Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS), as they apply to e-textiles

Since 15 August 2018, clothing and textiles with an electrical function, such as heated jackets, LED apparel, illuminated footwear and sensor garments, are presumed to be electrical and electronic equipment unless specifically excluded. A firm making them must register with the national authority in every Member State it sells into, finance collection and treatment, and mark products with the crossed-out wheeled bin. RoHS adds CE marking and substance limits. Both Directives apply through national law.

A Commission proposal would suspend until 2035 the duty on distance sellers to appoint an authorised representative in each Member State, but it is not adopted.