scope:

This Recommendation provides a set of principles that provides a basis for circular public procurement of ICT equipment to:

- Maximize usable life,

- Maximize the use of energy-efficient equipment,

- Minimize any resulting amount of e-waste produced, and the adverse effects of e-waste, and

- Increase recyclability, thereby contributing to circular economy realization.

This set of recommendations defines standards to help the public sector in deciding the ICT products to be procured that will not only be cost-effective but also to minimize e-waste during and after a product's end of use. It means purchase preference shall be given to those products that are environmentally sustainable and that already contain sustainability as a criterion. The decisions of the public sector shall reward the manufacturers of ICT products to move towards more environmentally sustainable ICT products in the medium to long term.

This Recommendation covers the purchase of ICT equipment and including:

- Personal computer (PC) products including desktops, laptops, servers, displays, docks and other accessories.

- Terminals, such as smartphones, tablets and video-conferencing devices.

- Network equipment and servers including network switches, routers, Wi-Fi access points and network adapters.

- Imaging equipment, such as scanners and printers.

In general, any ICT equipment acquired through public procurement is at the procurer organization's disposal for use.