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Packaging Act Germany (VerpackG)
Here you will find all relevant information about the German Packaging Act.
Packaging Act: everything you need to know about your legal obligations
The German Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz, VerpackG) has been a key instrument for environmental protection in Germany since its introduction. Companies that place packaging on the German market are required to ensure that their packaging is properly licensed in accordance with the law and disposed of correctly.
As a company of the REMONDIS Group, we offer comprehensive services to support compliance with these legal requirements. In the following text, you will learn about the obligations companies have under the German Packaging Act and how EASY-LIZE can help you meet these requirements efficiently and reliably.
What is the German Packaging Act (VerpackG)?
The German Packaging Act (Verpackungsgesetz, VerpackG) was adopted on 1 January 2019 with the aim of enforcing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It replaces the former Packaging Ordinance and also seeks to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. The law regulates the handling of packaging placed on the market and requires manufacturers, importers and distributors to take responsibility for the take-back and recycling of their packaging.
Key elements of the German Packaging Act include:
Registration obligation:
Companies that distribute packaged goods in Germany must register with the Central Agency Packaging Register (Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister – ZSVR). Without this registration, products may not be placed on the market.
System participation obligation:
Manufacturers and distributors are required to participate in a German dual system that organises the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging. For this purpose, licensing fees are charged based on the type and quantity of packaging materials used.
Reporting obligations:
Companies must regularly report the quantities of packaging placed on the market to the ZSVR.
Extended recycling targets:
The law defines mandatory recycling quotas for specific packaging materials. These targets were increased compared to the previous Packaging Ordinance.
Verification obligation:
Companies must provide evidence that their packaging has been properly licensed with a dual system and recycled in accordance with legal requirements.
The German Packaging Act is a key component of Germany’s waste management policy and aims to promote the circular economy while reducing packaging waste. It ensures that as much packaging as possible is disposed of and recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.
Who is affected by the German Packaging Act?
The German Packaging Act applies to a wide range of companies, regardless of their size or industry. It affects both large corporations and small businesses that place packaging on the market which may become waste for the final consumer after use. This includes packaging used for the transport, sale or delivery of goods.
It is irrelevant whether products are sold online or through brick-and-mortar retail. The decisive factor is that the packaging may end up as waste in private households or comparable collection points. Packaging subject to system participation obligations includes, in particular, sales packaging that reaches the end consumer directly, such as packaging for food or consumer goods. Outer packaging used to protect or bundle products, as well as shipping packaging, is also covered by the provisions of the German Packaging Act.
In addition, the law also applies to service packaging. These are packaging items that are filled at the point of sale, for example packaging for takeaway food. Companies that place such packaging on the market are also required to license it. It is essential for businesses to be aware of their responsibilities and to comply with the requirements of the German Packaging Act in order to avoid sanctions.
EASY-LIZE offers a practical solution: we support you with our user-friendly online check. This tool allows companies to quickly and easily identify their specific obligations under the German Packaging Act and ensure that all legal requirements are implemented correctly. As a result, the licensing process is significantly simplified and legal uncertainties are avoided.
Calculate your German packaging license in just a few clicks with our Packaging License Calculator
What happens if the German Packaging Act is not complied with?
Failure to comply with the German Packaging Act may result in various sanctions under administrative and civil law:
Fines:
Violations of the German Packaging Act may be punished with fines of up to EUR 200,000 per individual case. This includes, for example, placing packaging on the market without proper registration or submitting incorrect data reports. Retailers that distribute unregistered packaging may face fines of up to EUR 100,000.
Civil law warnings:
Companies that fail to meet their obligations under the German Packaging Act may be subject to warning letters from competitors. These may result in cease-and-desist declarations, claims for damages and even interim injunctions.
Claims for damages:
Companies that suffer losses due to violations committed by competitors may assert civil law claims for compensation.
Profit skimming:
Authorities may confiscate profits that have been unlawfully obtained in order to ensure that companies do not gain economic advantages through violations of the law.
Sales bans:
Both civil and administrative measures may lead to de facto or explicit sales bans on the affected products until legal compliance is fully restored.
Registration in the German LUCID Packaging Register
One of the key requirements of the German Packaging Act is registration in the LUCID Packaging Register. Companies that place packaging subject to system participation on the market are required to register with the Central Agency Packaging Register (Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister – ZSVR) and report their packaging quantities. This registration is mandatory and serves to ensure transparency and traceability of packaging flows in Germany.
