ElektroG4 – Was bei der Altgeräte-Rücknahme beachtet werden muss.
The new Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG4) has been in effect since January 2026. Further obligations were added in July 2026. Anyone selling electrical appliances online must now take action.
In this article I explain what has changed and what you specifically need to do.
The most important points in brief
- From January 2026: Extended take-back obligations for retailers
- From July 2026: Disposable e-cigarettes must be accepted.
- 0:1 take-back offer: Small appliances under 25 cm can be returned even without a new purchase.
- New symbol: Two-tone collection point logo in the shop
- Fines: Up to €100,000 for violations
Does this even affect me?
Yes, if you sell electrical appliances online and have more than 400 square meters of warehouse or shipping space, then you are obligated to accept returns.
Food retailers with over 800 square meters of sales area are also affected as soon as they have electrical appliances in their product range.
Small shops under 400 square meters? They’re out for now. But beware: Anyone who still voluntarily accepts returned devices must do it properly.
1:1 and 0:1 – what does that mean?
The numbers sound cryptic, but they are simple:
1:1 take-back means: If someone buys a new appliance, you can take the old one away free of charge. The delivery service will collect it. This applies to large appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, or televisions.
0:1 take-back means: You must accept small appliances under 25 cm in any dimension, even without a new purchase. Just like that. Free of charge.
This is the point that gives many retailers a headache. Because theoretically, someone could simply send in their old hairdryer – without ever having bought anything from you.
Disposable e-cigarettes: Special rule since July 2026
Since July 1, 2026, disposable e-cigarettes must also be taken back, regardless of the size of the point of sale. This therefore also applies to smaller shops.
The reason: These devices contain lithium batteries and end up in household waste in large quantities. This is dangerous and leads to fires in garbage trucks.
Anyone who sells disposable vapes must also take them back. Period.
What information must be included in the online shop?
You need a dedicated page or button with information on disposing of old electrical appliances. This information must be included:
Where can customers return old devices? That personal data must be deleted before returning the device. What the crossed-out trash can symbol means. That batteries and rechargeable batteries must be removed before returning the device (if possible).
On marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, where central buttons are not possible, this information must be included in the product description.
Also new: The two-color collection point symbol must be clearly visible. In brick-and-mortar stores, it must be at least A4 size; online, it must be prominently displayed in the checkout area.
What happens if I ignore this?
In short: It will be expensive.
Fines of up to €100,000 per violation are possible. In addition, there may be warnings from competitors, claims for damages, and, in the worst case, sales bans for unregistered products.
And because Germany is currently only achieving about 30% collection rate instead of the required 65% from the EU, controls are being tightened.
Check manufacturer registration
One more thing: As a retailer, you must check whether the manufacturers of your products are registered with the EAR Foundation. The WEEE number is found on invoices and can be verified in the EAR register.
If you sell devices from unregistered manufacturers, you are also liable.
Checklist: What to do now
Check immediately:
☐ Do I sell electrical appliances to consumers?
☐ Do I have more than 400 m² of warehouse/shipping space?
☐ Are all my suppliers registered with the EAR Foundation?
Implement in the shop:
☐ Create an information page about the take-back of old devices
☐ Integrate a new collection point icon
☐ Document the take-back process
☐ Add information about batteries and data erasure
If e-cigarettes are part of the product range:
☐ Set up a return option for disposable vapes as well
Conclusion
The German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG4) doesn’t make life any easier for online retailers. But the requirements are manageable. Create an information page, integrate the symbol, document the processes.
The effort involved is manageable – the penalties for non-compliance are not.
Further resources
- PZ Systems: ElektroG4 for online shops
- German Retail Federation: Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act for Retailers
- EcoPV: ElektroG4 Amendment 2026
- EAR Foundation: Registration check
Support with implementation
Do you need help integrating the info page or icon into your WooCommerce shop? I’ll take care of it.
Contact: kontakt@ip2c.de | 07141 309 8714
Raphael Ehm
Ich bin Designer und Entwickler für UX & UI, Web, Print, Corporate Design und Touchscreen Anwendungen. Leidenschaft und ein hoher Anspruch sind zentrale Werte meiner Arbeit.
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