensure the cartridges we use are safe, legal, and environmentally friendly. For more information and to stay updated on our initiatives, visit our website at etira.org.

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