The Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act) sets out requirements for the production, placing onto the German market and recovery of packaging. It entered into force as per January 2019, and replaced the Verpackungsverordnung (Packaging Ordinance) of 1992 that had been in force previously. The Verpackungsverordnung also contained provisions governing producer responsibility for producers and distributors of packaging, as well as the requirement for retail packaging to participate in waste management systems (so-called dual systems), setting high recycling targets for them.

The Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act) requires initial distributors of retail packaging filled with goods that reach private final consumers to register packaging with the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR) before it is placed onto the German market. In addition, the initial distributors under obligation must submit the same data reports provided to the systems about the packaging placed onto the German market to the ZSVR as well.

Most significantly, the Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act) created the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR) with wide-ranging and, to some extent, statutory duties. Furthermore, the Verpackungsgesetz provides for higher recycling quota, requires a minimum standard for determining the recyclability of retail packaging, expands the influence of municipalities on the structure of how retail packaging is collected locally, and sets out clearer controls for waste management systems. It also provides for higher requirements on experts, auditors, tax advisers and sworn accountants who undertake auditing activities, and brings into effect new requirements for beverage packaging.