New law forbidding the sale of used gear Japan


There is a new law in Japan forbidding the sale of electonics that are more than 5 years old. I think that this coul have major ramifications as well as present the opportunity to buy tons of used gear in japan on the cheap. Check out the following link:
http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/22/japan-bans-old-electronics-as-of-april-1/
audioobsessed
I wonder if that could have the opposite reaction, people not able to recoup part of their initial investment to put towards new gear end up using the old "unsafe" gear much longer?
Isn't this law a response to pollution from discarded electronics; mostly dumped personal computers. Isn't there pending legislation in the EU regarding this? There's alot of toxic material in that stuff! I suppose the same can be said of hi-fi equipment!

But I think a ban on selling would only increase illegal dumping!
sugerbrie, cool factoid about the japanese thinking the owners spirit resides in their posessions. I'm not sure about most stuff but when it comes to things like instruments (i have a good case of guitar acquisition ...GAS...to go along with liking audio gear)i think they may be on to somethig. Old pieces just have a vibe that the new ones don't
The Japanese don't seem to mind those "spirits" when it comes to vintage MacIntosh, Marantz, Western Electric, and JBL equipment.

A double standard?