ElektroG4 Guide:
The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act and the WEEE Directive Explained in a Nutshell

WEEE stands for “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.” The WEEE registration number is the official certification from the EAR Foundation that a company is fulfilling its legal obligations under the ElektroG in Germany.

The EU WEEE Directive requires manufacturers to ensure the collection and recycling of their electrical appliances at the end of their useful life. In Germany, the ElektroG implements this requirement; the responsible authority is the EAR Foundation (Elektro-Altgeräte Register). After a successful review, it issues a unique registration number. Without this number, placing electrical appliances on the market in Germany is prohibited. It serves as proof for marketplaces and authorities, as well as in the legal notice, and is publicly available in the EAR register.

The ElektroG regulates the placing on the market, take-back, and environmentally sound recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. It specifies the obligations that manufacturers, retailers, and importers have regarding disposal.

The law defines the affected equipment classes and divides them into categories. Key requirements for manufacturers include the obligation to register with the EAR Foundation, labeling products with the crossed-out trash can symbol, and providing an insolvency-proof guarantee. It also regulates take-back logistics. With the ElektroG4 amendment, take-back obligations for retailers were tightened, and battery-powered single-use products such as e-cigarettes were fully included. Since the law is regularly updated to align with EU requirements, companies must periodically review their processes.

The ElektroG4, which took effect in early 2026, tightens retailers’ take-back obligations, expands labeling requirements, and establishes stricter controls for online marketplaces. The goal is to increase recycling rates and reduce fire risks posed by lithium batteries.

The fourth amendment closed significant loopholes in online commerce. Since then, operators of e-commerce marketplaces have been required to strictly verify whether platform merchants hold a valid WEEE number. Additionally, since July 1, 2026, a nationwide, free take-back obligation for e-cigarettes (vapes) has been in effect at all points of sale (such as kiosks and gas stations), regardless of whether a new purchase is made. Furthermore, since July 2026, a nationwide take-back logo for stores and expanded information requirements for consumers regarding lithium batteries contained in the products have become mandatory.

Almost all devices that require electrical current or electromagnetic fields to operate and are rated for a maximum of 1,000 volts of alternating current or 1,500 volts of direct current are subject to reporting requirements. Exceptions apply only to a few special cases clearly defined by law.

The ElektroG covers a broad range of products. This includes traditional household appliances, consumer electronics, IT and communications equipment, lighting fixtures, electronic toys, tools, as well as medical devices and photovoltaic modules. However, military equipment, large stationary installations, and large tools are not covered. Since determining the scope can be complex on a case-by-case basis, it is recommended to carefully review the EAR requirements before launching sales.

The ElektroG classifies appliances into six legally defined categories, including heat exchangers, display devices, lamps, large appliances, small appliances, and small IT and telecommunications devices. This classification determines the take-back groups and the amount of the financing guarantee.

The classification follows the requirements of the EU WEEE Directive. Each category is assigned to a collection group, which organizes the logistical take-back and recycling at collection points. Correct classification is mandatory for manufacturers: It forms the basis for calculating market shares, pickup coordinates, and the insolvency-proof guarantee. Incorrect categorization can result in fines and additional financial claims from the EAR Foundation.

Exceptions to the registration requirement apply only to a few cases explicitly listed in the ElektroG, such as military equipment, space infrastructure, or large stationary installations. For almost all standard household and commercial appliances, the requirement applies without restriction.

The ElektroG provides no minimum thresholds for low sales volumes or small product quantities.; the requirement applies starting with the first unit sold. The few exceptions apply to products that are either subject to other safety regulations or are permanently integrated into buildings and industrial facilities. Since the EAR Foundation interprets exceptions very restrictively, companies should have any presumed exemption reviewed by legal counsel in advance to avoid sales bans.

An electrical or electronic product is considered new until it is first delivered to the end consumer. It becomes waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in the eyes of the law the moment the owner disposes of it or intends to dispose of it.

This distinction determines the legal obligations: New appliances are subject to registration, labeling, and warranty requirements when placed on the market. As soon as an appliance is disposed of, strict regulations regarding separate collection and recycling take effect. Waste appliances must not be disposed of with household trash but must be disposed of through retailers or municipal collection points. Manufacturers’ responsibility therefore does not end with the sale but extends throughout the entire life cycle until documented recycling.

Lamps and light sources constitute a separate category of devices under the ElektroG. They are subject to the standard registration, labeling, and take-back obligations for manufacturers and must not be disposed of with household waste.

Light sources such as LED lamps, fluorescent tubes, and energy-saving bulbs contain electronic components and, in some cases, hazardous substances such as mercury. Manufacturers and importers must register with the EAR Foundation and provide a bankruptcy-proof guarantee. Consumers are required to return used lamps to municipal collection points or retailers so that the raw materials they contain can be recovered in an environmentally sound manner.