The direct answer
A German WEEE number does not replace French registration. First assess producer status and French EEE classification, then connect scheme coverage with the IDU.
What to check
Your sales model matters
Article R543-174 covers, among others, French manufacturers and importers and foreign distance sellers supplying French household or business end users directly. Légifrance · Code de l’environnement, R543-174
Eight categories; assess use separately
ADEME lists eight categories, including photovoltaic panels and motorised cycles and personal mobility devices. Equipment usable by individuals is household equipment; a business buyer alone does not make it professional equipment. ADEME · electrical and electronic equipment (EEE)
Scheme coverage and IDU
In a collective scheme, the eco-organisation handles SYDEREP registration and supplies the IDU. Check coverage of all categories. The IDU is stream-specific; assess packaging and batteries separately. ADEME · identifiant unique (IDU)
Continue after registration
Display the IDU on your website and in terms and conditions or alternative contractual documents. Annual data submission follows your eco-organisation’s deadline. Also check the prevention and eco-design plan. Service Public · REP registration and ongoing duties
| Question | Prepare evidence |
|---|---|
| Who supplies the French end user? | Contracting entity, establishment and supply chain. |
| Which EEE category and use? | Technical sheet, dimensions and intended use. |
| Does the scheme cover your portfolio? | Reconcile category coverage and a current contract. |
| Which IDUs apply to the products? | Map EEE, batteries and packaging separately. |
Légifrance · Code de l’environnement, R543-174 · ADEME · electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) · ADEME · identifiant unique (IDU)
Your action plan
The following steps are our suggested way to organise your project.
- Create a France-specific list of SKUs and sales channels.
- Document producer status, equipment category and household or professional use.
- Clarify required local representation and scheme coverage before contracting.
- Match the received IDU to the company and EEE stream.
- Assign an owner for website disclosures, data submission and contract review.
Prepare your records
Company and tax identification, address, SKU and brand list, technical data, dimensions, weights, sales channels, volume records and existing IDUs/contracts. This is our preparation checklist; the selected scheme confirms its specific fields.
Frequently asked questions
Does a packaging IDU cover electrical equipment?
No. An IDU belongs to one REP stream. Map EEE and packaging separately.
Does selling to businesses automatically mean professional EEE?
No. ADEME treats equipment usable by individuals as household equipment. Assess the actual equipment and its intended use.
Can I register myself in SYDEREP under a collective scheme?
ADEME assigns this registration to the eco-organisation you join, which then supplies the IDU.
Does SINNO have a French company?
No. SINNO is a German GmbH and can coordinate suitable external providers. Local tasks are agreed for the project.
Sources and scope
- Légifrance · Code de l’environnement, R543-174
- ADEME · electrical and electronic equipment (EEE)
- ADEME · identifiant unique (IDU)
- Service Public · REP registration and ongoing duties
This guide covers the product stream described. Check other EPR streams separately; your supply chain and sales model determine the specific obligations.