Overview

Paraguay has approved Law 5.882/17 on Integral Management of Batteries for Domestic Use, establishing new mechanisms for segregation, reuse, storage, collection, transport, recycling, treatment, and final disposal of batteries. Domestic batteries are now considered hazardous waste at the end of their useful life.

Scope of the Regulation

The regulation applies to all companies, distributors, and individuals involved in manufacturing, importing, assembling, marketing, segregation, treatment, recycling, and any activities related to batteries. These parties are responsible for the final disposal of batteries.

Prohibitions

The law prohibits the manufacturing, assembly, import, transit, transport, storage, and sale of batteries and household batteries containing certain percentages by weight of hazardous materials such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. This prohibition also extends to devices or articles that contain these types of batteries, as expressly outlined in the standard.

Responsibilities

Manufacturers, assemblers, importers, and marketers must ensure that their batteries comply with the specifications and requirements set by the law, along with any complementary standards established by the relevant authority.

Penalties

Failure to comply with the law may result in fines ranging from 50 to 1,000 minimum daily wages (approximately USD 700 to USD 14,000), temporary or permanent cancellation of registration, and a temporary prohibition on selling batteries, among other penalties.

Effective Date

The norm is set to take effect in March 2018.