무역관련 환경규제의 강화와 확산 : EU 및 중국의 전기전자제품 관련 법규 분석 및 대응방안

Directives on WEEE and RoHS adopted by the EU in 2003 not only attracted world-wide concerns on environmental disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment but also gave significant influences on related industries. In particular, WEEE regulates ‘collection’ and ‘disposal’ of wastes based on the EPR(Extended Producer Responsibility) principle that manufacturers have the responsibility of collection and recycling. China as a major producer of electrical and electronic equipments enacted ‘Regulations on Recovery Processing of Waste Electrical and Electronic Products’, so-called, ‘China’s WEEE’, in 2009. Since its legislation, China expands the scope of applied products and tightens regulations. It is on an increasing trend that many countries has tightened environmental regulations on disposal and recycling of electrical and electronic wastes. These regulations are generally perceived as trade barriers which could cause cost increase.Therefore, appropriate policy reponses are necessary. China’s WEEE, although it was enacted based on EU WEEE, has established its own system through continuous reforms. In this sense, this research clarifies distinctive features of China’s WEEE and suggests appropriate policy responses based on comparison between EU and China’s WEEE and examination of recent reforms of China’s related laws.