Prices of electrical and electronic goods are expected to change come January when guidelines on the system that replaced the eco-tax are released.

The removal of the eco contribution last month and the introduction of provisions falling under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive have, so far, only impacted the consumer price of small goods, such as microwave ovens.

Retailers expect that other white goods, such as built-in appliances, are not likely to be affected by the changes as price movements were likely to be minimal.

The Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU) said every aspect of the change was still in transition phase and, hence, it was still early to clearly say what the exact impact on consumer prices would be.

The eco contribution was introduced in 2004 and was based on the polluter pays principle. Importers funded the recycling and treatment of a number of goods, including beverage containers and fridges. Over the years, retailers and importers had complained that the tax put them at a disadvantage with online retailers.

Read more in the Times of Malta.

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