WEEE Registration: Costs, Steps and Duration

Who needs to register for WEEE?

Producers, importers and private-label sellers must register before placing electrical or electronic equipment on the German market. Online sellers count as producers as soon as they import devices or sell under their own brand.

WEEE Registration in 6 Steps

This is how registration with Stiftung EAR works in Germany:

1. Compile producer data and brand names
2. Determine device type and category under ElektroG
3. Prepare an insolvency-proof guarantee for B2C devices
4. Submit the application via the EAR portal
5. Respond to follow-up questions from Stiftung EAR
6. Receive the WEEE Reg. No. DE and add it to listings, invoices and marketplace backends

How much does a WEEE number cost?

The main cost components of WEEE registration in Germany:

• Stiftung EAR base fee: from EUR 12.40
• Determination fee: EUR 70 to 2,036 depending on the case
• Insolvency-proof guarantee for B2C devices: depends on provider and volume
• Ongoing quantity reports and disposal costs
• Without a German establishment: costs for an authorized representative

How long does registration take?

With a complete application, registration in Germany usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Peak periods or follow-up questions can extend this. Plan the registration before your first listing.

What happens without a WEEE number?

Selling without registration is a compliance violation: warning letters, fines of up to EUR 100,000 under ElektroG and listing suspensions on Amazon and eBay are possible. Since July 2023, marketplaces are legally required to verify registrations.