Zalando requires all partners to comply with Germany’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. This is not a recommendation but a mandatory condition under their platform rules, which took full effect in 2023. The marketplace is legally obligated to delist any seller who has not provided valid registration numbers for packaging, electronics, or batteries. Failure to act results in a direct suspension of your selling privileges in the German market. This enforcement protects the marketplace and places the full responsibility on you, the producer or distributor. You must check your EPR status to avoid interruptions. This strict stance from online platforms highlights the urgency of the situation.

Your EPR duties in Germany are primarily defined by three key pieces of legislation. First, the Packaging Act (VerpackG) affects nearly every seller, as it covers all sales and shipping packaging. Second, the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (Elektro G) applies if you sell any item that requires an electric current. Third, the Battery Act (BattG) covers any batteries sold, including those contained within other products. Many sellers overlook that even products with integrated batteries require a separate registration. Each law demands a unique registration and reporting process. Understanding these distinct requirements is the first step toward a complete guide to German EPR laws.

To get compliant for selling on Zalando marketplace, you must follow a clear, three-part process. This ensures every legal requirement is met for the over 50 million active customers on the platform. Procrastination is no longer an option, as enforcement is active. Here is how you can secure your compliance:

1. Register with LUCID for Packaging: Your first step is to register all your packaging with the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR), known as the LUCID register. You will receive a unique EPR number for packaging (e.g., DE1234567891011) which is required by Zalando.
2. License Your Packaging with a Dual System: After registering in LUCID, you must sign a contract with a certified recycling scheme in Germany. This licensing fee covers the cost of collecting and recycling your packaging materials across the country.
3. Register with Stiftung EAR for Electronics & Batteries: If you sell electronics or batteries, you must register with the EAR Foundation. This provides you with a WEEE number for electronics and a separate registration number for batteries.

Completing these registrations is essential before you can even consider listing certain products. For a seamless process, consider our full EPR compliance solution.

Ignoring EPR rules carries significant and immediate consequences for your business. The most direct impact is a sales ban on Zalando, which the platform began enforcing for packaging on July 1, 2022. For electronics and batteries, the deadline was July 1, 2023, meaning non-compliant sellers are already blocked. Beyond the marketplace suspension, German authorities can issue fines of up to €200,000 for non-compliance with the Packaging Act alone. These penalties can be applied per case, creating substantial financial risk. The potential revenue loss from being barred from one of Europe’s largest markets is immense. You must stay compliant with regulations to avoid these outcomes.

Managing these complex regulations across multiple categories is a significant administrative burden. Deutsche Recycling offers a comprehensive service to handle every aspect of your EPR obligations. We ensure you can focus on your core business with the confidence of 100% legal conformity. Our services for sellers on platforms like Zalando include:

• Handling all necessary registrations with German authorities like ZSVR (LUCID) and Stiftung EAR.
• Managing the licensing of your packaging materials with a certified dual system.
• Submitting all required data reports on your behalf to maintain compliance.
• Providing a single point of contact for all your EPR-related questions and needs.
• Monitoring legal changes to ensure your business remains compliant in the long term.

This expert management removes the risk of costly errors and saves your team hundreds of hours. This is particularly critical for EPR management for textile brands, which also face upcoming rules.

While Germany’s enforcement is strict, it is part of a larger trend across the European Union. The WEEE Directive and Battery Directive set the foundation for these national laws. France, Spain, and other EU countries have implemented their own EPR requirements, often with unique registration processes. Selling cross-border requires a multi-country compliance strategy, not just a German one. A failure in one country can signal risks to other marketplaces. As you plan your growth, it is vital to prepare for upcoming EU laws to ensure scalable, compliant operations across the entire bloc.

The message from both regulators and marketplaces is clear: the time for voluntary compliance is over. Every day you delay registering and reporting, you risk losing access to millions of German customers. The systems are in place, the deadlines have passed, and enforcement is active. You must act now to secure your business’s future on platforms like Zalando and OTTO. If you have not yet taken steps to comply with these EU directives, the risk is immediate. Contact Deutsche Recycling today to resolve your compliance obligations quickly and professionally. Our experts are ready to provide an individual assessment and ensure you are 100% compliant. Don’t wait for your account to be suspended; let us help you ensure compliance for selling.