Amazon is now a gatekeeper for environmental law in Germany. Due to marketplace liability rules, Amazon must verify that sellers have valid EPR registration numbers for packaging, WEEE, and batteries. This is not a future deadline; the requirement for packaging compliance began on July 1, 2022, with electronics following on July 1, 2023. If you do not provide a valid registration number for each applicable category, Amazon will deactivate your non-compliant listings. This action is automatic and affects thousands of sellers annually. You can find your German EPR registration number through the correct official channels. These regulations create a clear path to accountability for every online seller.

The German Packaging Act (VerpackG) affects every seller placing goods on the German market. It covers all packaging that ends up with the consumer, including product boxes, filling materials, and shipping cartons. Compliance involves a two-part process that must be completed before you sell your first item. First, you must register with the LUCID packaging register, a process that generates your unique EPR number for packaging. Second, you must license your annual packaging volumes with a dual system provider. These fees, often just a few cents per kilogram, fund Germany’s national recycling infrastructure. There are no minimum sales thresholds; this law applies from the very first package you ship. To get compliant, you must take these steps:

• Register your company with the ZSVR’s LUCID portal to receive your EPR number.
• Accurately forecast your annual packaging volumes for paper, plastic, and glass.
• Sign a contract with a certified dual system to license these volumes.
• Report your licensed volumes to both your dual system and the LUCID register.
• Enter your LUCID number into your Amazon Seller Central account immediately.

Managing these steps is critical for anyone needing a Verpackungsgesetz guide for sellers. This system ensures that every seller contributes fairly to recycling costs.

If you sell electronics or electrical equipment, you must comply with the ElektroG, Germany’s implementation of the WEEE Directive. This law requires you to register with the national authority, Stiftung EAR, before selling any covered products. Upon successful registration, you receive a WEEE-Reg.-Nr., which serves as your EPR number for electronics. Amazon began enforcing this requirement on July 1, 2023, blocking all listings without a valid WEEE number. Even products with a USB cable are considered electrical equipment. The law also mandates that you provide a reasonable way for customers to return old devices. For sellers outside Germany, appointing an authorized representative is often a necessary step. A WEEE registration for sellers is a non-negotiable part of your market entry strategy. These rules ensure that electronic waste is managed safely and does not harm the environment.

The German Battery Act (BattG) applies to you if you sell batteries or any products containing them. This includes everything from button cells in toys to lithium-ion batteries in electronics. Like the ElektroG, the BattG requires registration with Stiftung EAR to ensure proper end-of-life management. You must also ensure your products are correctly labeled with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol to inform consumers about separate disposal. As of January 2023, marketplaces like Amazon are obligated to check for BattG compliance. Failing to provide a valid registration number will lead to a sales stop. Your obligations include:

1. Registering as a producer with the Stiftung EAR authority for batteries.
2. Joining a certified take-back scheme to manage collection and recycling.
3. Correctly labeling all batteries and products containing them.
4. Reporting the volume and type of batteries you place on the market annually.

A compliance provider for all categories can streamline this process significantly. Adhering to these battery regulations is another critical layer of your legal obligations in Germany.

The consequences of non-compliance with German EPR laws are severe and immediate. Authorities can issue fines of up to €200,000 for packaging violations and up to €100,000 for WEEE or battery violations. These fines can be applied retroactively for past years of non-compliance. Beyond financial penalties, you face a complete prohibition on sales, which Amazon and other marketplaces enforce by deactivating your listings. A single complaint from a competitor can trigger an. There is no grace period for these regulations. You must stay compliant with regulations to operate legally. The risk of inaction far outweighs the cost of ensuring compliance from day one.

Navigating the complexities of VerpackG, ElektroG, and BattG requires constant attention and expertise. A mistake in registration or reporting can cost your business thousands in fines and lost sales. This is where a full-service compliance for selling on Amazon.de becomes essential. Instead of managing multiple registrations, deadlines, and reporting requirements yourself, you can rely on a single expert partner. Deutsche Recycling handles every aspect of your EPR obligations, from initial registration with LUCID and Stiftung EAR to ongoing volume reporting and communication with authorities. We ensure you are 100% legally compliant, allowing you to focus on growing your business. The EU directives are clear, and the time to act is now. Contact Deutsche Recycling today for an individual consultation and secure your access to the German market.