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Subject-specific papers

In the following you will find a list of subject-specific papers that cater to different industry sectors – especially for importers, mail order companies and online retailers as well as micro distributors.

 

 

  1. Key considerations on imports
  2. Issues and specific situations for mail order companies and online retailers
  3. Overview for small and micro distributors
  4. Delineation between packaging and non-packaging
  5. Overview of key amendments of the extended deposit obligation starting January 2022

The Verpackungsgesetz defines the obligations of producers and retailers – the so-called initial distributors of packaging.

The central obligations of the Verpackungsverordnung (Packaging Ordinance), which had been in force previously, remain unchanged: packaging that typically accumulates as waste with private households or with comparable sources of waste generation, and that has been placed onto the German market commercially, must participate in a system. Only in this way can it be ensured that a nationwide system records all packaging and makes sure all packaging is transfered for recovery.

For further information or specific issues, please also refer to our FAQs, where you will find answers to relevant questions.


1. Key considerations on imports

There are many different set-ups for importing goods. This subject-specific paper provides information about the obligations which have to be met when importing packaging subject to system participation into Germany.


2. Issues and specific situations for mail order companies and online retailers

Not all mail order companies are the same, some have very different set-ups. These different set-ups and the resulting implications are set out in this document.


3. Overview for small and micro distributors

Anyone who has registered or has to register their self-employment as a business or anyone who generates income from commercial activities, independent work or agriculture and forestry with a view to making a profit within the meaning of German income tax law is operating commercially in all cases within the meaning of the Verpackungsgesetz. This paper for small and micro distributors provides information about when distribution is considered to be commercial, and includes guidance for agriculture and forestry.


4. Delineation between packaging and non-packaging

When does an item qualify as packaging, and which criteria must be reviewed when determining its packaging status? In most cases, it is obvious if a certain item is packaging or not. There are, however, individual cases where this question cannot be answered conclusively at first glance. The ZSVR's new subject-specific paper gives guidance on how to delineate packaging from non-packaging. If a test item qualifies as packaging, it must then be determined whether it is subject to system participation. This is where the system participation requirement catalogue can help.


5. Overview of key amendments of the extended deposit obligation starting January 2022

What single-use beverage packaging or beverages are affected by the extended deposit obligation? The ZSVR's new subject-specific paper answers this question and explains what needs to be done as a result of the extended deposit obligation for producers (initial distributors or importers) as well as for distributors of single-use beverage packaging starting January 2022.


These information pages could also be helpful for you: