Summary
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.
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 legally required to take back electronic devices?
All manufacturers, importers, and retailers who sell electrical products in Germany — online or offline. That includes sellers on platforms like Amazon. As of 2023, B2B devices are also fully covered.
What are the core obligations under ElektroG?
Companies must register with Stiftung EAR, label their products with the crossed-out bin symbol, inform consumers about return options, and ensure devices are properly collected and recycled.
Which devices are affected by the law?
Any device that uses or generates electricity — including large appliances like washing machines, but also small electronics, smart home gear, tools, lights, and chargers. Accessories and spare parts are often included.
Do sellers have to accept old devices back?
Yes. Retailers (online and offline) with sufficient sales or storage space must offer free take-back. This applies regardless of whether the device was originally bought from them.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Warnings, fines of up to €100,000, sales bans on marketplaces, and potential reputation damage. Even formal issues like missing EAR registration can lead to legal action.
How does koorvi help with compliance and beyond?
koorvi provides the digital backbone for building and managing compliant take-back systems — from customer portals to return tracking and recycling integrations. It turns a legal duty into a smart, scalable service model.
