Overview of amendments to the Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act)
The amended version of the Verpackungsgesetz has a number of statutory changes that are entering into force at different times. The following provides an overview of the amendments relating to the duties of the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR). Some of the changes have already entered into force, others will do so on 1 July 2022.
Changes entering into force on 1 July 2022
There will be a new registration requirement for all types of packaging that you fill with goods and place on the German market for the first time on a commercial basis. By 1 July 2022, you must either
- register with the LUCID Packaging Register and provide details about your packaging types and brand names or,
- if you have already registered, add these details to your existing registration (registration amendment).
Final distributors of service packaging are subject to statutory obligations. They have to pay for the recycling of their packaging.
There are two ways to comply with the law: you can either purchase unfilled, pre-participated packaging or you must fulfil all obligations yourself. In any case, you are required to register with the LUCID Packaging Register.
More Information about service packaging
From 1 July 2022 onwards, electronic marketplaces may only allow packaging subject to system participation to be offered in connection with the sale of goods if the mail order companies or online retailers under obligation are registered in the LUCID Packaging Register and comply with the system participation requirement.
Fulfilment service providers may only perform their activities for those companies that have fulfilled their obligation to register with the LUCID Packaging Register and met their system participation requirement.
Information about the register excerpt
Changes under the amended version of the Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act) have already entered into force. They include an extended deposit obligation for single-use beverage packaging and giving international parties under obligation the option to appoint an authorised representative.