Your partner for seamless WEEE compliance under the ElektroG
As a manufacturer or distributor of electrical and electronic equipment, you are subject to extensive obligations under the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). With Noventiz as your partner, navigating the complexities of WEEE legislation becomes straightforward, efficient, and reliable.
We support you every step of the way – from registration with stiftung ear, the competent German authority, to accurate volume reporting and the compliant take-back and environmentally sound disposal of your waste equipment.
As a full-service partner, we manage the entire process on your behalf, ensuring full legal compliance at all times. This reduces your administrative burden and gives you more time to focus on what matters most – your core business – while we ensure your compliance and help you actively contribute to a sustainable circular economy and the responsible use of resources.
What does the ElektroG say?
According to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), any producer and/or retailer wishing to place electronic equipment on the German market must first register with stiftung ear. Each registration must specify the brand and the type of equipment to be sold. If the registration is successful, the producer/authorised representative will receive a unique WEEE registration number. This process can take between 6–10 weeks. Future registrations for other types of equipment can use the same WEEE registration number.
Registration with stiftung ear is based on the EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), which has been transposed into German law by the ElektroG. The WEEE Directive regulates the distribution, return and proper disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment within the EU. We can help you meet your legal obligations.
stiftung ear was founded as a joint body for producers. Under the ElektroG, all producers must register with stiftung ear before placing electrical and electronic equipment on the market. Registration also includes a report on the quantity of equipment placed on the market.
Who is responsible, or rather, who is the initial distributor according to the ElektroG?
According to the ElektroG, “initial distribution” means placing electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) on the German market for the first time.
You are considered an initial distributor
- if you produce, design or have other companies produce equipment under your name and brand, and place it on the market for the first time (producers),
- if you place equipment from another producer on the market for the first time under your name or brand,
- if you place foreign equipment on the German market (importer),
- or if you are based outside Germany and are offering your equipment via distance sales (online shops and mail-order companies).
Comply with your EPR under ElektroG with Noventiz
CHECKLIST
Your obligations as a producer under the ElektroG
This document provides a concise overview of the key obligations for placing electrical and electronic equipment on the market in accordance with the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). It guides you in a structured manner through all relevant steps—from preparation before the start of sales, to requirements during ongoing distribution, and through to continuous compliance tasks. The checklist serves as a practical reference to help you implement legal requirements safely and completely. At the same time, it highlights the areas in which Noventiz can support you in fulfilling your obligations.
Legally secure and up to date with Noventiz
Legally secure and up to date with Noventiz
The updated Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act has been in force since January 2026. Here are the most important changes at a glance.
The government has amended the ElektroG. One of the objectives is to achieve a minimum collection rate of 65% for WEEE as required by the EU. The amendment to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act imposes important new obligations on online retailers, and for the first time, on online marketplace operators.
A summary of the changes can be found here.
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What kind of equipment is subject to the ElektroG?
Heat exchangers
e.g. refrigerators, freezers
Screens, monitors and equipment containing displays with a surface area of more than 100 cm²
e.g. televisions, monitors, tablets, notebooks
Lighting
e.g. energy-saving bulbs, LED lamps, electric discharge lamps
Appliances with at least one of the external dimensions exceeding 50 cm (large appliances)
e.g. dishwashers, washing machines, extractor hoods, ovens, electric bicycles without type approval, electric rowing machines
Appliances for which none of the external dimensions exceed 50 cm (small appliances)
e.g. electric shavers, toys, small consumer electronics, light bulbs, measuring instruments, tools
Small IT and telecommunications devices for which none of the external dimensions of which exceed 50 cm
e.g. mobile phones, routers, computers, printers
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FAQ
What is WEEE?
WEEE stands for waste electrical and electronic equipment. The underlying directive is the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive.
Who needs a WEEE registration number?
Anyone who places EEE on the German market must have a WEEE registration number, specifically producers, online retailers, importers and anyone who places goods on the market via marketplaces. If you do not have an office in Germany, you must appoint an authorised representative to register.
What is a WEEE registration number?
WEEE stands for waste electrical and electronic equipment. The WEEE registration number is proof of compliance with the legal obligations (EPR) for waste electrical and electronic equipment.
How much does it cost to register WEEE with stiftung ear cost (fees only)?
For information on fees, please refer to stiftungs ear’s overview of fees.
What additional costs can arise under the ElektroG?
In addition to registration with stiftung ear, the competent German authority, manufacturers and distributors may face various additional costs when meeting their obligations under the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG).
These typically include:
- Financial guarantees and system participation: Ongoing fees for collective take-back schemes that finance the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (costs vary depending on volume and product category). For B2C manufacturers, this may also include providing and verifying financial guarantees
- Collection and logistics: Costs for handling collection orders and coordinating the take-back and disposal of waste equipment in line with stiftung ear requirements
- Labelling obligations: Expenses related to applying the WEEE symbol to products and packaging
- Administrative tasks: Regular quantity reporting and documentation requirements
- Take-back obligations for distributors: Retailers with sales areas exceeding 400 m² must provide free take-back options, resulting in costs for storage, personnel, and transport
- Requirements for non-German manufacturers: Appointment of an authorised representative in Germany
The actual cost structure depends on factors such as your business model, product portfolio, and the chosen take-back system.
