Since January 1, 2023, any business without a physical presence in Spain that sells electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) directly to Spanish customers must have an authorized representative. This obligation stems from Spain’s Royal Decree 110/2015, which transposes the EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU into national law. The law defines ‘producer’ in broad terms, including manufacturers, importers, and any distance sellers using online marketplaces. This means if your products cross the border, you are responsible for their end-of-life management. The regulation affects 100% of non-resident EEE sellers. You can check if your products require WEEE registration to be certain of your obligations. Understanding this legal framework is the first step toward compliant market participation.

Appointing an authorized representative is more than a formality; you are delegating critical legal duties. This entity acts on your behalf to ensure every regulatory requirement is met. Their tasks directly impact your ability to operate legally in Spain. A competent representative is your shield against non-compliance. Here are the core responsibilities they will manage:

• Registration in the official Spanish Register of Producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RII-AEE).
• Handling all communication with Spanish environmental authorities.
• Submitting annual reports detailing the volume and categories of EEE you have placed on the market.
• Arranging the financing and management of WEEE collection and recycling through a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
• Ensuring your company obtains and correctly uses its official registration number on all commercial documents.
• Providing a legal address in Spain for all WEEE-related matters.

These duties form the backbone of your WEEE and battery representative‘s role, freeing you to focus on your business.

Securing your authorized representative and achieving compliance can be a straightforward process with a clear plan. Taking these four steps ensures you meet your legal obligations under Spanish law without delay. This proactive approach protects your business from legal risks and market access interruptions. Follow this structured path to compliance:

1. Confirm Your Obligation: Verify that your products fall under the WEEE directive and that your sales model (distance selling) requires a representative in Spain.
2. Select Your Partner: Choose a reliable service provider like Deutsche Recycling with proven experience in Spanish environmental law.
3. Grant Power of Attorney: Provide the necessary legal documentation to formally appoint your representative, allowing them to act on your behalf with Spanish authorities.
4. Receive Your Registration Number: Your representative will complete the registration in the RII-AEE and provide you with your official number, which must be used on invoices within 30 days.

This process guarantees 100% legal conformity with Spanish regulations. Properly managed, this allows you to simplify your EPR compliance and focus on growth.

Ignoring the requirement to appoint an authorized representative carries severe consequences. The Spanish authorities enforce WEEE regulations vigorously, and penalties are designed to be a powerful deterrent. Under Law 7/2022, fines are substantial and can cripple a business financially. For example, serious infringements, such as failing to register, can result in fines of up to €100,000. For very serious offenses, such as repeated non-compliance or providing false information, fines can escalate dramatically. Penalties can reach as high as €1,750,000 for the most severe cases. Beyond fines, authorities can impose sales prohibitions, effectively blocking your access to the Spanish market. It is vital to understand all aspects of the Spanish packaging and waste law to avoid these risks. The time to act is now, as enforcement is active.

Navigating Spain’s WEEE regulations demands expert knowledge and diligent execution. The complexities of the RII-AEE registry and PRO contracts can consume significant time and resources. Partnering with an experienced provider like Deutsche Recycling removes this burden entirely. We handle every aspect of your WEEE compliance in Spain, from initial registration to ongoing reporting. Our service ensures you meet every legal deadline and requirement under Royal Decree 110/2015. We provide a single point of contact for 100% peace of mind. This allows you to concentrate on your core business activities, confident that your environmental compliance is secure. For companies operating across Europe, we offer a multi-country EPR compliance service for streamlined management. Don’t let regulatory hurdles block your success in the Spanish market.

Contact Deutsche Recycling today to appoint your authorized representative for WEEE in Spain. We ensure you can operate with full legal security and focus on what you do best: growing your business.