Mobile devices for charging smartphones or tablets, so called "power banks", are subject to registration due to the German Elektrogesetz (ElektroG).
This has been recently decided by the Landgericht München (district court).
In its conclusion, the court held that power bank units have a very similar use to chargers, which are subject to registration. Moreover, power banks often convert voltage and they often include LED lamps that indicate the battery level. In addition to the registration due to ElektroG, there is a duty to report the devices due to the German Battery Act (BattG).
The reasons for the judgement can be requested from the Landgericht München under the file reference 17 HK O 24894/13.
