How to Change Your German WEEE Authorised Representative: Stiftung ear Account Transfer Guide for Foreign Companies

Changing your German WEEE Authorised Representative (Bevollmächtigter) requires coordination. Foreign manufacturers cannot simply transfer an existing Stiftung ear registration from one representative to another. This guide explains the process, the required steps and how to minimize the risk of a registration gap.

For companies established outside Germany, appointing a German WEEE Authorised Representative (Bevollmächtigter) is an important part of complying with the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG).

But what happens if you are already registered with Stiftung ear and want to change your Authorised Representative ?

The process is different from simply changing a contact person. The existing appointment must be ended, the new Authorised Representative must be appointed, and a new registration process may be required.

This article explains the process for foreign manufacturers and sellers who want to change their German WEEE Authorised Representative to Complico Consulting GmbH.

Can I simply transfer my existing Stiftung ear registration ?

No.

According to Stiftung ear, a foreign manufacturer can have only one Authorised Representative at a time. If you want to appoint a new Authorised Representative, the existing appointment must first be ended through the ear portal. Only after the end of the existing appointment can the new Authorised Representative's appointment be confirmed.

This means that the process should be planned in advance.

A change of Authorised Representative should therefore not be treated as a simple "account transfer".

How Does the WEEE Authorised Representative Change Work ?

The process can generally be divided into several steps.

Step 1: Contact the new Authorised Representative

Before ending your existing appointment, contact your new German Authorised Representative.

For example, if you want to appoint Complico Consulting GmbH, we can first review your existing Stiftung ear registration and coordinate the transition.

We recommend doing this before terminating the existing Authorised Representative.

This gives the parties time to coordinate the timing and prepare the required information.

Step 2: The existing Authorised Representative ends the appointment

The previous Authorised Representative must notify Stiftung ear through the ear portal that the existing appointment has ended.

Stiftung ear explains that the end of the appointment results in the existing registrations being cancelled.

The termination does not necessarily have to take effect immediately.

According to the information provided by Stiftung ear, the end of an appointment can also be communicated with a future date of up to two months.

Example

Suppose a manufacturer wants to change its Authorised Representative effective 1 January 2027.

The previous Authorised Representative could coordinate an end date of:

31 December 2026

The new Authorised Representative can then prepare the new appointment and registration process for the new period.

Step 3: The new Authorised Representative submits the new appointment

Once the previous appointment has been ended through the ear portal, the new Authorised Representative can proceed with the new appointment.

Stiftung ear explains that after the previous appointment has ended, the appointment of the new Authorised Representative can be confirmed.

For foreign manufacturers, the Authorised Representative then handles the relevant registration activities through its own ear account.

Stiftung ear states that a foreign manufacturer appoints an Authorised Representative to handle the registration and associated legal obligations in Germany, in line with the requirements of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.

Step 4: Provide the Required Company and Product Information

The new Authorised Representative will need the necessary information to prepare the new registration.

Depending on the individual case, this can include:

Company information

• Legal company name
• Registered company address
• Country of establishment
• Company registration details
• Contact information
• VAT information, where applicable
• EORI information, where applicable

Product information

• Brand names
• Product names
• WEEE equipment categories
• B2C/B2B classification
• Product quantities
• Product weights
• Relevant device types
• Existing Stiftung ear registration information

The exact information required can vary depending on the manufacturer and the registrations concerned. For related import documentation, see our IOR/EOR services.

Step 5: A New WEEE Registration Number

One of the most important points when changing the Authorised Representative is the registration number.

A change of Authorised Representative does not mean that the existing registration is simply renamed or transferred to the new representative.

In the communication provided by Stiftung ear regarding a coordinated change, Stiftung ear explained that a change of Authorised Representative results in a new registration number.

Therefore, companies should not assume that their existing WEEE registration number will remain unchanged after the change.

After the new registration is granted, the new WEEE registration number should be used wherever required.

Stiftung ear confirms that, once the registration requirements have been fulfilled, the registered manufacturer receives a WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE and is listed in the public register.

What Happens to the Old Registration ?

The previous appointment must be ended before the new Authorised Representative can take over the representation.

Stiftung ear explains that when the appointment with the existing Authorised Representative ends, the existing registrations are subsequently cancelled.

This is why timing is particularly important.

A company should avoid unnecessarily ending its existing representation long before the new registration process has been prepared. This is closely tied to maintaining a valid WEEE guarantee in Germany.

How Can You Minimize a Registration Gap ?

A registration gap cannot be completely excluded.

