Vape hardware compliance in Germany

The EU baseline applies first

Everything in the EU compliance pillar applies in Germany: CE marking, RoHS, REACH, WEEE and the EU Battery Regulation, plus UN38.3 for transport. Germany then adds national registration on top.

WEEE: registration with stiftung ear

Germany operates WEEE through stiftung elektro-altgeräte register (stiftung ear). The business that first places electronic equipment on the German market must register before selling, report quantities, and finance collection. Foreign sellers generally need an authorised representative. This registration is yours as the party placing the product on the market; we supply the hardware documentation you need to complete it.

Batteries: the German battery register

Devices with a built-in cell bring battery-law duties (registration and take-back), now under the EU Battery Regulation as it phases in. Plan this alongside the WEEE registration; they are separate schemes.

The TPD and cannabinoids

Empty hardware sold without nicotine or e-liquid is not a TPD product, so it needs no EU-CEG notification on its own. What you fill is governed separately: Germany legalised adult-use cannabis in 2024, and the rules around any cannabinoid you intend to fill are national and move quickly. Confirm the finished-product position with a German specialist before you make claims.

Practical checklist

• CE Declaration of Conformity and RoHS/REACH evidence (from the factory, supplied per SKU).
• stiftung ear WEEE registration (yours; authorised representative if non-EU).
• Battery registration and take-back.
• UN38.3 transport report.
• German-language labelling and child-resistant packaging where required.
• Local advice on the cannabinoid you fill.

FAQ

Does empty vape hardware need TPD registration in Germany?

No. Sold empty without nicotine or e-liquid it is not a TPD product. What you fill is governed by national rules; confirm those with a German specialist.

What is stiftung ear?

Germany's WEEE register. Anyone first placing electronic equipment on the German market must register with stiftung ear before selling, and foreign sellers usually need an authorised representative.

Can Empty Vapes register my brand in Germany?

We supply the product-level documentation (CE, RoHS, REACH, battery testing) per SKU and point you to what applies. The national registrations are held by you as the party placing the product on the market. This is guidance, not legal advice.

Trade guidance for B2B buyers, not legal advice. We sell empty hardware only; you are responsible for the fill and for finished-product compliance in your market.