administrative offence

There are essentially two types of sanctions: less serious offences are classified as administrative offences and are punishable by a fine. More serious offences constitute a criminal offence and can be punished either with a monetary penalty or imprisonment. Which offences are sanctioned and whether an offence constitutes an administrative offence or a criminal offence is determined by law.

The aims of the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) are "to protect the environment and health" and "to conserve natural resources". The basic prerequisites for achieving these aims are to prevent waste and an efficent, high quality recycling. The ElektroG also requires producers to assume responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products.