German Packaging Regulations

Online Briefing

 

The German Packaging Act Explained

The German Packaging Act, also known as VerpackG is based on the EU Packaging Waste Directive and applies to anyone active in e-commerce selling physical goods to customers in Germany including UK companies who sell B2C or manufacture under their own brand in Germany.

Briefing delivered by an expert from the German Chamber of Commerce: 

  • The definition of ‘eligible packaging’
  • General reporting requirements and obligations
  • Obligations of B2B exporters
  • Obligations when selling via e-commerce platforms and fulfilment service companies
  • Types of packaging and what to look out for
  • Transport and other packaging not destined for the consumer
  • Reusable packaging, service packaging, and packaging that cannot currently be licensed, such as hazardous materials packaging
  • Plastic single-use drinks bottles and tins, milk, and milk product packaging require any party responsible for placing packaged products on the market must pay a fee for the recycling of their packaging waste. 

This fee depends on the type of packaging material and is typically a few cents per kilogram.

This means that any B2C products are affected while in some cases it includes B2B sales as well, for instance when selling to small companies, hotels, or restaurants – where packaging usually ends up in the same waste stream. 

Extended producer responsibility generally affects the company which fills empty packaging with goods, or which puts packaged products on the market for the first time. Thus, the following parties are responsible for paying recycling fees:

  • Those who import products from abroad and sell them within Germany
  • Those who manufacture products in Germany or have them manufactured under their own brand
  • Those who sell products and ad additional packaging (e.g. shipping box in e-commerce)
  • Foreign companies selling directly to German consumers (cross-border b2c e-commerce)

Basically, anyone active in e-commerce selling physical goods to customers in Germany has obligations from the Packaging Act. There are also no exceptions, sales thresholds, or minimum quantities for small companies as in other countries. All obligated companies must register in the LUCID Packaging Register and obtain a Packaging License from a German recycling scheme.

 

Our professional export training is delivered live online

Date: 5 September 2023

Time: from 9.30am to 10.30am (including Q&A session)

Online discounted cost: 

 

Regular Customers / Chamber Members £177 +VAT

Non-Regular Customers / Non-Chamber Members £207 +VAT

 

Please click here to reserve your place.

 

Click here to see our booking terms and conditions.