German Packaging Act VerpackG
Go global, compliance first.
At present, Amazon, AliExpress, TEMU and other platforms mandatorily require sellers to complete EPR compliance, otherwise products will be forcibly removed.
EPR compliance is an inevitable trend. Among them, the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) has stricter and more universal requirements. However, many sellers still have limited understanding of it. This issue summarizes FAQs about the German Packaging Act with a one-time detailed explanation. Sellers are recommended to save this guide.
What is the German Packaging Act?
The German Packaging Act is part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, aiming at sustainable development, waste prevention and management.
It applies to all businesses selling in the German market, including cross-border e-commerce and online retailers. They must:
• Register for a LUCID ID
• Purchase packaging licenses
• Join a German dual system (e.g., EASY-LIZE) to obtain packaging authorization
Packaging materials must meet environmental standards. Producers are responsible for packaging waste management, covering all product packaging (cartons, fillers, labels, etc.).
Who needs to register for the German Packaging Act?
The regulation applies to a wide range of entities. The following must register:
• Manufacturers & Brand Owners: Enterprises producing packaged goods sold directly to Germany, including private labels and OEMs.
• Importers: Entities importing goods into Germany from abroad, regarded as the “first placer” of packaging.
• E-commerce Sellers: Sellers on Amazon, eBay, independent stores, etc. Even using FBA, you are liable if packaging bears your brand.
• Cross-border Companies: Chinese sellers shipping directly to Germany, even without a German legal entity.
How to determine if registration is required?
It depends on whether your products use packaging materials for protection, packaging, transport or display (cartons, plastic bags, bottles, etc.).
If you sell products in Germany with packaging, you must register.
Main Packaging Types
• Primary Packaging: Sales packaging in direct contact with goods, e.g., shoe boxes, aluminum cans for soft drinks.
• Secondary Packaging: Transport packaging for protection during shipping, e.g., cartons, bags, fillers, tape, shipping labels.
What does the German Packaging Act cover?
• Packaging Material Requirements: Must meet environmental standards; promote renewable, recyclable and eco-friendly materials.
• Recycling & Disposal: Standards for collection, sorting and treatment; establishment of recycling systems and waste reuse.
• Labeling Requirements: Clear marking of composition, origin and recyclability to raise consumer awareness.
• Producer Responsibility: Producers bear waste management costs and participate in system construction & maintenance.
How to achieve full compliance?
Complete these 4 steps:
1) Register and obtain a LUCID ID
Register for an EPR number on the official LUCID platform (German Central Packaging Register).
2) Submit LUCID ID to e-commerce platforms
Upload your EPR number to required platforms as instructed. Allow time for review.
3) Sign a contract with a licensed dual system / recycler
As required by platforms and LUCID: sign with an authorized German recycler and declare packaging weights regularly.
4) Purchase recycling weights & file regular declarations
• Estimate & declare annual weight at the beginning of the year
• Submit actual declaration & payment at year-end
Only then is compliance completed.
Consequences of non-registration
• Fines for violations
• Public registry: competitors can easily verify non-registration
• Store removal & sales ban upon complaint
JJR LAB Service
JJR LAB has extensive experience in testing and certification, and is familiar with the latest rules of the German Packaging Act (VerpackG).
If you encounter difficulties during registration, JJR LAB provides full support.
VerpackG Fee
• Price: $299
• Scope: Registration + annual declaration (calendar year, including basic recycling fee)
• Processing Time: 3 working days