Our service for you:
Noventiz supports you in identifying all relevant cost components early on, selecting the right system, and optimising your processes. This ensures full compliance while keeping your administrative effort and costs as low as possible.
Who does the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment apply to?
In 2018, the scope of the WEEE Directive was extended to cover all electrical and electronic equipment in six categories: Heat exchangers, screens, lamps, large equipment, small equipment and small equipment for information and telecommunication technology.
What does the ElektroG say?
The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) transposes the European WEEE Directive into German law. It regulates the placing on the market, take-back and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment, amongst other things.
The law aims to
- make electrical and electronic equipment less harmful to the environment;
- avoid and reduce electrical and electronic waste through re-use and recovery;
- dispose of non-recoverable residual waste in an environmentally friendly manner.
What products are covered by the ElektroG?
In addition to “traditional” electrical and electronic equipment, the ElektroG also applies to products with electrical and electronic components, such as furniture, clothing and lifestyle products.
The law covers the following:
Electrical and electronic equipment:
Equipment designed for use with a voltage rating of less than 1,000 volts AC and 1,500 volts DC that
a) depends on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work properly, or
b) generates, transmits or measures electric currents or electromagnetic fields.
Who decides whether a piece of equipment falls within the scope of the ElektroG?
It is the responsibility of stiftung ear to determine whether EEE is subject to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act. You can request stiftung ear to check whether a product falls within the scope of the ElektroG, whether it qualifies for an exemption and which product category it falls into (usually for a fee).
Which types of companies are subject to the WEEE Directive?
In principle, the WEEE Directive and the obligation to register with stiftung ear apply to both manufacturers and distributors in the B2B and B2C sectors – in other words, to anyone placing electrical and electronic equipment on the German market.
What is an insolvency-proof guarantee and who is required to provide one?
An insolvency-proof guarantee (or financial guarantee) ensures that the costs for the disposal of waste electrical equipment are covered even if a manufacturer becomes insolvent or exits the market.
All B2C manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment are required to provide such a guarantee when registering (this does not apply to B2B manufacturers). Noventiz supports you in arranging and submitting the required guarantee.
Does Noventiz cover the take-back of e‑waste equipment?
Yes, upon request, Noventiz can handle the entire take-back logistics for you – for both large and small appliances. We implement all collection and provisioning orders issued by stiftung ear, the competent German authority, on time and can also cover the associated disposal costs. This ensures that you meet your legal take-back obligations reliably and without additional organisational effort. Get in touch with us to find the right solution for your needs.
Does Noventiz handle the required reporting?
Noventiz takes care of all required reporting to stiftung ear on your behalf – including monthly reports on the volume of electrical equipment placed on the market, as well as the annual report and mass flow documentation. These reports are based on monthly volume data submitted by you via our customer portals. We ensure that all deadlines are met so that you avoid any risk of fines. This gives you the confidence that your reporting obligations are fulfilled completely and accurately – while allowing you to stay focused on your core business.
What happens in case of non-compliance with the WEEE Directive?
Violations of the ElektroG (which implements the WEEE Directive in Germany) are considered administrative offences. Companies placing electrical equipment on the market without a valid WEEE registration or failing to meet reporting obligations may face significant fines. In addition, authorities may impose sales bans, preventing your products from being sold.
Online marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay may also suspend sellers without a valid WEEE number. With Noventiz as your experienced WEEE partner, you can remain fully compliant and avoid these risks.
Do special rules apply to international manufacturers or distributors?
Yes. If you are a foreign manufacturer or distributor placing electrical equipment on the German market – for example via an online shop – you are also subject to the ElektroG registration requirements.
If you do not have a registered office in Germany, you must appoint an authorised representative based in Germany to register with stiftung ear. Noventiz can act as your authorised representative and handle all necessary steps on your behalf – from registration and ongoing reporting to fulfilling your take-back obligations.
How can I ensure WEEE compliance in Germany as a manufacturer or distributor?
As a company placing electrical equipment on the German market, you must implement all relevant WEEE requirements on time. Depending on your company size and product volumes, this can be complex and time-consuming – especially as the regulatory framework is multifaceted and continuously evolving.
To stay compliant, you can outsource these tasks to specialised service providers such as Noventiz. We take care of all necessary steps for you – from registration and reporting to the collection of waste equipment – and keep track of regulatory changes on your behalf.
How can I stay up to date on WEEE legislation in Germany?
Since its introduction, the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) has already been updated several times (ElektroG2, ElektroG3, ElektroG4). The stiftung ear and WEEE service providers like Noventiz provide ongoing updates on regulatory developments. We ensure that you are always up to date and support you in fulfilling your obligations in line with the latest requirements.