eBay Germany WEEE Directive

For sellers on eBay Germany selling to German consumers, compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations is mandatory. This includes strict adherence to the German Packaging Act and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) implemented through the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) for all B2C sellers shipping to German addresses.

eBay has a legal obligation to ensure that all B2C sellers affected by these regulations comply with the Packaging Act and the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act. Upon registration, sellers will receive a packaging waste license, known as the "LUCID number," and a "WEEE number" for electronic waste. For sellers subject to these regulations who have not submitted all required information to eBay, we are legally required to remove their relevant products from the German market. This page provides detailed instructions for compliance.

Sellers Affected by the EEE Act

If you meet the following conditions, you need to comply with the requirements and submit your WEEE number to eBay:

- You are recognized as a producer or importer under the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act.

- You list electrical and electronic equipment within the scope of this Act on eBay.

- Your products are intended for private consumers in Germany.

Sellers without a branch in Germany must designate an authorized representative to fulfill the legal obligations of a German producer. Listings not compliant with the EEE Act may be removed. Once you add a valid WEEE number to your account, your listings will be reinstated. This policy applies to sellers residing both inside and outside Germany selling to German buyers. Registration under the EEE Act is also required when using the Global Shipping Program.

Which Items Need to Be Registered?

- Temperature Exchange Equipment: Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps, etc.

- Screens, Monitors, and Devices Containing Screens: Screens, monitors, and devices with screens >100 square centimeters: displays, TVs, tablets, etc.

- Lamps: Fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, pressure sodium lamps, etc.

- Large Equipment: Dishwashers, ventilation systems, washing machines, ovens, rice cookers, vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, lighting equipment, large medical equipment, musical equipment, etc.

- Small Equipment: All other types of electrical and electronic equipment less than 50 cm (length, width, or height): hi-fi systems, hairdryers, blenders, mixers, electric toys, cameras, thermostats, tools, drills, shavers, watches, smoke detectors, devices with integrated photovoltaic panels, etc.

- Small IT and Telecommunication Devices: All IT and telecommunication devices less than 50 cm (length, width, or height): smartphones, routers, desktops, printers, cables, set-top boxes, GPS, VHF radios, etc.

WEEE - Take Necessary Measures

Note: From July 1, 2023, your WEEE number must be recorded in your eBay account.

If you already have a WEEE number, please submit it to your eBay account. This way, it can automatically appear in your listings. Submit your WEEE number immediately.

Examples of EEE Device Types

For detailed information on the products covered by this law, see the EAR Foundation page. Examples include heat exchangers, monitoring devices, gas discharge lamps, lighting equipment, large equipment, large photovoltaic components, small photovoltaic components, small equipment, and small IT and telecommunication devices.

Potentially Affected Sellers

- German Sellers with Private Labels (Manufacturers/Producers): Register the brand in the correct EAR category and obtain a WEEE number.

- German Sellers as Importers (With a Branch in Germany): First, verify with the EAR Foundation if your products/brands have been introduced to the German market in the correct EAR category. If not, register for a WEEE number.

- Non-German Sellers (Producers, Manufacturers, Importers Without a Branch in Germany, Selling via Dropshipping, or Products Stored in German Warehouses): Contact an authorized representative approved by the German government and register the equipment in the correct EAR category and subcategory with the EAR Foundation.