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Packaging obligations in Germany (2026)

Draft

Verified on: 2026-09-01

EU framework: PPWR (EU) 2025/40, applicable since 12 Aug 2026

National: Verpackungsrecht-Durchführungsgesetz (VerpackDG – German Packaging Law Implementation Act), in force since 12 Aug 2026; replaces the Packaging Act (VerpackG). Enforced by, among others, the Stiftung Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR).

The core system remains in place: LUCID registration + system participation with a dual system (approved German take-back scheme). New since 12 Aug 2026: an authorised-representative requirement for foreign producers without a German establishment (previously, representation for the registration was not permitted). From 2028, packaging without system participation will additionally require ZSVR approval or an approved 'other producer responsibility organisation'. An EU-wide harmonised producer register under Art. 44 PPWR is not expected until later.

Packaging EPR: LUCID registration & system participation (Germany)

Anyone distributing packaged goods to end customers in Germany must register in the LUCID packaging register before placing them on the market and license packaging subject to system participation (including shipping packaging) with a dual system. Volumes must be reported both to the system and in LUCID.

Authorised representative: 
Since 12 Aug 2026, foreign producers without an establishment in Germany (including those from the EU) selling directly to German end customers must appoint an authorised representative established in Germany (Art. 45(3) PPWR in conjunction with § 5(2) VerpackDG). Important: the LUCID registration itself remains a strictly personal obligation of the producer and can NOT be delegated; the authorised representative takes over the remaining EPR obligations. ZSVR requirements: a written contract in German, signed by both parties, and only one authorised representative per producer.
Cross-border: 
Until 11 Aug 2026, using an authorised representative for the LUCID registration was not permitted – that legal position has been reversed: since 12 Aug 2026, foreign direct sellers without an appointed authorised representative face a distribution ban. Foreign producers already registered had to update their LUCID entry (a transition period until 12 Nov 2026 is under discussion, see sources).
Costs: 
System participation costs depend on material and volume (public price calculators of the dual systems, e.g. Lizenzero); the LUCID registration itself is free of charge.
Deadlines: 
Registration always before placing goods on the market. Transitional rules for 2026: companies required to register for the first time under the new law, by 12 Sep 2026; updates to existing LUCID entries (including the authorised representative) by 12 Nov 2026; existing system participation contracts valid until 31 Dec 2026 at the latest.

Typical steps

  1. Register in the LUCID packaging register – personally, before first placing goods on the market (cannot be delegated).
  2. Without a German establishment: appoint an authorised representative established in Germany in writing and record them in LUCID.
  3. Conclude a system participation contract with a dual system (e.g. Lizenzero/Interzero, Landbell, Reclay, Noventiz, Der Grüne Punkt).
  4. License your packaging volumes with the dual system and submit an identical data report in LUCID.
  5. Review existing system participation contracts: under the VerpackDG transitional rules they remain valid until 31 Dec 2026 at the latest and may need to be concluded anew.
  6. If selling via marketplaces: store your LUCID registration number with Amazon, eBay and the like – platforms must verify the registration and will otherwise block listings.
  7. Once you exceed the volume thresholds: submit the annual declaration of completeness (Vollständigkeitserklärung; for 2026 as a combined declaration covering the old and new legal regimes).

Providers for this obligation

Lizenzero (Interzero Recycling Alliance GmbH)Landbell AG für Rückhol-SystemeReclay Systems GmbH (Reclay Group)Der Grüne Punkt – Duales System Deutschland GmbHNoventiz Dual GmbH

Sources: ZSVR – Verpackungsregister LUCID (Startseite, Registrierungspflicht) (accessed 2026-09-01) · ZSVR – Bevollmächtigung: Pflichten und Anforderungen seit 12.08.2026 (accessed 2026-09-01) · ZSVR – Übersicht der zugelassenen Systembetreiber (11 duale Systeme) (accessed 2026-09-01) · Deutscher Bundestag – Beschluss des Verpackungsrecht-Durchführungsgesetzes (11.06.2026) (accessed 2026-09-01) · verpackungsgesetz.com – Bevollmächtigtenzwang für ausländische Hersteller seit 12.08.2026 (accessed 2026-09-01) · Internetrecht Rostock – PPWR für den Internethandel ab 12.08.2026 (Fristen, Marktplatzprüfpflichten) (accessed 2026-09-01) · KPMG Law – VerpackDG: Übergangsregeln und erweiterte Pflichten (accessed 2026-09-01) · WKO – PPWR Deutschland: Pflichten für (österreichische) Versandhändler (accessed 2026-09-01)

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Legal information, not legal advice. The linked official sources prevail; data marked “draft” has not been finally verified.