Packaging Act and deposit

In short: Whoever places packaged goods on the market for end customers in Germany must register in the packaging register (LUCID) and participate in a dual system for disposal.

In more detail: The Packaging Act (VerpackG) applies to manufacturers, retailers and online shops that first hand goods-filled packaging to private customers, including shipping boxes and filler material. You report quantities and pay licence fees to a dual system.

Not legal advice.

In Depth

• LUCID: the register of the Central Agency Packaging Register. The registration number must be available on request; marketplaces check it.
• Licensing: contracts with providers such as Der Grüne Punkt, Interzero, Reclay (report quantities).
• Deposit: on single-use drink bottles and cans (25 cents) and reusable bottles (8 to 15 cents). The deposit logo is on the label.
• Digital goods: Pure downloads need no packaging, hence no licence.
• Electronics and batteries: their own rules (e-waste and disposal).
• Fines: Missing registration can become expensive and lead to sales bans.

See also: E-waste and disposal, Registering a business and self-employment