I do dropshipping – my supplier does the shipping, am I still liable?
Verified on 2026-09-01 · Packaging law (PPWR)
In short
'The supplier takes care of shipping' does not protect you: what matters is who legally places the packaged goods on the market in the destination country – and when selling under your name to end customers, that is regularly you. If your supplier is based outside the destination country (or outside the EU), registration, system participation and, where applicable, an authorised representative land on you. Only rely on what your supplier proves to you in writing, with registration numbers.
What to do now, concretely
Your to-dos
0/3Especially with import dropshipping (supplier outside the EU), you are usually the one first making the goods available in the EU – with all the packaging obligations. The forums are full of sellers who only sorted this out after their first marketplace suspension.
Related country guides
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Check your businessSources & verification status
- Dropshipping-Forum: „Der Lieferant verschickt das schon!“ – Diskussion seit 12.08.2026 (accessed 2026-09-01)
- EUR-Lex: Verordnung (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) – Herstellerbegriff und Pflichten (accessed 2026-09-01)
Legal information, not legal advice. The linked official sources prevail; data marked “draft” has not been finally verified.