If your company sells electrical or electronic equipment in Germany but lacks a local branch, the ElektroG makes an authorized representative mandatory. This rule has been in effect for over a decade, impacting thousands of international sellers. Similarly, the new EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) requires a representative for battery producers by August 2025. Ignoring this single requirement means an automatic loss of market access. You can find a complete list of WEEE obligations for distance sellers on our website. This legal framework ensures that foreign producers contribute to the financing of recycling and disposal, just like domestic ones. The next step is understanding what this representative actually does for your business.

Your authorized representative acts on your behalf for all compliance tasks in Germany. This includes the initial registration of your brands and products with the national register, Stiftung EAR. They handle all communication with German authorities, shielding you from complex administrative processes in a foreign language. The representative also manages all monthly and annual reporting of sales volumes and weights. A key function is providing an insolvency-proof guarantee, a financial security required by law. Here are the primary responsibilities they assume:

• Serve as the official legal contact for all German environmental authorities.
• Manage your WEEE registration number application and maintenance.
• Submit all required quantity reports to Stiftung EAR with 100% accuracy.
• Organize and finance the collection and recycling of your products.
• Ensure your company fulfills all take-back obligations without interruption.

This transfer of duties frees up at least 15 hours of administrative work per month for a typical SME. With these duties defined, you can proceed with the formal appointment process.

Appointing a representative is a formal process with specific legal steps. First, you must select a qualified and reliable partner based in Germany. The mandate must be documented in a written contract, in German, for a minimum duration of three months. This contract is then submitted to the Stiftung EAR for official confirmation. Only after confirmation can your representative complete your WEEE and battery registrations. If you switch providers, the old appointment must be formally terminated before a new one can be confirmed, as a producer can only have one representative at a time. Learn more about how to register for WEEE in Germany with a representative. This structured process prevents legal gaps and ensures continuous compliance.

Failing to appoint a WEEE and battery authorized representative carries severe financial and operational risks. Authorities can impose fines of up to €100,000 for each instance of non-compliance. Beyond fines, you face an immediate ban on selling your products in the German market, including on major online marketplaces. Your existing WEEE registration number (WEEE-Reg.-Nr.) will be revoked, halting all sales channels. For many online sellers, this means a 100% loss of German revenue overnight. The cost of a professional representative service is typically less than 5% of the potential fines. You can get a compliance provider to avoid these risks entirely. These penalties underscore the importance of proactive compliance.

Managing environmental compliance for different product streams can be complex, but you can simplify it. The legal requirements for batteries and electronics are converging, with both now requiring an authorized representative. By August 2025, all battery producers must assign their registration to a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). Using a single provider for both WEEE and battery compliance offers significant efficiencies. Here is how a unified service helps:

1. One point of contact for all registration and reporting tasks.
2. Consolidated data submission, reducing administrative errors by over 25%.
3. Harmonized invoicing and contract management.
4. A single expert team that understands all your obligations under ElektroG and BattG.

This integrated approach ensures no deadlines are missed. You can handle WEEE and battery reporting through one streamlined portal. Now is the critical time to put these solutions in place.

The deadlines for appointing a representative are not flexible. For electronics, the requirement is immediate; for batteries, the transition must be completed by mid-2025. Waiting until the last minute risks registration delays and sales interruptions, as thousands of companies will be seeking compliance simultaneously. Proactive engagement ensures a smooth transition and protects your business from any legal challenges. The regulations are clear, and enforcement is strict. To comply with these directives without delay, you must take action now. Contact Deutsche Recycling to appoint your WEEE and battery authorized representative and secure your continued access to the German market.