Who must register as a battery importer with Stiftung EAR?

Anyone who brings batteries, accumulators or equipment with built-in batteries onto the German market for the first time must register beforehand with Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte Register — regardless of whether you see yourself as an importer, dealer or manufacturer. What matters legally is the act of placing on the market. Whilst the process looks bureaucratic at first glance, you can handle it yourself via Stiftung EAR's online portal. Without a valid registration number, you face distribution bans and potentially fine proceedings. IHK organisations additionally offer practical advice, particularly for companies sourcing batteries from non-EU countries for the first time.