Summary

Germany’s Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) holds companies accountable for their products — from market launch to take-back and disposal. And this is no longer theoretical. Businesses without a proper return system risk fines, platform bans, and lost resale revenue. In this post, we break down what the law requires and how koorvi helps brands turn compliance into a scalable, digital solution that actually pays off.
Symbolic graphic representing the take-back and recycling of electronic devices, including a fridge, monitor, drill, recycling arrows, and a Euro coin.

Who is required to take back electrical appliances?

In short: anyone who sells electrical or electronic devices in Germany.

The ElektroG applies to:

  • Manufacturers based in Germany
  • Importers from abroad
  • Online retailers and marketplace sellers
  • Distributors selling directly to end customers (B2C)
  • And since 2023, explicitly also B2B products

If you place electrical devices on the German market, you are legally responsible for taking them back — regardless of whether you operate your own shop or sell via Amazon.

What exactly does the ElektroG require?

ElektroG is Germany’s implementation of the EU-wide WEEE directive, aimed at reducing e-waste and increasing reuse.

Key requirements:

  • Registration with Stiftung EAR before selling any device
  • Marking each device with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol
  • Clear consumer information about proper disposal
  • Obligation to take back old devices — for larger retailers, this includes free in-store returns or pick-up during delivery

Worth noting: The registration requirement also applies to components, accessories, and replacement parts — not just fully assembled devices.

Illustration showing the EAR registration requirement in Germany, including symbols for electronic devices, disposal marking, a map of Germany, a person, and an EAR certificate.
EAR registration required: No sales without compliance.

Which types of electrical devices must be taken back?

The law covers all equipment that requires or generates electricity, including:

  • Washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers
  • Consumer electronics and IT devices
  • Batteries, chargers, LED lamps
  • Power tools, vacuum cleaners, electric toothbrushes
  • Smart-home components like thermostats and sensors

Depending on the product category, there are different recycling requirements — but all devices must be traceably collected and recycled.

Are retailers required to accept old devices?

Yes — if you sell electrical goods, you are legally required to provide a return option for old devices. This applies to:

  • Brick-and-mortar retailers with over 400 m² of sales space
  • Online retailers with equivalent warehouse space
  • B2B providers, unless they are officially exempt from take-back obligations

And no — it doesn’t matter if the old device was originally bought from you or not.

What happens if you don’t comply?

Failing to meet ElektroG obligations can result in:

  • Sales bans on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay
  • Fines and legal warnings from regulators or competitors
  • Reputational damage, especially if no return option is offered or information is missing

Even technical errors, like a missing registration or incorrect labeling, can trigger legal consequences.

Why the ElektroG matters for brands in electronics and appliances

In this industry, take-back isn’t just a legal checkbox — it has strategic impact across your operations:

  • Compliance: No EAR registration, no access to marketplaces.
  • Customer service: Buyers expect clear, easy, often digital return options.
  • Cost efficiency: Refurbished or resold items lower procurement costs.
  • Competitiveness: Take-back systems create touchpoints and trust.

Curious how Apple turns returns into revenue? Here’s how.

Turning legal obligations into growth — with koorvi

koorvi helps you go beyond minimum compliance and build a return system that creates value:

  • 🛠 Branded return portals for end customers or B2B clients
  • 🔄 Automated product tracking from return to recycling
  • ♻️ Connections to recycling and refurbishment partners
  • ✅ Full documentation for regulatory audits (e.g. EAR, environmental authorities)
  • 🧾 Seamless integration with ERP and CRM systems

You don’t need a massive logistics team — just the right infrastructure.

Conclusion: Take-back isn’t optional — it’s required by law

The ElektroG is reshaping how brands deal with end-of-life products. And the message is clear: those who still see take-back as a “big brand issue” will be overtaken by competitors who treat circularity as part of their growth strategy.

👉 Want to build a scalable, legally compliant take-back system for your brand? Let’s talk

FAQs

Who is required to take back electrical appliances in Germany?

All manufacturers, importers, and retailers who sell electrical or electronic equipment in Germany are legally required to accept old devices back for recycling or reuse. This applies to companies based in Germany, foreign importers, online retailers selling on marketplaces like Amazon, and distributors selling directly to consumers. Since 2023, B2B suppliers are also fully covered by these take-back obligations. Anyone placing electrical devices on the German market bears legal responsibility for their end-of-life management, whether operating a physical store or selling online.

What are the key requirements of the ElektroG?

The ElektroG is Germany's implementation of the EU-wide WEEE Directive, designed to reduce electronic waste and increase recycling and reuse. Key requirements include registering with Stiftung EAR before selling any device, marking each product with the crossed-out bin symbol, and providing customers with clear information about disposal and return options. Companies must also ensure old devices are collected and processed responsibly. Extended Producer Responsibility means that manufacturers and sellers finance the collection and recycling systems. Organizations managing EPR infrastructure effectively can transform compliance into business opportunities like refurbished product resale and circular economy models.

Which electrical devices must be taken back?

The ElektroG covers all equipment that requires or generates electricity, from large appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers to consumer electronics such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. It also includes batteries, chargers, LED lamps, power tools, vacuum cleaners, electric toothbrushes, and smart-home devices like thermostats and sensors. Accessories and replacement parts are also subject to the law. Although recycling requirements vary by product category, all devices must be traceable, collected, and processed according to EU waste management standards.

Are retailers required to accept old electrical devices back?

Yes, retailers with over 400 square meters of sales, storage, or warehouse space must legally provide take-back options for old electrical equipment. This obligation applies to both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers. Retailers must accept devices for free when customers purchase new equipment of the same type (1:1 take-back), and for small devices under 25 centimeters, they must accept up to three units per customer category at no cost (0:1 take-back). Importantly, retailers must accept devices regardless of where the customer originally purchased them, as long as the retailer meets the size threshold.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with ElektroG?

Federal authorities can impose fines ranging from €3,000 to €100,000 depending on the severity of violations, with the highest penalties for missing registrations, incorrect labeling, or failing to offer take-back services. Beyond fines, non-compliance can trigger sales bans on major marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, legal warnings from competitors, and significant reputational damage. Even technical errors such as incomplete EAR registration can result in legal consequences. Building a compliant take-back system with professional infrastructure helps companies avoid these risks while positioning themselves competitively. Learn more about creating sustainable take-back systems at koorvi.com.