ElektroG4 Guide:
The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act and the WEEE Directive Explained in a Nutshell
The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG4) is the national implementation of the European WEEE Directive in Germany. It regulates the placing on the market, take-back, and environmentally sound disposal of waste equipment. Since WEEE legislation is regulated at the national level, the provisions of the ElektroG4 apply exclusively to the German market. The current amendment took effect on January 1, 2022, and tightened the requirements for first-time distributors.
Scope of Application: Which products are affected?
The Electrical Equipment Act covers all devices that require, transmit, or measure electrical currents or electromagnetic fields for their operation.
- Voltage limits: Up to a maximum of 1,000 V (alternating current) or 1,500 V (direct current).
- Classification: Classification is divided into B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business).
- Structure: Devices are categorized according to specific product categories and device types.
Who is responsible?
The responsibility lies with the first distributor. This includes:
- Manufacturers based in Germany.
- Importers who place electrical appliances on the German market.
- Foreign suppliers who sell directly to end customers in Germany.
- Important for foreign companies: Any company without a branch in Germany must appoint an authorized representative in order to operate in compliance with the law.
The key obligations under the ElektroG4
Before electrical appliances may be offered for sale, rented out, or given away, the following steps must be completed with the ear Foundation (Joint Agency):
- WEEE Registration: Registration of all brands and appliance types on the ear portal.
- Financial Guarantee (B2C): Annual proof of an insolvency-proof guarantee to cover disposal costs.
- Take-back concept (B2B): Proof of proper take-back and disposal of professional equipment.
- Reporting: Regular (usually monthly) reports on the weights of equipment placed on the market.
- Labeling: Correct affixing of the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol and information requirements for consumers.
Risks Associated with Violations and Non-Compliance
Violating the ElektroG4 is no trivial offense and is strictly punished:
Heavy fines: At the administrative level, fines of up to 100,000 EUR may be imposed.
Confiscation of profits: Authorities may seize all revenue and profits generated by non-compliant products.
Competition law warnings: Competitors can issue civil warnings for violations, resulting in high legal and court costs.
Sales ban: In the worst-case scenario, an immediate sales ban on the entire product range may be imposed until full compliance is demonstrated.
Our Service
ECOPV-EU provides expert support to help you comply with German law and, if desired, handles the complete implementation and administration of the ElektroG within your company.
Our ElektroG4 services cover everything involved. Aside from submitting the required quantity data to ECOPV-EU, you can sit back, relax, and let us do the work for you.
PV PANELS
The photovoltaic boom comes with certain obligations.
Anyone who places modules on the market bears full responsibility for their entire lifecycle, including proper take-back. We help you comply with regulations such as the Battery Act (BattDG), the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG4), and the Packaging Act (VerpackDG) in a legally compliant manner – from registration to reporting requirements.
Official collection orders (Stiftung ear)
The disposal of defective modules is time-sensitive. If you receive a collection order from Stiftung ear, the pickup often needs to be completed within 72 hours. We can also handle this task for you efficiently and with the desired level of service.
Additional requirements for manufacturers
Category
Which category does your product belong to? There are currently 6 different categories. Under the ElektroG4, manufacturers must assign their electrical appliances to one or more categories during registration. Correct categorization is crucial for proper registration and the subsequent approval of your product.
Insolvency-proof guarantee
Do you already have an insolvency-proof guarantee for your electrical appliance? The ElektroG4 requires all manufacturers to provide an insolvency-proof guarantee to cover the costs of disposing of their products. Do you still need a guarantee? Or do you have unanswered questions? No problem - our in-house manufacturer guarantee system has you covered!
FAQ
Is a WEEE number absolutely necessary?
According to Section 6(3) of the ElektroG, every manufacturer is required to include a WEEE number when selling products and on invoices. The basis for ear registration is the WEEE Directive in force in Europe, which has been transposed into German law by the ElektroG.
How do I get a WEEE number?
You can apply for a WEEE number on the ear Foundation’s portal. To do so, you must first create a user account by providing the name of the authorized representative, the billing address, and your company’s details. When submitting the registration application, you must provide the brand name listed on the device.
Where can I find the WEEE number?
The registration notice assigns the registration number (WEEE Reg. No. DE) and is also published in the directory of registered producers.
What counts as electrical or electronic equipment?
Electrical equipment includes all devices that you use as work or operating equipment and that are connected to an electrical power source. This includes, for example, devices that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.
Who is required to apply for a WEEE number?
All manufacturers that sell electrical and electronic equipment to private (B2C) or commercial (B2B) customers must apply for a WEEE number. Alternatively, the manufacturer may designate an authorized representative officially recognized by the ear Foundation.
What does WEEE stand for?
The Electrical Equipment Act (ElektroG4)
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