Registration ensures that all market participants fulfil their obligations and helps maintain fair competition by preventing so-called “free riders” – companies that fail to license their packaging and therefore do not contribute to disposal and recycling costs.
EASY-LIZE supports you with registration in the LUCID Packaging Register and with reporting your packaging quantities. Our service ensures that all relevant data is reported correctly and on time, allowing you to meet all legal requirements without gaps. By working with EASY-LIZE, you reduce administrative effort, minimise the risk of legal consequences and high fines, and can focus on your core business. Rely on our expertise to ensure compliance with the German Packaging Act and avoid legal pitfalls.
Start your registration with the LUCID Packaging Register now
Comply with the German Packaging Act with EASY-LIZE
The German Packaging Act presents companies with new challenges that can be managed easily with the right support. EASY-LIZE offers comprehensive services to ensure compliance with the German Packaging Act – from registration in the LUCID Packaging Register and packaging licensing to advice on your legal obligations. By working with EASY-LIZE, you ensure that your packaging is licensed in accordance with the law and that you fulfil your product responsibility. This allows you to avoid legal consequences while also making a valuable contribution to environmental protection.
If you are unsure whether your packaging is subject to system participation requirements or which steps are necessary to comply with the German Packaging Act, do not hesitate to contact EASY-LIZE. Our experts and our online check are available at any time to help you meet the requirements of the German Packaging Act with ease. With EASY-LIZE at your side, compliance with the German Packaging Act is simple, transparent and efficient. Get started today and secure your packaging license with EASY-LIZE!
Get your packaging licensed in just a few minutes with EASY-LIZE
Get answers to the most important questions about the German Packaging Act
What does the system participation obligation mean?
The German Packaging Act requires companies that place packaging on the market to license this packaging with a German dual system. The dual system ensures that packaging is collected, sorted and recycled after use. Companies are required to bear the costs for the collection and recovery of their packaging.
EASY-LIZE offers companies a simple way to license their packaging and thus comply with the system participation obligation. With the EASY-LIZE Quick-Check, companies can quickly and easily determine whether their packaging is subject to system participation requirements.
What falls under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy concept that obliges manufacturers to take responsibility for their products throughout their entire life cycle – from production to disposal. The aim is to encourage the development of more environmentally friendly products and to reduce waste volumes.
The following product categories are particularly affected:
- Packaging
- Electrical and electronic equipment
- Batteries
- Vehicles
- Textiles
- Chemicals
- Furniture
Manufacturers are required to establish systems for the collection and environmentally sound disposal or recycling of these products. The objective is to minimise the environmental impact of products and to shift greater responsibility for disposal and recycling to producers. This concept makes a significant contribution to promoting a more sustainable economy.
How do you license packaging in Germany?
The licensing of packaging takes place in several steps. First, the packaging quantities reported to the German dual system are used to calculate the licensing fees, which cover the costs of collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste. These fees depend on the type of material and the weight of the packaging.
The reported data must also be submitted to the Central Agency Packaging Register (Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister – ZSVR) to ensure transparency. Larger companies that exceed certain quantity thresholds are additionally required to submit a declaration of completeness certified by an independent auditor.
EASY-LIZE simplifies this process by handling many of these steps on your behalf. Use our online check and cost calculator to get an initial overview of your obligations. If you have any questions or uncertainties, we are happy to assist you – start licensing your packaging with a German dual system now with EASY-LIZE.
How do I obtain a packaging license in Germany?
You can obtain a packaging license by registering with a German dual system and licensing the relevant packaging quantities. Use our online service to license your packaging quickly and easily and comply with all legal requirements.
How much does a packaging license cost in Germany?
The cost of a packaging license varies depending on the type and quantity of packaging used, the material, and the selected provider. Materials such as plastic are generally more expensive, as recycling is more complex, while paper, cardboard and carton packaging can usually be licensed at lower costs. Glass and metals are typically priced in the mid to higher range, depending on factors such as recycling effort and market conditions. Composite materials are often more expensive due to their more complex recycling processes.
Licensing costs also increase with the volume of packaging placed on the market. Small businesses generally pay less than large corporations. Costs for very small quantities usually start at around EUR 39 per year. With EASY-LIZE, however, very small quantities can already be licensed from EUR 23.90 per year.
Where can I find further information about packaging licenses and costs?
You can find further information about packaging licenses, costs and legal requirements on our website. Our online cost check is also available there, allowing you to receive a detailed cost overview tailored to your specific needs. If you have any further questions or would like personal advice, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
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