Is German WEEE marking mandatory?
Every manufacturer and distributor of electrical and electronic devices is obliged to WEEE labeling of their devices according to German ElektroG and EU WEEE guidelines. The labeling follows a strictly regulated requirement. The fundamentally mandatory information that must be placed directly on electrical and electronic devices includes the specific designation of the device manufacturer, as well as the respective brand for identifying the manufacturer. The information on the device must match the information provided by stiftung ear and correspond to what is listed on the notification of registration from the joint agency. For electrical and electronic devices sold privately, the obligation to display the symbol for prohibited disposal in household waste also applies. The symbol of the crossed-out garbage can, which is applied directly to the product label and type plate, is used for this purpose.
What’s the difference between WEEE symbol garbage can with and without black bar below?
Since the 2018 amendment, the previously often used black bar below the garbage can is no longer necessary. This indicated whether the device was manufactured or put on the market before or after the introduction of the electrical law. The marking of the crossed-out garbage can without a bar is correct and sufficient.
When selling, renting and leasing in the B2B field, electrical and electronic devices must be further labeled. The WEEE marking does not provide for a crossed-out garbage can, as this type of marking is not permitted on professional electronic and electrical devices. Here, the WEEE marking must contain the manufacturer, the brand and the device type as well as the consecutive type or serial number required by the DIN standard.
As part of the WEEE labeling obligation, the ElektroG stipulates that the labeling with all relevant data must be permanently legible. A conventional sticker or print with fading ink is therefore not suitable. At best, the WEEE marking is carried out with a metal plate, which can easily be done on the back of large electrical and electronic devices. If the labeling requirements are violated, severe penalties and sanctions are imminent.