Charging in compliance with the German calibration law means a charge point uses a precise, legally approved system for metering and billing under the German Measurement and Calibration Act. This ensures that the delivered electricity is recorded correctly and consistently. At the same time, a calibration-law compliant wallbox guarantees secure and privacy-compliant processing of all user data. Billing is based only on the kilowatt hours actually charged, recorded by a meter that meets the relevant standards.
In practice this matters wherever electricity must be clearly attributed to individual users and then billed. Typical examples include charge points in multi-unit buildings, the employer’s reimbursement of electricity for company cars, or private wallboxes used by neighbors or friends. In all of these cases, compliance with the calibration law is mandatory.
Anyone operating a charge point with a calibrated meter must also register it with the competent calibration authority within six weeks. The following explains the rule behind this requirement, how registration works, and what the technical and software requirements are.
The right wallbox always depends on your specific requirements. A compliant charge point offers several key advantages beyond simple charging.
Accuracy and transparency
A compliant wallbox ensures every kilowatt hour is recorded precisely. Billing is based on accurate measurements that are transparent and traceable for users and operators.
Data protection and security
The law requires that all data is processed in a privacy-compliant and tamper-proof way. This protects users’ privacy and ensures reliable billing.
Trust and fairness
Compliant systems build trust because it is clear that users pay only for what was actually charged. That promotes fairness and increases everyday acceptance of e-mobility.
Shared use of a wallbox
As soon as more than one person uses the same wallbox, the charged electricity must be attributed and billed per user. To make sure each person pays only their own costs, the calibration rules apply. Three scenarios are common:
The Measurement and Calibration Act (MessEG) and the Measurement and Calibration Ordinance (MessEV) form the legal basis for compliant charging. These rules apply to all measuring devices used in commercial transactions, which includes any situation where electricity quantities are recorded and billed. Charge points are legally treated as measuring devices.
They are therefore required to use calibrated meters that capture exact consumption. In addition to classic calibration, there is the MID certification, a harmonized EU approval for measuring instruments. The key point is that a charge point may be operated only if it meets the statutory requirements.
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The calibration law does not apply in every situation. If a wallbox is used exclusively for private purposes and not for billing, there is no obligation to comply. There is also no requirement for compliant metering if electricity is provided free of charge, for example to guests or customers.
As soon as costs are passed on or electricity is attributed to specific users, operators must comply with the law. This is particularly relevant for company parking areas and charge points for employees who drive company cars.
Anyone who puts a charge point subject to calibration requirements into operation must register it with the responsible calibration authority within six weeks. Registration is usually done online and requires details about the operator, manufacturer, serial number, and location. Changes such as device replacement or decommissioning must also be reported. Violations of the registration requirement can result in fines.
Calibration is valid only for a limited time. The standard validity is eight years. After that the wallbox or charge station must be re-verified or replaced to keep billing lawful.
There are also requirements for the software to ensure measured values cannot be altered after the fact. Operators should therefore use systems that support regular checks and updates.
Many older charge points were not originally built to be compliant. Transitional periods applied to them, most of which have now expired. In many cases retrofitting modern metering technology is required. Sometimes a software update is enough, but a hardware replacement is often necessary. Operators should review existing infrastructure early to avoid fines and legal risk.
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If an employee charges a company car at home and the consumption can be clearly attributed to that car, a MID-certified meter is usually sufficient. Things become more complex if several vehicles charge at the same point. In that case the employer may require a compliant wallbox for clear attribution.
A flat-rate approach is an alternative. Employers can reimburse fixed monthly amounts. These flat rates were explicitly approved by the tax authorities in a decree dated 26 October 2017 and apply through 2030. The legal basis is section 3 no. 50 of the German Income Tax Act.
If a company car is charged free of charge at the company site, a calibration-law compliant setup is not required. A MID-certified system is sufficient because tax exemption for free workplace charging applies through 2030. If employees charge private vehicles for a fee, the charge point must comply with the calibration law.
If customers or visitors are charged for electricity, a compliant charge point is mandatory. The German Charging Station Ordinance for publicly accessible parking areas and the Price Indication Ordinance also apply where consumers are concerned.
Charging pool vehicles is an internal relationship. Calibration is less of a focus here than the question of which documentation the tax office accepts for internal cost allocation. Case-by-case assessment is advisable.
Where several companies share charging infrastructure, simplified requirements can apply under certain conditions, for example a contiguous property, stable partners, and clear agreements on error handling, as set out in section 35 MessEG. In such cases a MID-certified meter can be sufficient.
What does calibration-law compliant charging mean?
It means a wallbox or charge point meets the requirements of the Measurement and Calibration Act. Consumption is recorded by a calibrated meter, and billing is transparent based on the kilowatt hours charged. Users can always see how much electricity they used and what it cost.
When must a wallbox be compliant?
Whenever electricity is billed or passed on to third parties, for example in multi-unit buildings, on company premises, or when charging company cars. There is no obligation for purely private wallboxes without billing.
What do I need for charging a company car at home?
There are two models. Either a monthly flat rate without exact metering, or a kWh-accurate reimbursement via a wallbox with an integrated or separate meter. At minimum a MID-certified meter is required, a calibration-law compliant meter is the stricter option.
How often must charge points be calibrated?
The usual validity period is eight years. After that, a new calibration or replacement is required.
When is calibration necessary?
At commissioning of a new wallbox or charge station and after technical changes. In addition, the unit must be registered with the calibration authority within six weeks.
What happens if the calibration period has expired?
After expiry, charge points may no longer be used for billing. Operators risk fines, and users can no longer receive legally valid invoices.
How long is a calibration valid?
As a rule, eight years. Operators should track deadlines and arrange re-verification or replacement in time.
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