The German Packaging Act (VerpackG) has been fully enforceable since 2019, impacting every company that sells to German end consumers. This includes manufacturers, importers, and online retailers shipping products from abroad. The law’s primary goal is to reduce waste and increase recycling rates, holding producers financially responsible for their packaging. Since July 2022, online platforms like Amazon and eBay are legally required to delist any seller without a valid packaging license. This means non-compliance results in an immediate stop to your German sales. You can learn more about what is required for VerpackG compliance to protect your business. The first step toward compliance is understanding your specific obligations under this law.

To legally sell in Germany, you must fulfill three key obligations without fail. These duties form the basis of your producer responsibility and are actively enforced by the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR). Fulfilling these requirements is essential to get your German EPR number quickly and avoid interruptions.

Here are the three non-negotiable requirements:

1. Register with the LUCID Packaging Register: Before your first sale, you must register your company and all brand names with the ZSVR’s public LUCID register. This registration is free but cannot be delegated to a third party.
2. Participate in a Dual System: You must sign a contract with a licensed recycling company (a “dual system”). You will pay annual fees based on the volume and type of packaging material you circulate.
3. Report Your Data: You are required to report your packaging volumes to both your chosen dual system and the LUCID register. These reports must be identical and submitted regularly.

Missing even one of these steps places your company in violation of the law. These interconnected duties ensure that every piece of packaging is accounted for and financed for recycling, making the next steps critical.

Ignoring the VerpackG carries significant financial and operational consequences designed to ensure 100% participation. Authorities can issue fines of up to €200,000 for failing to secure a packaging license with a dual system. Failure to register with LUCID can result in a separate fine of up to €100,000. Beyond fines, authorities can issue a distribution ban, effectively halting all your sales in Germany. Competitors can also report non-compliant companies, creating another layer of enforcement. You can find a full checklist for LUCID registration to ensure you cover all bases. With these high stakes, taking a systematic approach to licensing is the only way forward.

Obtaining your license is a straightforward process if you follow the correct procedure. The entire system is designed to be completed by the producer, ensuring direct accountability. Following these steps will help you streamline your packaging licensing process.

Follow this 4-step process to achieve compliance:

1. Calculate Annual Packaging Volumes: Accurately forecast the total weight of each packaging material (e.g., cardboard, plastic, glass) you expect to ship to Germany in a year.
2. Contract with a Dual System: Choose one of the approved dual systems and sign a licensing agreement based on your volume calculations. You will pay them a fee for this service.
3. Complete LUCID Registration: Go to the ZSVR LUCID portal, register your company details, and enter the name of your dual system. You will receive your unique EPR number upon completion.
4. Submit Data Reports: Report your packaging volumes to your dual system and to the LUCID portal. This must be done at least annually.

This process must be completed each year to maintain compliance, which is why many businesses seek expert support to manage these ongoing duties.

The compliance landscape is evolving with the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which entered into force in early 2025. This regulation will harmonize packaging rules across all 27 EU member states, introducing stricter requirements over the next few years. Key mandates include designing all packaging for recyclability by 2030 and meeting waste reduction targets of 15% by 2040. The PPWR makes robust compliance systems more important than ever. Understanding how to ensure your packaging is compliant now will prepare you for these future EU-wide rules. This shift emphasizes the need for a proactive and expert-led compliance strategy.

Navigating the complexities of the VerpackG and the upcoming PPWR demands time and expertise that detracts from your core business. A single error in volume reporting or a missed deadline can lead to thousands in fines and blocked sales channels. Deutsche Recycling offers a complete service to manage your environmental compliance obligations, ensuring you remain 100% compliant at all times. We handle the entire process, from registration and system participation to ongoing data reporting. Our service saves you an average of 10 hours per month on administrative tasks. Don’t let regulatory burdens put your business at risk. Contact the experts at Deutsche Recycling today for a consultation and secure your access to the German market.