What is VerpackG? Every entrepreneur who places packaging on the German market should be familiar with this law. It aims to protect the environment by reducing packaging waste and promoting more environmentally friendly solutions. It also involves the LUCID register, overseen by the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister. This is a public packaging registration system that enables companies to comply with the VerpackG. Registration with LUCID is mandatory for all companies placing packaging on the German market, ensuring transparency and accountability in packaging and waste management.
What is VerpackG?
VerpackG - what is it? This is the German Packaging Act, which came into force on 1 January 2019, replacing the previous VerpackV legislation. The main objective of the law is to protect the environment by reducing packaging waste and promoting more environmentally friendly solutions. The law makes it compulsory to register all packaging placed on the German market and is in line with European Union directives.
VerpackG - who is affected?
VerpackG - who is affected? VerpackG covers both domestic and foreign companies that place packaging on the German market. The registration must take place before the goods are transported across the German border, which means that packaging is deemed to have already entered the German market when it crosses the border. This also applies to companies selling online, shipping goods from Poland.
For small and very small businesses, the reporting requirements are simplified to only two reports per year - on the planned and actual amount of packaging introduced. There are no minimum limits in the Act, which means that every business must register and comply with the reporting requirements.
What packaging is distinguished by the VerpackG Act?
The VerpackG Packaging Act defines several types of packaging that are subject to registration:
- individual - intended for retail sale,
- cumulative - containing more than one product,
- mail order - used to package products during transport, e.g. films,
- service - used to convey goods to consumers, e.g. boxes, cups, bags.
The new German Packaging Act 2021 further differentiates between packaging for retail consumers and for B2B customers. Regardless of the type of packaging, all must be declared for registration in the VerpackG system if they are marketed in Germany for the first time.
How much does it cost to register with VerpackG?
If you are interested in packaging registration in Germany, costs include, but are not limited to:
- the fee for the contract with the recycling company - as agreed with the service provider.
- a licence fee - amounting to €100 for two years.
- recycling fee - depending on the amount of packaging introduced.
These costs can range from several hundred euros upwards, depending on the quantity and type of packaging.
What are the penalties for failing to register?
Failure to register or the incorrect provision of data can lead to serious consequences such as:
- a fine of up to €200,000.
- initiation of an investigation by the ZSVR.
- the involvement of the law enforcement authorities relevant to the state.
- trade ban on the German market.
Penalties shall be proportionate to the seriousness of the breach, It is therefore important that the provisions of the Act are strictly adhered to.
Registration check
Every consumer can check whether the producer from whom he or she buys products is duly registered in the VerpackG/LUCID dual system. This information is available in a public register, administered by the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister, which is accessible on the official website. Any company marketing packaging in Germany must comply with VerpaG by registering with LUCID.
What is LUCID?
What is the LUCID system? It is a public register of packaging maintained by the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister, or Central Packaging Register. Registration with LUCID is mandatory for all companies that place packaging on the German market.. This process increases the credibility of companies in the eyes of consumers, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable packaging and waste management.
LUCID - step-by-step registration
LUCID registration is a process that any company planning to sell packaged products in Germany must go through before the first transaction. EKOPRO Group offers comprehensive support in this area, including packaging classification and advice on applicable regulations. Our team of experts takes care of the preparation of the necessary documentation and the implementation of solutions in line with current legislation, making registration much easier.
LUCID and VerpackG - data availability
LUCID and VerpackG registry allow public access to registration data. In this way, consumers can consciously choose products from companies that meet the highest environmental standards. This is particularly important in the German market, where environmental awareness is very high.
EKOPRO Group supports Polish companies entering other markets. We facilitate the introduction of packaging into the EU market. We assist with packaging and waste management, ensuring that companies comply with all applicable regulations in dedicated EU markets.
