Authorized representative for batteries and WEEE in Germany | Outsource your EPR obligations
Understanding EPR regulations in Germany
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system in Germany was introduced in accordance with EU directives: 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators (now Regulation 2023/1542) and 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
The German EPR regulations cover among others:
- under the ElektroG law β waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE),
- under the BattG law β batteries and accumulators.
Companies that place WEEE or batteries on the German market must fulfill numerous obligations to ensure proper waste management. These obligations include:
- registration with relevant authorities (German Clearing House β EAR) in order to obtain an EPR number,
- regular reporting of quantities of WEEE and batteries placed on the German market,
- organization of take-back and waste management (via an extended producer responsibility organization)
- information obligation (appropriate labeling, user guidance),
- appointment of an authorised representative, if the company is not based in Germany.
What is an authorized representative for EPR in Germany?
An authorized representative for EPR is a natural or legal person established in Germany who takes over the manufacturer’s obligations under EPR regulations (ElektroG for EEE, BattG for batteries). The scope of these obligations depends mainly on the type of products sold.
Only a company based in Germany, registered with the relevant authority ( EAR) and holding a written agreement with the manufacturer to transfer the obligations arising from the EPR regulations can act as an authorized representative of the manufacturer.
Who is required appoint an authorized representative for EPR in Germany?
The appointment of an authorized representative for EPR in Germany is mandatory for all companies that, not being based in Germany, introduce to the German market:
- batteries and rechargeable batteries,
- products containing batteries or rechargeable batteries,
- electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
Foreign entities that sell products directly to individual customers in Germany via distance sales channels (their own online shops or sales platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Zalando, etc.) must therefore have an authorized representative.
Authorised representive β Soon also required for packaging compliance
The obligation to appoint an authorized representative does currently not apply to companies selling packaging and packaged products on the Germany market. This obligation will come into force due to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in August 2026. The PPWR replaces the 94/62/EC directive which currently regulates the EPR packaging obligations. However, companies can already voluntarily appoint an authorized EPR representative to ensure full compliance with the PPWR, avoid penalties, and streamline regulatory processes. While companies must register with the LUCID Packaging Register themselfs, the authorised representative fulfils all other packaging obligations.
Authorized EPR representative in Germany β choose the best offer
Are you required to appoint an authorized EPR representative in Germany? Do you want to hand over your tasks to a trustworthy company that will carry them out with the utmost care? Sign a contract with Interzero! As an environmental consulting company with over 30 years of experience, we will provide you with professional end-to-end support and relieve you of tedious duties.
Choosing Interzero as your authorized EPR representative in Germany, you will:
- transfer all your responsibilities arising from EPR regulations in Germany,
- quickly and easily obtain all the data and documents required by the largest sales platforms,
- save time for you and your employees,
- sell your products to German customers safely and legally,
- ensure the waste from your products is processed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Complete a short survey and get a quote for your company >>
Sign a contract with Interzero in a few simple steps
To simplify EPR compliance for businesses, we offer our clients the option to conclude the contract quickly, conveniently, and entirely remotely β 100% online.
To entrust us with the role of an authorized representative of your company in Germany:
Sign a contract with Interzero in a few simple steps
To simplify EPR compliance for businesses, we offer our clients the option to conclude the contract quickly, conveniently, and entirely remotely β 100% online.
To entrust us with the role of an authorized representative of your company in Germany:
- Choose product categories you sell to customers in Germany and proceed to the form.
- Complete the online form with quantities and weights.
- Enter your company details and confirm that their accuracy.
- Confirm your order and follow the instructions we send to your e-mail address.
Unsure whether EPR applies to your company? Schedule a free consultation with our experts! Book an appointment through our online calendar.
What responsibilities do we fulfil as an authorized representative in Germany?
Interzero has been providing professional environmental services to customers in every industry for over 30 years. We are present in 10 countries, including Germany, where we take over the responsibilities arising from extended producer responsibility from entrepreneurs.
As your authorized representative in Germany, we will take care of:
- registering your company in the relevant registers* (EAR) and advisory support during registration in LUCID, which, in accordance with applicable regulations, you must do yourself,
- recycling and handling waste from packaging, equipment and batteries that you place on the German market,
- participation in the extended producer responsibility system,
- reporting on packaging, equipment and batteries placed on the market in each calendar year (according to the regulations, you must submit reports on introduced packaging yourself),
- licensing of packaging and payment of license fees on behalf of your company (if necessary),
- representation of your company in dealings with German authorities and offices.
*Please note: The registration with the LUCID Packaging Register must be complete by obligated companies themselves. Other obligations can and will be handled by our authorized representative on your behalf.
Our experts will familiarize themselves with the specifics of your business to determine your exact responsibilities as a manufacturer in the German EPR system. This will allow us to carry out all tasks efficiently, comprehensively and with benefits for the environment.
FAQ
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Authorized Representative for EPR in Germany service.
What is EPR?
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is a concept that assumes that the manufacturer should be responsible for the entire life cycle of the products they manufacture β from design and production to the management of the waste generated. Under EU directives, all EU member states are required to incorporate extended producer responsibility into their national legislation for the following:
- packaging and packaged products,
- electrical and electronic equipment (EEE),
- batteries
What is the reason for the obligation to appoint an EPR authorized representative in Germany?
The obligation to appoint an EPR authorized representative is stipulated in two German laws: the law on electrical and electronic equipment (ElektroG) and the law on batteries (BattG). For packaging the obligation is stipulated in EU law (PPWR) and will come into force across all EU member states by August 2026.
Although the extended producer responsibility systems in individual EU member states were designed based on the same EU directives, their shape and method of operation differ significantly. Not only does each member state organize collection in a different way, but local legislation is not always translated into other languages, making it difficult for foreign entrepreneurs to follow and understand the EPR system in force in a given country.
To ensure that foreign companies strictly adhere to EPR regulations, each member state can oblige them to appoint an authorized representative β a local entity that guarantees the fulfillment of all producer obligations.
In the German EPR system, this obligation only exists for batteries and electrical and electronic equipment today but will become mandatory for packaging in 2026 as well.
Who can be an authorized representative for EPR (packaging, batteries, WEEE) in Germany?
An authorized representative for EPR can be a natural or legal person who meets all of the following conditions:
- has a residence or registered office in Germany,
- has been entered in the relevant register (LUCID for packaging, EAR for electrical and electronic equipment and for batteries),
- has concluded a (written) agreement with the foreign manufacturer to transfer the EPR obligations.
When should an authorized representative for EPR be appointed in Germany?
Manufacturers who plan to sell batteries, electrical and electronic equipment to German customers should appoint an authorized representative for EPR before starting their business. The role of the authorized representative is to take the necessary steps to ensure that the products can be legally placed on the market, including obtaining the necessary registrations on behalf of the manufacturer, providing guarantees and joining the extended producer responsibility (EPR) system.
Entrepreneurs who place packaging and packaged products on the German market can currently appoint an authorized representative at any time, both before and during the course of their business, but latest by August 2026 once the PPWR mandatorily requires it.
Does Interzero also offer the authorized representative service in other countries?
Yes, we currently provide authorized representative services in 30 markets β in all 27 EU member states as well as the UK, Norway and Switzerland. This allows companies that bring packaging and products subject to EPR regulations into multiple countries to quickly, conveniently and comprehensively establish an authorized representative in various European markets.
Get an offer for EPR compliance for WEEE and batteries in multiple countries
Get an offer for EPR compliance for packaging in multiple countries