Polish officials warn EU waste levy could cripple domestic appliance sector

The European Commission has drafted a new charge of 2 euros per kilogram for electronic and electrical equipment that is not collected for recycling, with the proceeds intended for the EU's general budget. Polish industry voices, including a senior executive, contend that the levy will increase costs for manufacturers and consumers, risking a crisis for Poland's appliance sector. They point out that Poland produces about 26 million large appliances annually, accounting for roughly 39% of EU output, and that the industry is already dealing with declining output and rising competition from countries such as China, Turkey and Egypt.

Critics say the proposed recovery target exceeds realistic collection levels and could encourage illegal reporting, fostering a grey market. The fee would be adjusted for inflation and could ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher prices. Polish budget commissioner Piotr Serafin is involved in the EU budget discussions, prompting concerns about his support for the measure.