MANUFACTURERS and importers of electrical and electronic products in Worcestershire have just six months to prepare for tough new rules.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive directive makes the producer responsible for recycling its products when they are finished with.

The directive will be implemented next month, meaning companies that make electrical or electronic equipment will be required to register with a compliance scheme before it becomes fully effective on July 1, 2007.

Most electrical and electronic products - even simple items such as a lamp, alarm clock, video game or toaster - will need to meet the requirements of the directive, including those which are not made in the UK but are re-branded here.

From July, producers will be responsible for financing the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of their products at the end of their useful life, according to Government efficiency organisation Envirowise.

This applies across 10 main product categories, including IT and telecoms, household appliances, medical electrical devices and selected sports and leisure equipment.

"However, first companies must join an approved producer compliance scheme by March 15," said John Barraclough, Envirowise regional manager for the West Midlands.

"This includes paying a registration fee and detailing how much electrical and electronic equipment they place on the market each year.

"The objective is to reduce a reliance on landfill sites by providing an impetus to boost recycling of these products.

"However, it is estimated that up to 100,000 businesses will be affected by the legislation - meaning detailed support and information will be required over the next six months and beyond, to help people fully understand and adapt to these new regulations."

Businesses selling products for consumer use will need to offer financed collection and recycling of household products, deposited at local collection facilities such as civic amenity centres and high street shops. Producers of equipment used commercially, on the other hand, will need to offer collection direct from the business premises - using a licensed waste carrier.

"It is also important to note that all new products placed on the market from 1st April 2007 will need to show a crossed out wheelie bin symbol and your producer identification mark," Mr Barraclough said.

Manufacturers and retailers can get information and advice from Envirowise on 0800 585794 or at www.envirowise.gov.uk/weee