Portugal’s Valorpneu has had its existing license extended until June 30th 2024
The term of Valorpneu’s license, which ended on December 31, 2023, was extended with effect from January 1, 2024 until June 30, 2024, the date on which the new license must be issued.
Valorpneu requested a new license in good time and presented the respective specifications to continue the used tyre management activity, to the Portuguese Environment Agency and the Directorate-General for Economic Activities, but it was not possible for the competent entities to proceed with the respective issuance of new licenses on January 1, 2024 due to lack of legal qualification.
The useful time was also insufficient to complete the analysis of the specifications and award of new licenses for the integrated specific flow management systems, in accordance with the changes introduced by Decree-Law no. 152 -D/2017, of 11 December, approved at a meeting of the Council of Ministers on November 29, which is still awaiting publication.
Throughout this period, all conditions imposed in the license remain in force, namely the obligations relating to the applicable goals and objectives, during the period of validity of the license.
The change in the law impacts a range of waste sectors following a couple of European directives. In particular; Directives 2016/774/EU and 2017/2096/EU on end-of-life vehicles.
New requirements and procedures will be defined for dealing with waste, with more responsibility being placed on the producers . New common rules for the management of all the specified waste streams will be created, as well as specific regulations for each one.
The producer will be responsible for the residue that their product or produces.
They will be responsible for financing the management of the waste resulting from their own products. They can choose to fulfil this obligation by:
- individually supporting the costs of their waste management
- joining an integrated management system responsible for managing these wastes.
The role of the entities that manage the specific waste streams will be clarified
Waste management is usually carried out by entities that manage waste and assume the responsibilities of businesses that place products on the Portuguese market.
Providers already engaged in this activity have 12 months to adapt to the new rules and ensure that they meet the requirements.
