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Battery registration in Germany 2026: BattDG, stiftung ear and the EU Battery Regulation
Since 18 August 2025, battery EPR in Germany follows the EU Battery Regulation; since 7 October 2025 the German Battery Act Implementation Law (BattDG) adds the national rules. Producers register with stiftung ear, must join a producer responsibility organisation since 1 January 2026, and need an authorized representative if they have no German establishment. This guide explains who is affected, the official fees and the EU dates ahead.
Last reviewed: · Sources linked below
Battery EPR in Germany at a glance
- EU law
- Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 — EPR regime applies since 18 August 2025
- German law
- BattDG, in force since 7 October 2025 (replaced the BattG)
- Register
- stiftung ear, which registers producers on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA)
- PRO membership
- Mandatory since 1 January 2026
- Authorized representative
- Producers without a German establishment register through an authorized representative
- Official fees (net)
- €16.40 per battery category for registration, €3.80 per quarter
- Battery categories
- Portable, LMT (light means of transport), SLI (starting, lighting, ignition), industrial, electric vehicle
- Next EU milestones
- 18 Feb 2027: QR code, removability, battery passport · 18 Aug 2027: due diligence
What is battery registration in Germany?
Battery registration in Germany is the registration of a battery producer with stiftung ear before batteries are placed on the German market. Since 18 August 2025, the extended producer responsibility rules of the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 apply; stiftung ear registers producers on behalf of the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA). The BattDG has been in force since 7 October 2025 and replaced the previous Battery Act (BattG).
Battery registration is separate from WEEE registration for electrical equipment, even though both are handled by stiftung ear, and separate from LUCID for packaging. Overview of all numbers: EPR number explained.
Registered under the old BattG? According to the IHK, existing registrations were transferred automatically but had to be supplemented with details such as the chemical composition of the batteries and the tax ID by 15 January 2026. If you have not done this yet, check your stiftung ear account now.
Who must register batteries?
Producers — including manufacturers and importers — of batteries placed on the German market must register with stiftung ear. Batteries may only be placed on the market by properly registered producers. This concerns more sellers than many expect:
- Loose batteries, such as AA cells, button cells or power banks.
- Batteries built into devices, such as smartphones, toys, e-bikes or power tools.
- Batteries supplied with devices, such as a remote control sold with batteries in the box.
- Sellers based abroad who ship such products directly to German customers — they register through an authorized representative.
A seller of a battery-powered device therefore usually needs three German registrations: WEEE for the device, battery registration for the battery and LUCID for the packaging.
Battery categories
Registration, fees and PRO membership are organised by battery category. The EU Battery Regulation distinguishes five categories:
| Category | Typical examples |
|---|---|
| Portable batteries | AA/AAA cells, button cells, batteries in phones, laptops, toys |
| LMT batteries | Batteries for e-bikes, e-scooters and other light means of transport |
| SLI batteries | Starter batteries for vehicles (starting, lighting, ignition) |
| Industrial batteries | Storage systems, batteries for industrial equipment |
| Electric vehicle batteries | Traction batteries for electric cars |
Classification of borderline products should be checked against the definitions in Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
PRO membership: mandatory since 1 January 2026
Since 1 January 2026, battery producers in Germany must join a producer responsibility organisation (PRO, in German: Organisation für Herstellerverantwortung). According to the IHK, membership is required for each battery category the producer places on the market. The PRO organises collection and treatment of waste batteries on the producer's behalf and charges its own fees.
Registration with stiftung ear and PRO membership are two separate steps: you need both. Producers who were registered under the old BattG without a PRO contract should close this gap first.
Authorized representative for producers abroad
Producers without an establishment in Germany register with stiftung ear through an authorized representative. This applies to sellers from other EU member states as well as from outside the EU. The representative must have its seat in Germany, according to the IHK.
Proposal – not yet law The EU Environmental Omnibus would also suspend the authorized-representative duty for batteries. The European Parliament voted on 20 October 2026; the Council's position is still pending. Until a final text is adopted and published, the duty applies. More: authorized representative guide.
Official stiftung ear fees for batteries
stiftung ear charges two official fees for battery registration; both are net, plus VAT.
| Fee | Amount (net) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | €16.40 per battery category | 3 categories = €49.20 |
| Quarterly fee | €3.80 per quarter | 4 quarters = €15.20 per year |
These are the register's fees only. PRO fees, the cost of collection and treatment, and any external service come on top.
