The German Packaging Act, or VerpackG, is the national implementation of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. It legally binds any company that is the first to place packaged goods on the German market, affecting nearly every international seller. Since its full implementation, the law requires every business to register and ensure their packaging is licensed before it reaches a German consumer. The Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) manages a public database called LUCID ID, where every compliant company is listed. This transparency means authorities and even competitors can verify your compliance status with a few clicks. Failing to register results in an automatic distribution ban. You can review the requirements for VerpackG compliance to understand your specific obligations. The regulations are already in full effect, making immediate action essential for uninterrupted market access.

Achieving full compliance with the German Packaging Act involves three mandatory actions. There are no exceptions for small businesses; these steps apply to every commercial entity shipping even one package per year. Completing this process correctly is the only way to legally license your shipping boxes for Germany.

Here is the 3-step process you must follow:

1. Register with the LUCID Packaging Register: Before shipping any goods, you must register your company with the ZSVR’s LUCID portal. This process is free and provides you with a unique Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) number.
2. Participate in a Dual System: You must sign a contract with a government-approved recycling company (a ‘dual system’). You will pay this company a license fee based on the type and weight of packaging materials you use annually.
3. Report Your Data: You are required to report your packaging volumes to both the LUCID register and your chosen dual system. These reports must be identical and submitted regularly to maintain compliance.

A checklist for VerpackG and LUCID can help streamline these essential tasks.

The first step, LUCID registration, must be completed by the company itself and cannot be delegated to a third party. During registration, you will provide your company details and the brand names under which you sell products. Upon completion, you receive an EPR number, which online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay now require as proof of compliance. Without this number, these platforms will block your listings, effectively halting your sales in Germany. The LUCID register is publicly visible, creating 100% transparency. This feature is designed to make it easy for officials and other market participants to identify non-compliant actors. You must register your shipping materials before they enter the country. This initial step is fundamental to building your compliance framework.

After registering with LUCID, you must license your packaging volumes with a dual system. This fulfills the “producer pays” principle, where producers finance the nationwide collection and recycling of their packaging waste. The license fee you pay contributes to the estimated 5.7 million tonnes of packaging waste collected from private households in Germany each year. The cost is calculated based on the specific materials you use—such as cardboard, plastic, and glass—and their total weight.

When selecting a partner, consider these factors:

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
• Service tailored to international businesses.
• Clear guidance on calculating packaging weights.
• Support with annual data reporting obligations.

Choosing the right partner simplifies long-term compliance. Making an informed decision when choosing a dual system is key to managing your obligations efficiently.

Once you are registered and have a dual system partner, your final ongoing obligation is data reporting. You must submit an annual report of your packaging volumes to both LUCID and your dual system, and these two reports must match exactly. For larger quantities, a formal Declaration of Completeness must be submitted by an auditor by May 15th each year for the previous year’s volumes. The authorities treat reporting errors seriously. Failing to report or submitting incorrect data can lead to fines of up to €10,000 per case. This penalty is in addition to the up to €200,000 fine for not participating in a dual system at all. Proper data management is not just an administrative task; it is a critical component of your legal standing. Learning how to start declaring packaging materials correctly is vital for avoiding these financial risks.

The requirements of the German Packaging Act are complex and the deadlines are not flexible. The EU directives are clear: producers must take responsibility for their packaging waste, and enforcement is only becoming stricter. Waiting to act risks significant financial penalties and a complete stop to your German sales. You must take action now to ensure your business is protected. Deutsche Recycling offers a complete service to manage these obligations on your behalf, ensuring you are 100% compliant.

Our service handles every step:

• Complete LUCID registration to secure your EPR number.
• Contracting with a certified dual system on your behalf.
• Accurate calculation and reporting of all your packaging data.
• Ongoing management to ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

We provide total peace of mind and guaranteed legal security. Don’t risk your market access. Contact Deutsche Recycling today to get help with German packaging law and comply with all regulations as quickly as possible.