Verpackg

Anyone can check whether the manufacturer from whom he purchased the product is duly registered in the VerpackG/LUCID Dual System. As part of their data reporting, companies must report how much mass of packaging or packaging materials they have placed on the market and what proportion of this was involved in the system.

This is done separately according to the so-called material fractions, i.e. paper, cardboard, light packaging (with metal packaging, laminates and plastics) and glass. The public register administered by the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister is freely accessible on its official website.

VerpackG - what is it?

VerpackG is the German Packaging Management Act, which regulates and sets out the requirements for companies and businesses to compulsorily register the packaging they place on the market. It was introduced on 01.01.2019 and replaced the previous VerpackV. The Act aims to protect the environment by minimising packaging waste and encourage the use of more environmentally friendly solutions. It complies with current European Union legislation.

VerpackG - who is affected?

Who is affected by the compulsory registration in the VerpackG system? The obligation to register applies to domestic and foreign companies that manufacture, introduce or release packaging into the German market for the first time. Registration with VerpackG should take place before the goods are transported across the border. At the time of crossing the border
packaging is deemed to have been introduced into the German market.

This also applies to those who sell online, and the goods are dispatched from Poland.

For small and very small companies, only two reports per year (planned and actual quantities) are usually required. The Packaging Act does not contain a minimum de minimis limit for participation/registration obligations in the system and data reporting.

What is the first packaging launch in Germany?

A manufacturer or first-time distributor within the meaning of the Packaging Act with the consequences of the obligation to register and participate in the system is a person who, for the first time in Germany for commercial purposes, hands over to a third party an outer packaging filled with goods which he normally collects as waste to private final consumers (private households, other sources) for distribution, consumption or use.

Please review this information and identify which provisions of the Act you are subject to, analysing the provision with the business profile.

What packaging is distinguished by the VerpackG Act?

According to the provisions of the law, packaging can be introduced into the German market:

unit, intended for retail trade,
bulk containers containing more than one product,
shipping, designed to package the product during transport, for example in foil,
service boxes, cups, bags, etc., used for handing over the goods to the consumer during the sale.

Indicative costs associated with VerpackG can range from several hundred euros upwards.

According to the 2021 amendment to the law, a distinction can also be made between packaging intended for the retail consumer
and those aimed at B2B customers. However, regardless of the type, all of the above are subject to registration and notification
in the VerpackG system if they are being marketed in Germany for the first time.

How does the registration process work at VerpackG?

The entire process must be carried out, even if a single piece of packaging is entered into the VerpackG circuit:

Create an account and fill in the necessary data on the packaging introducer.
Signing a contract with a recycling company.
Determination of the estimated amount of packaging to be introduced.
If changes occur - increase/decrease the number of packages.
Report submission.

The declaration of quantities and their amendment, followed by payment for the actual number of packages introduced, shall take place by 15 May.

If the amount of packaging exceeds the values set by the Act, it may also be necessary to submit a corresponding
Declaration of Completeness to the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR) - the German Central Packaging Register.

How much does it cost to register with VerpackG?

Registration of packaging in Germany in the VerpackG systems.

Fees associated with VerpackG:

the fee for the contract with the recycling company, as agreed with the service provider,
a licence fee of EUR 100 for a period of 2 years,
a recycling levy, depending on the amount of packaging placed on the market.

Indicative costs associated with VerpackG can range from several hundred euros upwards.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Failure to register, incomplete or erroneous data has a number of negative consequences.

Among these, the Act lists:

a fine of up to EUR 100,000,
initiation of an investigation into the ZSVR,
to involve the law enforcement authorities responsible for the relevant Land in the proceedings,
a total ban on trade in the German market,
The penalty is appropriate to the seriousness of the breach.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the EKOPRO Group's offer

To avoid negative consequences associated with incorrect registration, It is worthwhile to take advantage of the experienced specialists of the EKOPRO Group.

We also offer other environmental services:

Feel free to contact us!