Prescription «Order on batteries»

Since October 1, 1998, the purchase and disposal of starter batteries has been subject to regulations in Germany «Battery regulations». The regulatory document is aimed at sellers and workshops, as well as end users. All end-users must now dispose of old batteries, for example at a retailer or in their contract workshop. The return of the battery is free. Special rules apply to the purchase of a new starter battery. Our review summarizes the most important points.

If you buy a starter battery from a shop or workshop, a security deposit is paid in addition to the selling price. As confirmation, you will receive a receipt or a pledge stamp.

There is an important exception to the regulation: no deposit will be charged if you trade in the old battery at the time of purchase.

If you have already paid a deposit for an old battery at a store or workshop, you will receive your money back upon presentation of the receipt.

But you can get a deposit only where you bought a new battery. To do this, the seller or the workshop is presented with a receipt (pledge mark) along with the old battery.

The batteries you return do not have to be identical to the battery you paid the deposit on: you can show a receipt with any other old battery.

If, when buying a new battery, you hand over an old one for which you have not yet paid a deposit, it does not matter where you bought this battery. In this case, the deposit is also not paid for a new battery.