German WEEE Registration Process

Amazon Strictly Monitors German WEEE Registration Numbers

Recently, Amazon sent out emails reminding sellers to check whether their German WEEE registration numbers are invalid or expired. If your WEEE registration number is marked as invalid or expired, please resubmit a valid registration number within 30 days of receiving the email. If a valid registration number is not provided within 30 days, the platform will remove the related product listings.

For sellers who have received the notification email from Amazon, it is recommended that you take action promptly. To help everyone comply in a timely manner, we will review the relevant German WEEE content again in this issue. In addition, if you need to register for the German WEEE, you can leave a message directly on this page.

Which Categories Need German WEEE Registration?

According to EU regulations, all cross-border sellers selling electronic and electrical products to Germany on e-commerce platforms, whether self-shipping or FBA sellers, need to register for German WEEE. The following are the six major categories of electronic and electrical products:

Common 6 Categories:

1. Temperature Exchange Equipment: such as refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, heat pumps, dehumidifiers, etc.

2. Screens, Monitors, and Devices Containing Screens Larger Than 100 cm²: such as televisions, computers, LCD screens, etc.

3. Luminaires: such as linear fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, LED lamps, etc.

4. Large Equipment (external dimensions over 50cm): such as washing machines, dishwashers, stoves, electric cookers, copying machines, large medical equipment, large surveillance instruments, etc.

5. Small Equipment (external dimensions less than 50cm): such as vacuum cleaners, microwaves, electric kettles, watches, electric shavers, scales, calculators, cameras, etc.

6. Small IT and Telecommunication Equipment (external dimensions not exceeding 50 cm): such as mobile phones, GPS devices, routers, telephones, etc.

How to Comply with German WEEE Registration

According to regulations, completing the German WEEE registration is crucial for compliance. When filing the registration, please note the following points:

1. Fill in the Registration Form Correctly:

   - It should include company information, type, and quantity of electronic and electrical products sold.

2. Provide Complete Documentation:

   - Documentation includes the German WEEE registration certificate, invoices, logistics documents, etc.

3. Update Registration Information Timely:

   - If there are changes in sales, update the information to keep the authorities informed and to receive necessary support.

4. Adhere to Relevant Laws and Regulations:

   - Ensure compliance with German laws during the registration process. Providing false information or concealing facts may result in legal actions and fines.

Please note that the registration and reporting under German WEEE are important obligations and responsibilities for all companies selling electronic and electrical equipment in Germany.

How to Upload German WEEE Registration?

After obtaining the German WEEE certificate, sellers must upload the registration number to the Amazon backend for verification. The platform verifies the registration number under the official registration, DE+8 digits. Germany's official registration institution is EAR (Stiftung EAR). Only registration numbers registered with the EAR institution are compliant.

German WEEE Printing Mark

Besides the registration obligation, sellers must also fulfill labeling obligations. Manufacturers must print the recycling mark on the product packaging and manuals, which must be clearly visible and readable. The trash can symbol (recycling mark) and the CE mark are mandatory packaging marks for EU exports.

Can the WEEE Registration Number Be Used on Multiple Platforms?

German WEEE registration is based on the company entity corresponding to the store to register the brand and category. If other platforms are also opened under the same entity with the same brand and category, they can use the same registration number.

How to Check If the Upload Was Successful?

Once you complete the upload steps, Amazon will verify each WEEE-Reg.-Nr you submitted. You can check the verification results in the compliance portal within 3-7 days after submission. Additionally, regularly check the compliance portal to see if there are new brands or equipment types requiring WEEE-Reg.-Nr to ensure that all brands and equipment types sold have uploaded the WEEE-Reg.-Nr.

Note:

Compared to packaging law, German WEEE registration is more complex, with uncertain and long registration periods, averaging 7-8 weeks. If there are registration peaks or non-compliant applications, processing time may be longer. Amazon's backend review also takes time, so you should apply for registration in advance before selling electronic and electrical equipment in the six categories mentioned above.

German WEEE registrations are effective for the calendar year. Regardless of when registered, a full year's fee must be paid, and the certificate will expire at the end of the year. Sellers need to contact service providers for certificate renewal in a timely manner.

EPR registration, reporting, and recycling have thresholds, and sellers should not be misled by so-called free registrations. After obtaining the registration number, there are pre-declarations and annual reports. Without timely notifications for renewal, it is easy to face fines due to overdue declarations.