The German Packaging Act (VerpackG) rests on two core obligations for any business placing goods on the German market. There are no sales thresholds; your obligations begin with the very first item you ship. The first requirement is registering with the ‘Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister’ (ZSVR) in the LUCID database, a process that is free of charge but mandatory before any sales occur. The second is participating in a dual system, which organizes the nationwide collection and recycling of packaging materials. Neglecting the system participation requirement alone can lead to fines of up to €200,000. These steps form the foundation of your legal obligation under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Understanding these pillars is the first step to building a compliant operation, a process you can start with an expert partner. You can learn more with our guide for international sellers. This system ensures that producers, not consumers, bear the financial weight of recycling over 50 tonnes of paper or 30 tonnes of other materials annually. The next section details exactly how to execute your registration correctly.

To successfully streamline your packaging licensing process in Germany, you must follow a specific three-step sequence. Any deviation creates significant compliance risk. Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are now legally required to verify your compliance, adding another layer of enforcement.

1. Register with LUCID: Access the ZSVR portal to create your account. You will need to provide your company details and VAT number to receive your unique LUCID EPR number.
2. Contract with a Dual System: Select a government-approved dual system provider. You will provide them with your LUCID number and an estimate of your annual packaging volumes, broken down by material type (e.g., paper, plastic, glass).
3. Report Your Data: You must report your packaging volumes and your chosen dual system to LUCID. This data declaration must match the information you provide to your dual system partner.

Many businesses underestimate the importance of accurate data reporting, which can lead to penalties of up to €10,000. A detailed checklist for LUCID registration can prevent these simple errors. Once registered, the challenge shifts to maintaining accurate data and choosing the right partners.

Selecting a dual system is a critical decision that directly impacts your licensing costs and compliance security. The fees you pay are calculated based on the weight of materials you put into circulation, costing a few cents per kilogram. These fees directly fund Germany’s national recycling infrastructure. A key pitfall is miscalculating packaging weights or selecting incorrect material categories, which can invalidate your license. For instance, if you import products, you must license both the product’s primary packaging and the shipping box you use. Another common error is failing to update data reports when your packaging volumes change during the year. The ZSVR actively cross-references the data you report with the data from your dual system, and discrepancies trigger investigations. Using a service provider can help you choose a German dual system that aligns with your specific business needs. This proactive management prevents costly errors and ensures your compliance is always up-to-date, especially as regulations evolve.

The regulatory landscape is becoming more stringent across the entire European Union. The new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will apply from August 12, 2026, and introduces demanding new targets. These include making all packaging recyclable by 2030 and recycled ‘at scale’ by 2035. The PPWR also mandates waste reduction targets, starting with a 5% reduction by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. For businesses, this means that simply complying with today’s laws is not enough. You must implement a forward-looking strategy that anticipates these changes. Waiting until the 2026 deadline will put your business at a major disadvantage. Companies that have not yet addressed their obligations under the current German Packaging Act are already exposed to significant legal and financial risks. The time to act is now. To get help with German packaging law, it is best to consult with experts who can manage both current and future requirements. Contact Deutsche Recycling today to ensure your business is not only compliant but also prepared for the future of environmental regulation in Europe.