The German Packaging Act (VerpackG) affects every company that ships packaged goods to German end consumers. Since its last major update on 1 July 2022, there are no minimum thresholds; even sending one package a year requires full compliance. You must complete a two-step process: register with the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) in the public LUCID database and sign a contract with a dual system provider to pay recycling fees.

Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are now legally obligated to block sellers who cannot provide a valid LUCID registration number. This enforcement has removed thousands of non-compliant sellers from the platform since 2022. Failing to meet the system participation requirement can result in fines of up to €200,000 per violation. You can learn more about how to comply with the German Packaging Act and secure your operations.

These rules ensure that more than 50% of all plastic packaging is recycled, a target set by the law. Understanding this first step is fundamental to mastering the legal requirements for shipping goods to Germany, as packaging is the most common compliance obligation.

If you sell electrical or electronic equipment, you must comply with Germany’s Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), which implements the EU’s WEEE Directive. This law requires registration with the national register, Stiftung EAR, before a single product is sold. Each product must be correctly labeled, and you must provide an annual insolvency-proof guarantee to cover future disposal costs.

A critical requirement for non-German companies is the appointment of a German-based authorised representative. This representative handles all legal duties and communications with the authorities on your behalf, as you cannot manage these obligations directly from abroad. After successful registration, you receive a WEEE-Reg.-Nr. (WEEE registration number) that must be displayed on all invoices and on your website, impacting over 10,000 registered foreign producers. You can find expert help to legally place electronics on the German market.

Properly managing WEEE is a complex but non-negotiable part of selling electronics in the EU’s largest market, and it flows directly into battery regulations.

The German Battery Act (BattG) governs the sale, return, and disposal of all types of batteries and accumulators. This includes single batteries, battery packs, and products with integrated batteries, affecting tens of thousands of consumer products. Like the ElektroG, the BattG requires producers and importers to register with the Stiftung EAR before placing any products on the market.

Producers must join a certified, nationwide take-back system to manage the collection and recycling of used batteries. There are three main categories of batteries—portable, industrial, and automotive—each with specific compliance pathways. For example, sellers of automotive batteries must charge a €7.50 deposit if an old battery is not returned at the time of purchase. All batteries must also be labeled with a crossed-out wheeled bin symbol to indicate separate collection.

As of August 2025, the new EU Battery Regulation will introduce even stricter requirements across all member states. It is vital to understand the law’s differences to ensure your products remain compliant.

Beyond environmental laws, all businesses importing into the EU need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This number is mandatory for all customs declarations and must be obtained from the customs authority of the first EU country you ship to. The application process typically takes about two weeks and is a prerequisite for lodging any customs documents.

For every shipment, a customs declaration must be filed electronically using Germany’s ATLAS system. This declaration includes details on the goods, their value, and their origin. While a freight forwarder can handle this, the importer of record bears the ultimate responsibility. Goods entering Germany are also subject to a standard import VAT of 19%.

Failing to meet these foundational import duties can lead to significant delays and seizure of goods, halting your supply chain before environmental compliance is even assessed.

The EU directives establishing these environmental laws are not new recommendations; they are legally binding regulations with severe consequences for inaction. The time for a ‘wait-and-see’ approach is over, as German authorities and online marketplaces are actively enforcing compliance. Fines for non-compliance are substantial and are issued per violation, not as a one-time warning.

Here are the primary risks of delaying compliance:

• Financial Penalties: Fines can reach up to €100,000 for failing to register in LUCID and up to €200,000 for not participating in a dual system.
• Sales Prohibitions: Authorities can issue an immediate ban on the distribution of your products in Germany.
• Marketplace De-listing: Amazon, eBay, and other platforms will suspend the accounts of sellers who cannot prove their EPR compliance.
• Competitor Lawsuits: Competitors can take legal action against your company for unfair market advantage gained through non-compliance.

You must take immediate steps to get help with German environmental compliance. Procrastination directly threatens your access to the entire German market.

Navigating the legal requirements for shipping goods to Germany is a significant administrative burden that distracts from your core business. Deutsche Recycling offers a complete, service-oriented solution to ensure you are 100% legally compliant without the complexity. Our team of experts handles every aspect of your EPR obligations across all relevant German and EU laws.

Our comprehensive service includes:

1. Complete Registration: We manage your registration with LUCID for packaging, Stiftung EAR for electronics and batteries, and handle all necessary documentation.
2. Authorised Representation: We provide the legally required German-based authorised representative for your WEEE and battery compliance.
3. Dual System Contracting: We find the most cost-effective dual system for your packaging licensing and manage the contracts.
4. Data Reporting: Our experts handle all mandatory volume reports to the authorities on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

The regulations are already in force, and every day of non-compliance is a risk. Contact Deutsche Recycling now to secure your business in Germany. We provide the expertise and infrastructure to make your company fully compliant as quickly as possible, allowing you to focus on growth.