ElektroG & WEEE – Meeting Legal Requirements with Confidence
In Germany, the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), which transposes the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU), regulates the sale, take-back, and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. The implementation of statutory obligations is coordinated by the Stiftung elektro-altgeräte register (stiftung ear).
While (online) retailers are legally required to accept returns of old equipment, manufacturers and first-time importers bear the costs for collection and proper disposal. Foreign companies without a branch in Germany must appoint an authorized representative who assumes full legal responsibility.
Implementing WEEE requirements is particularly challenging for internationally operating companies, as take-back and recycling systems vary significantly across European countries.
asseso assumes the full range of tasks for some clients – both nationally and internationally. In other cases, we establish the structural requirements, such as registering with stiftung ear, defining equipment categories, verifying company status, and ensuring legally compliant product labeling. Ongoing administrative tasks such as notifications and guarantees remain with the client in these cases.