RDE731 Evidence on the role that Online Marketplaces play in the sale

DEFRA is seeking to gather information on the role of Online Marketplaces (OMPs) in the sale and distribution of electronics and electronic equipment (EEE), batteries, and vapes to inform regulatory policy on the disposal of waste arising from EEE, batteries and textiles. Currently there are proposals to classify OMPs as "producers" of goods sold through their marketplace by overseas sellers. Many of these sellers are not registered under existing UK producer responsibility regimes. It is these non-compliant third parties that utilise OMPs to facilitate sales that we are seeking to acquire further evidence about. There is a significant evidence gap on the number of OMPs that operate within these markets, their market share, and whether the price level and type of goods sold through OMPs differs from those sold by physical retailers. It is necessary to fill this evidence gap to ensure that any new regulations limit the potential for producers to free ride on their obligations, whilst also ensuring that compliant producers that also have a presence on OMPs are not double counted.