ElectroG Guide: The German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act and the WEEE Directive explained
The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) is the German implementation of the European WEEE Directive regulating the placing on the market, take-back and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act only applies in Germany. Each EU country has its own WEEE legislation. The current amendment to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act has been in force since 01.01.2022.
Scope of application: Which products are affected?
The Electrical and Electronic 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 differentiated according to specific product categories and device types.
Who is responsible?
The responsibility lies with the initial 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: Those who do not have a branch in Germany must appoint an official representative in order to operate in compliance with the law.
The core obligations under the ElektroG
Before electrical appliances can be offered for sale, rented, 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 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
Violations of the ElektroG are not a trivial offense and are severely punished:
High fines: At the administrative level, penalties of up to EUR 100,000 may be imposed.
Profit skimming: Authorities may confiscate all revenues and profits generated by non-compliant products.
Competition law warnings: Competitors can issue civil warnings for violations, which incurs high legal and court costs.
Sales ban: In the worst case, there is a threat of an immediate sales ban on the entire product range until full compliance has been demonstrated.
Our service
ECOPV-EU provides you with competent support in complying with the provisions of German law and, if desired, will take over the complete implementation and administration of the ElektroG in your company. Our ElektroG service includes everything that is required. Apart from sending the required quantities to ECOPV-EU, you can sit back and relax and let us do the work for you.
PV-PANELS
Additional requirements for manufacturers
The photovoltaic boom brings with it certain obligations.
Anyone who brings modules onto the market bears full responsibility for their entire life cycle, right through to proper take-back.
We support you in complying with regulations such as BattG, ElektroG, and VerpackG in a legally compliant manner—from registration to reporting requirements.
Official collection orders (Stiftung ear)
The disposal of defective modules is time-critical. If you receive a collection order from Stiftung ear, recycling must often take place within 72 hours.
We can also take care of this task for you efficiently and with the desired performance.
Additional requirements for manufacturers
Category
Which category does your product belong to? There are currently 6 different categories. According to the ElektroG, manufacturers must assign their electrical appliances to one or more categories when registering them. The correct categorization is crucial for correct registration and the associated approval of your product. Here you will find an overview of all categories.
Insolvency-proof guarantee
Do you already have an insolvency-proof guarantee for your electrical appliance? The ElektroG requires all manufacturers to provide an insolvency-proof guarantee for financing the disposal of their products. Do you still need a guarantee? And have unanswered questions? No problem with our in-house manufacturer's warranty system! You can find more information here.
The German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG)
Easy
Fast
Save
FAQs
Is a WEEE number mandatory?
According to § 6 para. 3 ElektroG, every producer is obliged to provide a WEEE number when selling products and on invoices. The basis for ear registration is the WEEE Directive applicable in Europe, which is transposed into German law by the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG).
What is electrical and electronic equipment?
Electronic devices include all devices that you use as work or operating equipment and that are connected to electrical energy. This includes, for example, devices that generate, transmit and distribute electricity.
How do I get a WEEE number?
You can apply for a WEEE number on the Stiftung ear portal. A user account is first created here, stating the authorized representative, the billing address and your company’s details. For the registration application, the brand name on the device must be provided
Who has to apply for a WEEE number?
All producer who sell electrical and electronic equipment to private (B2C) or commercial (B2B) customers must apply for a WEEE number. Or an authorized representative officially recognized by Stiftung ear can/must be appointed by the producer.
Where can I find the WEEE number?
The registration number (WEEE Reg. No. DE) is issued with the registration notification and is also published in the list of registered producer.
What does WEEE mean?
The Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment is the European directive for waste electrical and electronic equipment. It lays down the basic rules that apply to the placing on the market, take-back and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment in every country of the European Union.
Contact
We look forward to your message