A comprehensive guide to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act for Amazon sellers
The German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) plays a key role in the take-back and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Germany. It stipulates that manufacturers and retailers of electrical appliances are responsible for their environmentally sound disposal and ensures that these appliances are recycled or reused. This responsibility is often referred to as 'Extended Producer Responsibility'. This also applies to Amazon sellers, especially those who manufacture electrical appliances, have them manufactured or import them from abroad.
The German ElektroG is based on the EU WEEE Directive, which has been transposed into national law by all EU member states. For online retailers who ship across borders to private end consumers within the EU, ecosistant offers an information service to correctly implement the individual obligations arising from the directive.
New WEEE EPR obligations for Amazon sellers from July 2023
A significant change to the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act concerns the WEEE registration number, which is issued for the registration of electrical appliances with the ear foundation. From July 2023, Amazon and other online marketplaces will be legally obliged to check the WEEE registration number of their dealers and ensure that it is correct. Retailers without a correct WEEE registration number will no longer be allowed to sell their products in Germany and will be excluded from the marketplaces.
Amazon has announced that from 5 June 2023, the WEEE compliance of listings on the German Amazon Marketplace will be checked and listings without a WEEE number will be removed. It is therefore high time for electronics retailers to register their WEEE EPR registration number with Amazon.
The meaning of the WEEE registration number
The WEEE registration number is important as it ensures that electrical appliances are correctly registered and disposed of. Registration ensures that funds have been made available for disposal and that the equipment can be recycled. Correct disposal is important to avoid environmental damage and health risks.
How to obtain a WEEE registration number for Amazon
To obtain a WEEE registration number, retailers must be registered with the ear foundation. Registration can be carried out easily online. Foreign dealers without a branch in Germany require an authorised representative for registration. Such a service is offered by ecosistant, which takes care of proper recycling and the fulfilment of obligations under the ElektroG.
As an authorised representative for WEEE is required in every country, ecosistant's information service provides support with research. In addition to take-back systems and instructions for registration, ecosistant also provides authorised representatives for each country.
Consequences of the missing WEEE registration number
Retailers without a WEEE registration number are not allowed to sell electrical appliances on Amazon and other online marketplaces. The marketplaces check the WEEE registration number of their dealers and exclude those without the correct number. This can lead to sales bans and high fines.
Further obligations for sellers of electrical appliances
In addition to registration and quantity reporting, retailers must coordinate collection orders, fulfil information obligations, display the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol and provide an insolvency-proof guarantee. Foreign companies require an authorised representative to assume these obligations.
Conclusion on the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act and the obligations for Amazon sellers
The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act affects all manufacturers and retailers of electrical appliances in Germany. The WEEE registration number is important for the registration and disposal of electrical appliances. Retailers should ensure that they have the correct number in order to continue selling electrical appliances on Amazon and other platforms. Now is the right time to register and, if necessary, seek support from service providers such as ecosistant.
