Selling electronics on Amazon Germany comes with a few important legal steps, and one of the biggest hurdles is providing your WEEE registration number. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through where to find your WEEE number, how to activate it for Amazon Germany, and what to do if you hit roadblocks.
Let’s dive straight.
First Things First: What is the WEEE Number?
Before we jump into the process, let’s quickly cover the basics.
WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. It’s part of a European directive designed to make manufacturers responsible for the recycling and safe disposal of their electronics.
If you sell any electrical or electronic product in Germany — even if you’re just reselling another brand’s products — you’re legally required to submit a valid WEEE registration number to Amazon.
Without it, your listings can be blocked or even permanently removed.
Now that you know what it is, let’s talk about how to find it.
Where to Find the WEEE Registration Number for a Product
There are two reliable ways to locate the WEEE registration number for any product you want to sell.
Let’s go step-by-step through both methods.
Method 1: Using the Stiftung EAR Portal (Official Database)
The Stiftung EAR Portal is Germany’s official system for tracking WEEE registrations. It’s the most trusted source and the one Amazon expects you to use.
Here’s exactly how you do it:
- Identify the Product Brand
Before anything else, find out the brand name of the product you plan to sell. For example, if you’re selling a laptop by “Medion” or a vacuum cleaner by “Bosch.” - Find the ASIN on Amazon
Search for the product on Amazon Germany, grab the ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number), and keep it handy. You’ll use this later when submitting your WEEE number. - Open Seller Central
Log into your Seller Central account, go to “Add Products,” paste the ASIN, and proceed.
At this stage, Amazon will often prompt you to submit a WEEE registration number. - Search the Stiftung EAR Database
Open the Stiftung EAR portal (official link here).
Click on the “Manufacturer Directory” (Herstellerverzeichnis) section.
Enter the brand name you identified earlier and hit search. - Locate the Right Entry
You’ll see a list of registrations under that brand. Find the one that matches the category of your product (e.g., small household electronics, IT equipment). - Copy the WEEE Number
Carefully copy the WEEE registration number associated with your product type. - Submit It to Amazon
Head back to Seller Central, paste the WEEE number into the required field, confirm that you’re not the producer of the item, enter your email address, and submit.
Amazon usually verifies your submission within 5 to 7 working days. Once approved, you can sell that product without any issues.
Method 2: Finding the WEEE Number on Auto.de (Backup Method)
Sometimes the EAR portal can be slow or confusing, especially if you’re new to the system.
Here’s another shortcut: Auto.de.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit Auto.de
Go to Auto.de — yes, it’s mainly for vehicles, but it also lists electronics! - Search for the Product
Type in the brand and model of the product you plan to sell. - Find the Listing Details
Once you find the product, click into the listing and scroll down. - Locate the WEEE Registration Number
Many sellers list the WEEE number alongside technical product details. - Cross-Verify
Even if you find the number here, I highly recommend double-checking it against the EAR database before submitting it to Amazon.
If it matches — perfect. If not, trust the EAR listing.
Tip: Auto.de is a great backup if you’re in a hurry or struggling with the EAR portal.
Why It’s Important to Double-Check the WEEE Number
Submitting an incorrect WEEE number can cause major headaches:
- Your product listings could be removed.
- Your Amazon account might get flagged for non-compliance.
- You could even face legal penalties in Germany.
That’s why I always stress: double-check your WEEE numbers against Stiftung EAR, even if you find them elsewhere.
Better 5 minutes extra now than a full account suspension later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with WEEE Numbers
Mistake #1: Copying the Wrong Category
Sometimes brands have multiple WEEE numbers for different product types. Always pick the correct one based on your product category.
Mistake #2: Assuming All Brands Are Registered
Not every brand selling electronics in Germany is properly registered. If you can’t find the brand on the EAR portal, you can’t legally sell it.
Mistake #3: Listing Yourself as the Producer
When submitting the WEEE number, you must select that you’re not the original producer unless you manufactured the product yourself.
Mistake #4: Waiting Until the Last Minute
Finding and submitting a WEEE number can take a few days. Don’t wait until Amazon flags your listing — be proactive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I can’t find a WEEE number for my product?
If you can’t find a valid WEEE number for the brand you’re selling, you won’t be able to list that product legally in Germany.
Either choose a different product or contact the brand and ask them to register.
2. Can I use a random WEEE number just to pass Amazon checks?
No! Amazon and German authorities regularly audit WEEE submissions.
Submitting a random or incorrect number can lead to permanent account suspension.
3. How often do I need to submit WEEE numbers?
You only need to submit the WEEE number once per product listing.
However, if Amazon updates their compliance checks or if you switch brands, you may need to submit a new number.
4. How do I know if my WEEE number has been approved?
Amazon will send you a confirmation email once they’ve verified and approved your WEEE registration. You can also check the product’s compliance documents section inside Seller Central.
Need Personal Help Setting Up Your WEEE, EPR, and VAT?
Finding your WEEE number is just one small piece of the Amazon Germany puzzle.
If you want to skip the stress and avoid costly mistakes, I offer 1-on-1 mentorship sessions where I personally guide you through every setup step: WEEE, EPR, VAT registration, account health — everything.
Email me at crinyamah@gmail.com to book your spot.
Let’s build your Amazon Germany business the right way — starting today.