All affected manufacturers and importers are obliged to register with the “Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register” EAR. In order to register, it is important to provide evidence of a guarantee. This guarantee ensures that the manufacturer fulfils its disposal obligation even though it may have left the market. To administer the guarantee, it is necessary to have a trustee. The trustee guarantees that the waste disposal is carried out even in the event of potential damages.
The EAR claims that the registration takes 2 - 8 weeks. Should they need to make further enquiries, this process can be delayed. For the purpose of an EAR-ordered collection, it is advisable to close a contract with a disposal contractor which operates nationwide.
Following the successful registration with the EAR, you are required to provide them with monthly reports, on their online portal, of the volumes of products put into circulation. The ordered collections that have been carried out must also be signed off here.
Companies that have not registered are not allowed to sell products in Germany. A €50,000 fine or a court injunction stopping the sale of these goods can be the result of non-registration.
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