Exploration of the obligation to sell used goods

This research is a response to the announcement in the National Circular Economy Programme that the Ministry will explore the possibility (at EU or national level) of requiring retailers to offer an increasing share of second-hand products in order to promote lifespan extension. The starting point of the research is that consumers are not always inclined to buy used goods. In order to stimulate reuse, used goods should therefore be just as easy to buy as new ones.

An obligation is seen as a good addition to current policy to promote circularity and an opportunity to contribute to a change in consumer behaviour. The obligation is also seen as legally legitimate. However, further research is needed in connection with the principle of proportionality and regarding legal sustainability and applicability.

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