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WEEE-Reg.-Nr.
On invoices and in online shops for electrical devices, there is often a statement such as "WEEE Reg. No. DE 12345678". Anyone who places electrical devices on the market in Germany needs this number. Here you will learn what it means, who needs it and what this means for retired IT.
In brief
The WEEE Reg. No. (WEEE registration number) is the identifier that manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment receive upon registration under the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). It consists of the country code DE and eight digits and proves that a manufacturer is registered for the take-back and disposal of its devices. For companies that only use and retire IT, it is mainly a check criterion when reselling and when selecting partners.
Who needs a WEEE number?
WEEE stands for "Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment". The EU directive on it obliges manufacturers to take responsibility for the disposal of their devices. In Germany, the ElektroG implements this obligation.
Anyone who places electrical devices on the market in Germany for the first time must first register with the stiftung ear . This is the joint body of manufacturers that administers the registrations on behalf of the state. A manufacturer is not only someone who produces devices. Importers, retailers with their own brand and, under certain circumstances, retailers who offer devices from unregistered manufacturers may also be affected. Foreign manufacturers without a branch in Germany need an authorized representative.
Registration is per brand and device type. A distinction is made as to whether devices can be used in private households (B2C) or only commercially (B2B devices). For B2C devices, a guarantee for financing disposal is additionally required.
Where must the number appear?
| Location | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Offers and online shops | Statement of the registration number when electrical devices are offered |
| Invoices | Statement in written business correspondence, for example in the header or footer |
| Other business documents | For example order confirmations and delivery notes |
| Online marketplaces | Operators must check whether providers are registered |
If the number or the registration is missing, fines, sales bans and cease-and-desist letters from competitors are possible. Whether a company is registered can be checked in the public directory of the stiftung ear.
What applies to used IT?
Anyone who uses their own notebooks or servers and later retires them is not a manufacturer and does not need a WEEE number. The registration obligation is tied to the first placing on the market in Germany. Devices that have already been sold here once generally do not trigger a new registration on resale. It can be different if used devices are imported from abroad or offered under your own brand. If in doubt, clarify this in the individual case. This entry explains terms and does not replace legal advice.
For disposal, the following applies: B2B old devices are taken back by the manufacturer or by a disposal company you commission. What matters here is described in the guide Certified waste management company. As of: 10/2026 – the ElektroG has been amended several times, so check the current version.
Relation to Second IT
Second IT accepts used IT from companies, refurbishes it and remarkets it. Devices that can no longer be used are properly recovered as a certified waste management company under § 56 KrWG – with recycling and disposal documentation for your CSR and ESG reporting. More on IT disposal at Second IT.
Frequently asked questions about the WEEE number
What does a WEEE number look like?
It consists of the country code DE and eight digits, for example "WEEE Reg. No. DE 12345678". The number is assigned by the stiftung ear upon registration.
Do I need a WEEE number if I sell old company notebooks?
As a rule, no. The obligation applies to manufacturers who place devices on the market in Germany for the first time. Anyone who passes on their own devices bought here is not a manufacturer within the meaning of the ElektroG. In the case of import or sale under your own brand, you should have the situation reviewed.
Where can I check whether a provider is registered?
The stiftung ear publishes a directory of registered manufacturers. You can search there by name, brand or registration number.
What happens if the WEEE number is missing?
If the number or the registration is missing, fines, sales bans and cease-and-desist letters from competitors are possible. Whether a company is registered can be checked in the public directory of the stiftung ear.
Do retailers also need a WEEE registration?
That is possible. Manufacturers include not only producers but also importers and retailers with their own brand. Under certain circumstances, retailers who offer devices from unregistered manufacturers are also affected. If in doubt, you should have the individual case reviewed.
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