Arthur T Knackerbracket has processed the following story:
A newly formed group of UK electronics companies is advocating for the removal of VAT (value-added tax) on electronic spare parts, repairs, and labor in the government's upcoming autumn budget, claiming this would encourage consumers to get kit repaired instead of replacing it.
The group, which calls itself CLEAR (Circular Leadership for Electronics and Recycling), says it aims to address the growing issue of electronic waste and the barriers preventing consumers from repairing rather than replacing electrical items.
Members of the group include consumer brands such as ProCook, Positec Power Tools Europe, Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, and Melitta, while the group is chaired by James Rigg, chief exec of Trojan Electronics, which provides repair, refurbishment, and resell services as well as contract manufacturing.
According to Rigg, getting rid of VAT charges on electronic repairs is a "crucial step" in creating a more circular economy. However, CLEAR is going further and also lobbying for the British government to follow the example of countries like Austria and France, which have introduced subsidies for electrical repairs.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Monday October 21, @11:12PM (2 children)
"We'd like you to stop taxing our products so we can sell more at a lower price and MAKE BANK!
(Score: 2, Touché) by Anonymous Coward on Monday October 21, @11:44PM
I predict a slippery slope. Wouldn't it be nice to have my car repaired and no sales tax (in USA)?
(Score: 5, Insightful) by driverless on Tuesday October 22, @05:46AM
Yup. Has this actually worked in other countries, or is the real impediment that most products are designed to be non-repairable and the regulations need to start at that end of the problem.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by pTamok on Tuesday October 22, @06:22AM
The Register: UK electronics firms want government to stop taxing trash and let them fix it instead [theregister.com]
It's not as necessarily beneficial to the end user/consumer as you might think. Which is a pity.