Registration requires that brand names be listed under which the party under obligation (e.g. manufacturers, mail order companies, importers) places packaging filled with goods on the German market for the first time – by packaging that is subject to system participation and packaging that is not subject to system participation. If a certain brand name is used both on packaging that is subject to system participation and packaging that is not subject to system participation, both have to be indicated during registration.
If a product has an umbrella brand and additional sub-brands, only the umbrella brand needs to be provided. It does not have to be a registered trademark under trademark law. The brand names of trading goods sourced from within Germany that you simply resell should not be listed. Example: The company Happybiscuits sells shortbread biscuits under the name 'Shorties' and oatmeal biscuits under the name 'Oaties'. The umbrella brand 'Happybiscuits' always appears on the packaging. In this case, only the brand 'Happybiscuits' needs to be registered.
Registration does not require information about the following:
- Type designations, article specifications, model descriptions (e.g. headphones A10, headphones A15)
- Package volumes (e.g. 50g, 100g)
- Product descriptions (e.g. headphones, lubricant)
The Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR) must also publish brand names in the public register.
Everything at a glance: You will find all answers to all common questions in our overall FAQ: