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.