The German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) is the national implementation of the EU’s WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU. It governs the sale, take-back, and eco-friendly disposal of all electronics sold in the country. For distance sellers based outside Germany, this law applies the moment you place a product on the German market. The law’s 3rd major amendment came into force on January 1, 2022, tightening the rules for online retailers. You are considered a producer and are fully liable for all related obligations. Understanding these rules is the first step toward securing your business; you can understand your ElektroG obligations in more detail. This framework makes producer responsibility for the entire product lifecycle mandatory, not optional.

Before selling a single item, you must register with the national register for waste electric equipment, Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (EAR). This registration provides you with a unique WEEE-Reg.-Nr. (WEEE registration number), which serves as your license to sell. Since January 2023, online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are legally required to verify this number for all sellers. Without a valid WEEE number, these platforms will block your listings, effectively shutting down your German sales channels. The registration process involves classifying your products into 1 of 6 equipment categories. This registration is the foundational requirement for all subsequent compliance activities, so it is vital to get a WEEE registration number immediately. Fulfilling this step correctly is critical before you can even consider your financial and logistical duties.

Companies without a physical branch in Germany cannot register with Stiftung EAR directly. The ElektroG mandates that you appoint a Germany-based Authorized Representative to handle your WEEE obligations. This representative acts as your legal proxy, managing all communications and compliance tasks with the authorities. The appointment must be made in writing, be valid for at least 3 months, and be officially confirmed by the EAR. Your chosen representative is responsible for a wide range of duties on your behalf.

These duties include:

• Handling the entire WEEE registration process for your brands and products.
• Submitting all required monthly and annual reports on sales volumes.
• Providing an insolvency-proof financial guarantee to cover potential recycling costs.
• Serving as the official point of contact for all German regulatory bodies.
• Managing take-back and recycling logistics when required.

Choosing the right partner is a critical business decision with legal implications. A reliable representative like Deutsche Recycling ensures every one of these 5+ duties is met. You must find a WEEE Authorized Representative to legally operate. This partnership is the only way to manage your compliance from abroad effectively.

A core part of your WEEE obligations involves providing an insolvency-proof guarantee. This financial security ensures that funds are available for the future recycling of your products, even if your company becomes insolvent. The guarantee amount is calculated based on the volume and type of equipment you sell, and it must be renewed annually. In addition to the guarantee, you must submit monthly and annual reports to the Stiftung EAR. These reports detail the exact weight of electrical equipment you’ve placed on the German market each month. Failure to report accurately or on time is a breach of compliance and can trigger penalties of up to €10,000. These financial and administrative tasks are complex and require constant attention to manage your German EPR obligations correctly. These ongoing duties are just as important as the initial registration.

The consequences for ignoring your WEEE obligations for distance sellers to Germany are severe. The German Environment Agency (UBA) can impose fines of up to €100,000 for administrative offenses like selling unregistered equipment. Beyond fines, authorities can issue sales bans and even order the skimming of any profits earned from non-compliant sales. Since 2023, online marketplaces are also enforcing these rules, meaning your products will be delisted almost immediately if your WEEE number is missing or invalid. You also face the risk of legal warnings from competitors, which can lead to costly court proceedings. The financial and reputational damage from these 3 major risks can be immense. It is imperative to take action now to achieve legal compliance for selling electronics. The next section explains how to secure your business with a professional partner.

Navigating the complexities of the ElektroG from abroad presents a significant administrative challenge. Deutsche Recycling offers a comprehensive service to manage all your WEEE obligations for distance sellers to Germany. We provide a 100% legally compliant solution, allowing you to focus on your core business. Our service ensures you can legally place electronics on the German market without risk.

Our full-service package includes:

1. Acting as your official, registered Authorized Representative in Germany.
2. Managing the entire registration process with Stiftung EAR to secure your WEEE number.
3. Handling the provision of the required annual insolvency-proof financial guarantee.
4. Completing and submitting all monthly and annual quantity reports accurately and on time.
5. Ensuring you are fully compliant with all aspects of the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act.

With our support, you eliminate the risk of fines and sales bans entirely. Do not wait for a penalty notice to force your hand. Contact the experts at Deutsche Recycling today for a consultation and ensure your operations in Germany are secure and fully compliant.