Battery registration step by step
Battery compliance in Germany takes five steps:
- Identify your batteries. List all loose, built-in and included batteries and assign each to a category.
- Appoint a representative if needed. Without a German establishment, contract an authorized representative based in Germany.
- Join a PRO. Conclude a contract with a producer responsibility organisation for each relevant category.
- Register with stiftung ear. Submit company data and battery details, such as category and chemical composition, in the stiftung ear portal.
- Mark and maintain. Mark batteries with the crossed-out wheelie bin, keep your registration up to date and prepare for the 2027 EU requirements.
Upcoming EU Battery Regulation milestones
The next major EU battery dates are 18 February 2027 and 18 August 2027. According to the published timeline of the EU Battery Regulation:
- 18 February 2027: QR code on all batteries; removability and replaceability rules; battery passport for EV, LMT and industrial batteries above 2 kWh.
- 18 August 2027: due diligence obligations for raw-material supply chains, postponed by Regulation (EU) 2025/1561.
Labelling: the start date of further labelling requirements under Article 13 of the Battery Regulation depends on EU implementing acts and is not yet fixed. We do not state a date here — check the current status before redesigning your labels. The crossed-out wheelie bin is required already.
Battery deadlines 2025–2027
| Date | What happens | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Aug 2025 | EPR rules of the EU Battery Regulation apply | In force |
| 7 Oct 2025 | BattDG enters into force, replaces BattG | In force |
| 1 Jan 2026 | PRO membership mandatory | In force |
| 15 Jan 2026 | Existing registrations to be supplemented (per IHK) | Passed — check now |
| 18 Feb 2027 | QR code, removability/replaceability, battery passport | Upcoming |
| 18 Aug 2027 | Due diligence obligations | Upcoming (postponed) |
| Open | Suspension of the batteries AR duty (Omnibus) | Proposal – not yet law |
All EU dates: EPR deadline calendar · Germany overview: EPR in Germany 2026.
Risks of missing registration — and how Certify helps
According to the IHK, breaches of battery law can lead to fines, sales bans or withdrawal of the registration. Marketplaces may also remove offers that do not meet EPR requirements.
- Check: we identify all batteries in your range and assign the categories.
- Register: we support registration with stiftung ear and PRO membership and, without a German establishment, act as your authorized representative.
- Maintain: we keep track of changes, the 2027 EU milestones and the omnibus negotiations.
Battery registration Germany FAQ
Where do I register batteries in Germany?
With stiftung ear. Under the EU Battery Regulation and the BattDG, stiftung ear registers battery producers on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA). Batteries may only be placed on the market by properly registered producers.
Is joining a producer responsibility organisation mandatory?
Yes. Since 1 January 2026, producers must join a producer responsibility organisation (PRO) under the BattDG, according to the IHK for each battery category they place on the market.
What does battery registration cost at stiftung ear?
The official stiftung ear fees are €16.40 per battery category for registration and €3.80 per quarter, net plus VAT. PRO fees and external support come on top.
Do I need an authorized representative for batteries?
Yes, if your company has no establishment in Germany. Producers without a German establishment register with stiftung ear through an authorized representative. An EU proposal to suspend this duty is not law.
Do batteries built into devices count?
Yes. The EU Battery Regulation also covers batteries incorporated into or supplied with appliances. Sellers of such devices usually need both WEEE and battery registration, plus LUCID for the packaging.
What changes for batteries on 18 February 2027?
From 18 February 2027, according to the EU Battery Regulation timeline, batteries need a QR code, removability and replaceability rules apply, and EV, LMT and industrial batteries above 2 kWh need a battery passport.
When do the battery due diligence obligations apply?
The due diligence obligations of the EU Battery Regulation were postponed to 18 August 2027 by Regulation (EU) 2025/1561.
- stiftung ear – press release of 18 August 2025 on the new battery law
- stiftung ear – costs and fees
- IHK Köln – New battery law (BattDG)
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 (Battery Regulation) – EUR-Lex
- Regulation (EU) 2025/1561 (postponement of due diligence) – EUR-Lex
This page is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 27 October 2026.
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