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Brussels, October 22, 2025 — The European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) is calling out the European Union’s continued failure to take decisive action against a flood of low-cost, non-compliant toner imports from China. Despite years of warnings, the EU’s proposed €2 parcel levy does too little, too late — and bureaucratic delays mean meaningful reform could still be years away. ETIRA is demanding the EU go further by introducing a €8 levy per toner cartridge, reflecting the true environmental cost of proper collection, recycling, and disposal in Europe. The current €2 fee — though welcomed as a starting point — does not come close to leveling the playing field.
“European remanufacturers play by the rules, invest in circular economy practices, and carry the cost of compliance,” said Vincent van Dijk, ETIRA Secretary General. “Meanwhile, non-EU producers dump products into the market without registering under national schemes or contributing to recycling costs. It’s completely unsustainable — and the EU’s slow, fragmented approach is letting it happen.”
Many of these imported cartridges are sold through online marketplaces and enter Europe without proper customs scrutiny. While countries like Romania plan to introduce a €5 parcel levy starting in 2025, ETIRA says EU-wide enforcement is urgently needed. “The rules already exist. What’s missing is political will, proper market surveillance, and a realistic tax that reflects the environmental burden of these products,” van Dijk added. ETIRA urges the European Commission and member states to accelerate implementation of stronger controls, harmonise enforcement, and ensure that all products — regardless of origin — contribute equally to Europe’s environmental and economic goals.
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