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stiftung ear
In brief
The stiftung ear (Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register) is the joint body of manufacturers under the ElektroG, based in Nuremberg. Vested with public authority by the Federal Environment Agency, it registers manufacturers of electrical equipment and batteries, assigns registration numbers, and coordinates the collection of old devices at municipal collection points. For companies that sell or dispose of IT hardware, it is the body through which registrations and treatment facilities can be verified.
Tasks of the stiftung ear (as of: 10/2026)
| Task | Basis |
|---|---|
| Registration of manufacturers and assignment of the WEEE reg. no. | ElektroG |
| Receipt of quantity reports | ElektroG |
| Coordination of collection at collection points | ElektroG |
| Notifications of initial treatment facilities | ElektroG (since 2022) |
| Registration of battery manufacturers | Batterierecht-Durchführungsgesetz (BattDG) implementing the EU Batteries Regulation |
Since 2021, the stiftung ear has also registered battery manufacturers. With the Batterierecht-Durchführungsgesetz, which replaces the earlier Batteriegesetz, its tasks in the battery sector were expanded. The rules change continuously, which is why an as-of date is given here.
Significance for companies
Anyone who places electrical equipment on the market in Germany for the first time needs a registration. This also applies to companies that sell devices under their own brand or from abroad. For B2B devices separate take-back rules apply. As a user who hands over decommissioned IT, you do not have to register. The public directory of registered manufacturers is, however, helpful, for example for verifying the registration of suppliers. Background on the ElektroG is provided by the guide Certified waste management company and ElektroG.
Second IT handles buyback, data erasure, and proper disposal of decommissioned IT hardware as a certified waste management company under § 56 KrWG. This entry does not replace legal advice.
Frequently asked questions about the stiftung ear
Is the stiftung ear a public authority?
No, a foundation of the manufacturers. However, as a body vested with public authority by the Federal Environment Agency, it acts with sovereign powers, for example in registration decisions.
Do I have to register if I sell used laptops?
Generally not, if the devices were already placed on the market in Germany. For imports or your own brand, a registration may be necessary. Clarify the individual case.
What does "ear" mean?
The abbreviation stands for Elektro-Altgeräte Register.
Do I have to be registered with the stiftung ear as a user of decommissioned IT?
No. Anyone who merely hands over decommissioned IT does not have to register. Companies that place electrical equipment on the market in Germany for the first time need a registration. You can, however, check whether your suppliers are registered.
What is a WEEE registration number?
The WEEE Reg. No. is the number that the stiftung ear assigns when a manufacturer of electrical equipment is registered. It proves that the manufacturer is registered. It can be verified in the public directory of registered manufacturers.
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