What is a WEEE Certificate of Compliance?

Recently, Amazon sent out emails reminding sellers to check if their German WEEE registration number has expired or become invalid. If your WEEE registration number is flagged as invalid or expired, you must submit a valid number within 30 days of receiving the email. Failing to do so may result in Amazon delisting your products.

To help sellers comply promptly, this guide reviews key points about German WEEE regulations. If you need assistance with German WEEE registration, you can contact China JJR Laboratory.

Product Categories Requiring German WEEE Registration

According to EU regulations, all cross-border sellers (both self-shipping and FBA) who sell electronic and electrical products in Germany must register for German WEEE. These products are divided into six main categories:

1. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment - Temperature Exchange Devices  

WEEE Certificate Category: Category 1 - Heat Exchangers

2. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment - Displays  

WEEE Certificate Category: Category 2 - Display Devices for Private Households

3. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment - Gas Discharge and Non-Gas Discharge Lamps  

WEEE Certificate Category: Category 3 - Lamps/Glow-Discharge Lamps

4. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment - Large Photovoltaic/Non-Photovoltaic Equipment  

WEEE Certificate Category: Category 4 - Large Electronic Devices (greater than 50 cm)

5. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment - Small Photovoltaic/Non-Photovoltaic Equipment  

WEEE Certificate Category: Category 5 - Small Electrical and Electronic Devices (less than 50 cm)

6. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment - Small IT and Telecom Equipment  

WEEE Certificate Category: Category 6 - Small IT and Telecom Equipment

Steps for German WEEE Compliance Reporting

After registering for German WEEE, ensuring proper reporting is equally important. Follow these guidelines:

1. Accurate Form Submission:  

Include company details, product types, and quantities sold.

2. Complete Documentation:  

Provide supporting documents, including the WEEE registration certificate, invoices, and logistics records.

3. Timely Updates:  

If your business operations change, update your reporting promptly to reflect these changes.

4. Compliance with Laws:  

Adhere to German legal requirements. Providing false or incomplete information may lead to lawsuits and fines.

Reporting after WEEE registration is a critical obligation. All companies selling electronic and electrical equipment in Germany must fulfill this responsibility.

Uploading the German WEEE Registration Number to Amazon

Once you receive your German WEEE certificate, upload the registration number to Amazon for review. Amazon verifies the official registration number issued by EAR (Stiftung EAR). Only numbers in the format DE+8 digits are valid.

Steps to Upload the Registration Number:

1. Visit the "Extended Producer Responsibility Requirements – German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive" help page ([Amazon EU Help](https://sellercentral-europe.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/GY97WLQDLFH2SNBY)).

2. Open each compliance portal link corresponding to different device categories.

3. Enter the brand’s WEEE registration number (your own or that of your upstream supplier). Only the 8-digit number is needed (exclude "DE").

4. If using an upstream supplier’s WEEE registration number, check the box stating:  

"I received this WEEE registration number from my supply chain producer."  

If using your own number, leave this box unchecked.

5. Click Submit.

6. Repeat Steps 3–5 for all brands in each equipment type you sell, ensuring every page (maximum 5 records per page) is completed.

7. Repeat Steps 1–6 for all applicable device types.

Printing the German WEEE Mark

In addition to reporting obligations, sellers must meet labeling requirements. Manufacturers are required to print the recycling symbol on product packaging and manuals. Labels must be clear and legible. Both the recycling symbol (trash bin icon) and CE marking are mandatory for EU exports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can the WEEE registration number be used across platforms?  

Yes. The German WEEE registration is based on the company entity. If other platforms are operated under the same entity with the same brand and category, the number can be used across platforms.

How to check if the upload was successful?  

After completing the upload, Amazon will verify the submitted WEEE registration numbers. You can check results on the compliance portal within 3–7 days. Regularly review the compliance portal for any new requirements related to brands or equipment types.

Important Reminders

1. Registration Complexity:  

German WEEE registration is complex, with uncertain processing times (average 7–8 weeks). High-demand periods or incomplete applications may result in longer delays. Ensure you apply before selling any products in the six categories.

2. Annual Fees:  

German WEEE registrations are valid for a calendar year. Regardless of registration timing, the full annual fee is required. Sellers must renew certificates promptly to avoid expiration.

3. Avoid Misleading Claims:  

Free registration offers can be deceptive. Ongoing obligations include pre-registration declarations and annual reports. Failing to renew on time may lead to fines and legal risks.

4. Plan Ahead:  

Prepare your compliance documents and registration early to avoid disruptions in your Amazon listings or other platforms.