R2v3: The intent behind the revision

?Planned review and revision is a necessary process for any certification standard in order to ensure that the standard and audit process produce the intended results. The R2 Standard is reviewed every five years by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), a multi-stakeholder group representing electronics recyclers, refurbishers, electronics manufacturers, users of recycling services, certification bodies and other interested parties. The current TAC review has been underway since 2015.

The revisions that will be proposed by the TAC align with the original intent of the standard and the existing guiding principles. Much of the new R2v3 standard will be familiar as most of the existing requirements will remain. The TAC has identified some areas, however, that need clarification.  Clarifying existing requirements is the reason behind many of the proposed changes. Other proposed changes are in response to changing marketplace conditions and customer requirements.  This is particularly so when it comes to data security – R2v3 will further strengthen the requirements in this area.

R2v3 will also reflect the evolving reuse-recycling industry itself. Many new business models have entered the arena, serving very specialized segments of the market. The TAC recognizes that not all R2 certified providers perform every type of service specified in the current standard. The revised standard will allow more flexibility, enabling R2 certified providers to specialize in the areas that are relevant to their particular business model.

We are excited about the proposed changes and look forward to hearing the feedback of the R2 Certified community. SERI will be releasing a draft of R2v3 for review and public comment this spring. All comments will be considered by the TAC for additional changes before the final version is approved. The final step is adoption by the SERI Board. This is expected later in 2019. Once released, there will be a transition period of at least 18 months for companies to upgrade to R2v3. SERI has allocated significant resources for education to assist R2 certified providers to transition to the revised standard.

Keep informed by reading our regular LinkedIn updates!