Stiftung ear specifically points out that gaps can occur, for example, if:

• the existing Authorised Representative ends the appointment immediately;
• the new application is submitted too late;
• required documents are incomplete;
• information provided is incorrect; or
• other registration requirements have not been fulfilled.

For this reason, the existing Authorised Representative, new Authorised Representative and manufacturer should coordinate the change.

A planned future termination date can help the parties coordinate the transition.

Coordinated Change of Authorised Representative

For a coordinated change, Stiftung ear recommends informing the foundation in advance by email.

The subject should contain information such as:

"koordinierter Wechsel zu einem neuen Bevollmächtigten (bisherige Registrierungsnummer XXX) zum (Datum)"

The communication can identify:

• the existing registration number;
• the current Authorised Representative;
• the new Authorised Representative; and
• the planned date of the change.

This is particularly useful when the parties are trying to coordinate the end of the old appointment with the start of the new representation.

Can the Previous Authorised Representative Be Terminated Immediately ?

It is possible for the existing Authorised Representative to notify Stiftung ear immediately of the end of the appointment.

However, this can create a timing problem.

Stiftung ear explains that an immediate termination can be confirmed immediately. If the new Authorised Representative has not yet completed the necessary steps, a gap in registration may occur.

Therefore, we recommend coordinating the termination date before ending the existing appointment.

What if the Company Changes Its Managing Director ?

Changing the Managing Director is a separate matter from changing the Authorised Representative.

According to the information provided by Stiftung ear, a new approval application is not required simply because the Managing Director changes.

Instead, the relevant company information should be updated in the ear portal and Stiftung ear should be informed.

Stiftung ear may also require a Führungszeugnis (certificate of good conduct) for the new Managing Director in the circumstances described in its communication.

WEEE Authorised Representative Change Checklist

Before starting the transfer, we recommend checking the following:

Can Complico Consulting Help With the Change ?

Yes.

Complico Consulting GmbH supports foreign manufacturers and international sellers with German WEEE compliance and Authorised Representative services.

If you already have a Stiftung ear registration but want to change your current German Authorised Representative, we can help coordinate the process and prepare the new representation and registration.

Our support can include:

• Review of your existing WEEE registration
• Coordination with the existing Authorised Representative
• Preparation of the new Authorised Representative appointment
• Stiftung ear registration support
• WEEE category and registration support
• Communication relating to the registration process
• Ongoing German WEEE compliance support

For foreign companies, the important point is:

Do not terminate your existing German WEEE Authorised Representative before coordinating the timing of the change with your new representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have two German WEEE Authorised Representatives at the same time ?

No. Stiftung ear states that a foreign company can have only one Authorised Representative at a time.

Can my existing WEEE registration number simply be transferred to the new AR ?

A change of Authorised Representative does not work as a simple transfer or overwrite of the existing registration. A new registration number is associated with the new representation.

Does the old Authorised Representative have to do something ?

Yes. The previous Authorised Representative must notify Stiftung ear through the ear portal of the end of the existing appointment.

Should I cancel my old AR first ?

It is better to coordinate the timing first. Ending the old appointment too early can create a registration gap.

How long does the new registration take ?

Processing time can vary. Stiftung ear states that registration applications are processed in the order in which they are received and cannot be moved ahead in the queue.

Therefore, companies should allow sufficient time for the change. You can also review our pricing for registration support.

Do I receive a new WEEE number ?

When the Authorised Representative is changed, a new registration number is required rather than simply transferring the old registration.

Conclusion

Changing a German WEEE Authorised Representative is possible, but it should be planned and coordinated carefully.

The key points are:

• A foreign manufacturer can have only one Authorised Representative at a time.
• The existing appointment must be ended before the new appointment can be confirmed.
• The change is not simply an account-name transfer.
• A new WEEE registration number is associated with the new representation.
• An immediate termination can create a registration gap.
• Coordinating the old and new Authorised Representatives in advance can help minimize this risk.

If you are a foreign manufacturer or marketplace seller and want to change your German WEEE Authorised Representative, Complico Consulting GmbH can support you with the German WEEE registration and Authorised Representative process. You may also find our related guides on German Battery Law and German Packaging Law useful, as these EPR obligations are often coordinated together.

Official source: Stiftung ear – WEEE registration for foreign companies

Last updated: September 2026

This article is intended as general practical information and does not replace the official requirements or decisions of Stiftung ear. The applicable requirements may depend on the individual registration and circumstances. For more background on the foundation itself, see Stiftung ear's founders and documents and the list of approved authorised representatives.