Published: July 18, 2025 by Rungreung Huanraluek
What is the RAEE Mark?
Standards Related to Data, Image, and Sound Communication Systems, Part 4
Devices bearing the RAEE mark indicate that they fall under the European Union's electronic waste management legislation. Manufacturers are responsible for safely collecting, gathering, recycling, or disposing of these devices when they reach the end of their useful life.
RAEE is an acronym from the Italian phrase "Rifiuti di Apparecchiature Elettriche ed Elettroniche," which translates to WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) in English. It is a European Union law that regulates the management of "waste from electrical and electronic equipment" of all types.
The objective of the RAEE legislation is to reduce electronic waste that is harmful to the environment, promote reuse and recycling, and oblige manufacturers to take responsibility for the product's life cycle to prevent long-term effects from toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
To distribute products in Europe, strict adherence to RAEE requirements is mandatory. Manufacturers and importers of electrical equipment in Europe must register with the regulatory bodies in each country. Distributors must display the RAEE mark on the product itself or in the manual. Users must separate or return these items to designated electronic waste collection points correctly.
Products subject to RAEE regulations must display the international logo of a crossed-out wheeled bin. This mark indicates that the device should not be disposed of in general waste bins but must be managed appropriately.
RAEE requirements include that product design must facilitate easy disassembly and recycling. Manufacturers must have a system for taking back products at the end of their life, must display information such as the bin symbol, manufacturing date, recycling manual, and must have safe waste management processes from sorting to disposal of electronics.
