On the invoice for refurbished products from NTS Computers Technology BV, the following statement is included:

“The refurbished products (EEE) have been prepared for reuse in accordance with the EN 50614 standard (Re‑Use).”

Compliance with this standard is a requirement for companies certified under Cenelec. The organisation issuing Cenelec certifications is called WEEELABEX: Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment LABel of EXcellence.

While Cenelec covers the entire flow of products — including the recycling of equipment that can no longer be used — the EN 50614 standard focuses specifically on the requirements for reuse of products that can continue to be used after rigorous testing and refurbishment processes.

The full name of the standard is NEN‑EN 50614:2020. NEN is the Dutch standardisation institute that develops and publishes standards, including those adopted from European standards (NEN‑EN). 2020 is the year the most recent version of the standard came into effect.

What does EN 50614 cover?

NEN‑EN 50614:2020 is a European standard that provides guidelines for preparing electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) for reuse. It is intended for organisations that test, repair and verify equipment before it is placed back on the market.

The main objectives of the standard are:

• promoting reuse over recycling
• ensuring safe and functional equipment for end users
• supporting environmental goals and the circular economy
• preventing illegal export of WEEE disguised as reuse

The standard defines specific requirements for the preparation‑for‑reuse process, including:

• Assessment of equipment: determining suitability for reuse through functional tests and visual inspection
• Data removal: secure erasure of data‑bearing devices using recognised methods
• Cleaning and repair: cleaning and repairing devices using appropriate components
• Safety and compliance: ensuring reused equipment meets relevant safety standards and retains CE marking
• Traceability and documentation: maintaining records of test results, serial numbers and process steps
• Environmental management: environmentally responsible disposal of non‑reusable components

These requirements ensure the quality, safety and reliability of reused equipment.

What does EN 50614 mean for the customer?

For customers, a company that can demonstrate compliance with EN 50614 through Cenelec certification represents:

Reliability, transparency and assurance, including:

• A management system that controls risks related to health, safety, environment and quality, meets legal requirements and ensures continuous improvement
• Full traceability of all processed products from receipt to delivery, including reliable downstream management for non‑reusable items
• Safe transport, compliant with all legal requirements such as VIHB/NIWO registration
• Safe and functional products, thoroughly tested with calibrated equipment, with documented test and re‑test reports and repairs using identical or functionally equivalent components
• Responsible data removal using certified data‑wiping software
• Proper cleaning, without damaging the product or its identification labels
• A warranty plan compliant with EU regulations for the sale of used products to businesses and consumers, including export‑friendly solutions

Customer benefits

Compliance with NEN‑EN 50614 by NTS Computers Technology BV provides clear advantages:

• Reliability and safety
• Transparency through documentation and traceability
• Sustainability and contribution to the circular economy
• Data security through professional erasure
• Quality assurance through continuous improvement

Customers therefore do not simply purchase a second‑hand device, but a verified, responsible and sustainable product.