The study aimed at supporting the European Commission in preparing the evaluation of Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) within the framework of the Better Regulation Guidelines, providing evidence on whether the Directive is still fit for purpose. In particular, its effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value were assessed. The definition of the evaluation matrix, the establishment of the baseline and the refining of the intervention logic were the starting points of the analysis, supported by literature research and extensive stakeholder consultation activities such as workshops, surveys and interviews. The analysis highlighted that the Directive has had limited success in waste prevention efforts and has not significantly increased preparation for re-use, recycling, or recovery of WEEE materials. Although the Directive has had a global impact, inspiring legislation in numerous countries, several challenges still hinder its objectives. Costs for its implementation vary significantly among actors and national differences weigh on the overall administrative burden. The Directive is internally coherent while some misalignments are found with regards to other EU legislation and strategies. Although areas for improvement are identified, the existence of the Directive is still considered an added value compared to what Member States could have achieved acting independently.