The ElektroG at a glance
What is it all about?
The ElektroG applies to all electrical and electronic devices sold in Germany, regardless of whether they are new or used. It affects both sellers from Germany and from other EU countries. It is a German regulation based on the EU's WEEE Directive.
What do you have to think about when you sell new electrical appliances?
If you are selling or importing electrical and electronic equipment in Germany for the first time as a dealer (within the meaning of the ElektroG), you must register with the Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register (EAR) from July 1, 2023 in order to obtain a WEEE number (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). According to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act, you must state this number when selling the products and on the invoices.
Sale of used electrical appliances
Do the used electrical appliances come from Germany?
If the used appliances come from Germany, you do not need your own WEEE registration number. Unless the appliances are sold under your own (brand) name, in which case a WEEE number is also required.
Do the used electrical appliances you are selling come from abroad and are you selling them for the first time in Germany?
If you sell electrical appliances from abroad and place them on the German market for the first time, you will need your own WEEE registration number.
Note for foreign sellers
If you are a foreign seller without a branch in Germany and import electrical and electronic equipment to Germany, you must apply for your WEEE number and also enter it in your seller profile.
What information do you have to provide for products that fall under the ElektroG?
You must provide the following information:
- Device category and device type
- WEEE registration number
- Brand
What is the WEEE number?
The WEEE number is a manufacturer number that you receive after successful registration with the Foundation when you place electrical/electronic equipment on the market for the first time. It consists of a country abbreviation and an 8-digit number (e.g. "WEEE-Reg. No. DE 12345678").
Where can you apply for a WEEE number?
Registration takes place exclusively online on the ear Foundation portal: Link.
Where do you store your WEEE number?
If you place a product on our marketplace, you can enter this relevant information in the "Information on the ElektroG" section.
Blocking of products without a WEEE number
If a product falls under the ElektroG and does not contain a WEEE number or brand and device category and type, the product will not be activated or canceled because it may not be offered for sale on our marketplace.
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