Germany’s Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) transposes the European WEEE Directive into national law, affecting any company selling EEE in the country. The primary goal is to manage the 2 million tons of electronic waste generated annually in Germany by making producers responsible for their products’ lifecycle. This law applies to manufacturers, importers, and distributors, including online sellers placing goods on the market for the first time. The core requirement is to register with Stiftung EAR before a single product is sold. This registration is mandatory for all six categories of electrical equipment, from temperature exchange equipment to small IT devices. Non-compliance is not an option and can result in immediate sales prohibitions and severe penalties. This legal framework makes it essential to understand your specific duties from the outset.

Stiftung EAR is the official national clearing house in Germany, appointed by the Federal Environment Agency to oversee the ElektroG. It manages the registration of all producers and ensures they comply with their legal duties. The foundation handles over 30,000 active registrations, coordinating the collection and recycling logistics across the country. Its key tasks include issuing the mandatory WEEE registration number, verifying financial guarantees, and tracking the volume of equipment placed on the market. Without a valid registration from Stiftung EAR, you are not legally permitted to sell electronic products in Germany. This makes interaction with the foundation the single most critical step for market entry. Understanding how to get a WEEE number is the foundation of your compliance strategy. The next step is preparing the necessary documentation for the application itself.

The registration process is conducted entirely through the Stiftung EAR online portal and demands precision. A flawed application can lead to delays of 6 weeks or more for each correction needed. You must act now to avoid these preventable setbacks. Here is a breakdown of the required steps:

• Create a user account on the ear-Portal, providing your company data and contact details.
• Appoint a legal representative if your company is not based in Germany.
• Provide specific product information, including the brand and type of equipment for all items you intend to sell.
• For B2C devices, you must submit proof of an insolvency-proof financial guarantee.
• For B2B equipment, a take-back concept and evidence of professional use are required.
• Upload all supporting documents, such as technical descriptions and product images.

Many companies underestimate the complexity of determining the correct equipment type, a mandatory field for registration. This process requires careful attention to detail to ensure a smooth approval. Once your application is approved, you will receive your unique WEEE number.

Upon successful registration, Stiftung EAR issues a unique WEEE registration number (e.g., WEEE Reg. Nr. DE 12345 678). This number serves as your official proof of compliance and must be used in all business correspondence. The law requires you to display this number on all invoices and when offering products for sale, which includes your online shop. This number links your company to your registered brands and equipment types, allowing authorities to verify your compliance status instantly. It is crucial to apply for your WEEE number well before you plan to start selling, as the process can take several weeks. Having this number is not the end of your responsibilities but the beginning of your ongoing compliance duties.

Registration is only the first step; ongoing obligations require continuous management. Producers must submit monthly and annual reports detailing the exact quantities of EEE placed on the German market. Furthermore, all products must be correctly labeled with the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol, indicating they should not be disposed of in regular household waste. You are also responsible for financing and organizing the take-back and recycling of your products. This often involves joining a producer compliance scheme, which handles the logistics for a fee. For companies without a physical presence in Germany, appointing an authorized representative is mandatory to manage these tasks. These duties are critical for maintaining your legal status in the German market.

The penalties for violating the ElektroG are severe and designed to ensure universal compliance. Fines for administrative offenses, such as incorrect registration or missing a WEEE number, can reach up to €100,000 per case. Beyond financial penalties, authorities can issue sales bans, effectively halting your operations in Germany. Competitors can also issue costly legal warnings for non-compliance, creating additional legal and financial pressure. Given that electronic marketplaces are now also held liable, they actively check for WEEE numbers, meaning non-compliance directly impacts your ability to sell on major platforms. The risks associated with inaction are simply too high to ignore. Therefore, it is essential to address your registration status without delay.

Navigating the complexities of the ElektroG and the Stiftung EAR registration is a significant challenge for many businesses. Deutsche Recycling offers a comprehensive service to manage this entire process for you. We handle everything from determining the correct device types to submitting all necessary documents and securing your insolvency-proof guarantee. Our team of experts ensures your registration is completed correctly and efficiently, typically within a few weeks. We also manage all ongoing reporting and act as your authorized representative if needed. Our service guarantees 100% legal conformity, allowing you to focus on your core business. If you have not yet taken action, you must do so now to comply with EU directives. Contact Deutsche Recycling today to ensure your company meets all regulations quickly and avoids any business interruptions.