German WEEE Registration: stiftung ear Compliance for Electronics Sellers
Updated 2026-08-03
Under Germany's ElektroG (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act), all producers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment must register with stiftung ear before placing products on the German market. Registration includes appointing an authorized representative (for non-German companies), providing product data, and financing the collection and recycling of waste electronics through take-back systems.
Primary sources
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FAQ
What is stiftung ear?+
Stiftung ear (stiftung elektro-altgeräte register) is the German national register for waste electrical and electronic equipment. It is the responsible organization for registering producers, managing take-back systems, and coordinating the collection and recycling of waste electronics in Germany. All EEE producers must register here before selling in Germany.
Who needs to register with stiftung ear?+
Any business that first places EEE on the German market must register as a 'producer'. This includes manufacturers, importers, and distance sellers (including non-EU sellers shipping directly to German consumers). Amazon FBA sellers whose products are stored in German warehouses also need to register.
What categories of EEE are covered?+
German ElektroG covers 6 categories: heat exchangers, screens/monitors, lamps, large devices (>50cm), small devices (<50cm), and small IT/telecommunications devices (<50cm). Each category has different collection and recycling targets. Products ranging from smartphones to refrigerators fall under these categories.
What are the costs of WEEE registration in Germany?+
Stiftung ear charges an initial registration fee (approximately €120-240 depending on category) plus annual fees. Additionally, you must pay take-back system fees, which vary by product category and volume. Non-German companies need an authorized representative, which costs €500-2,000 annually. Total annual costs typically range from €1,000-5,000 for small to medium sellers.
Does Amazon verify WEEE registration?+
Yes, Amazon verifies WEEE registration (stiftung ear registration number) for sellers of EEE products in Germany. Sellers must provide their registration number in Seller Central. Products from sellers without valid WEEE registration may be delisted. Amazon has been increasingly strict about enforcement since 2023.
What is the take-back obligation?+
Registered producers must finance the collection and environmentally sound treatment of waste EEE through participation in a take-back system. In Germany, producers must join one of the approved take-back systems (e.g., ERP, Landbell, Der Grüne Punkt) which organize collection from municipal collection points and retail stores.
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