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 for 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 cans; milk and milk-product packaging - the party responsible for placing these 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.

All products sold B2C are affected, and in some cases B2B 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 that fills empty packaging with goods, or which puts packaged products on the market for the first time. As such, the following parties could be responsible for paying recycling fees:

  • Those who import products and sell them within Germany
  • Those who manufacture products in Germany, or have them manufactured there under their own brand
  • Those who sell products and add additional packaging, such as a shipping box for e-commerce
  • Foreign companies selling directly to German consumers using cross-border e-commerce

Anyone using e-commerce to sell physical goods to customers in Germany has obligations under the Packaging Act. There are also no exceptions, sales thresholds, or minimum quantities for small companies. All obligated companies must register with the LUCID Packaging Register and obtain a Packaging License from a German recycling scheme.

 

Our professional export training is delivered live online

Date: 14 May 2024

Time: from 2.30pm to 3.30pm (including Q&A session)

Online discounted cost: 

 

Regular Customers / Chamber Members £197 +VAT

Non-Regular Customers / Non-Chamber Members £217 +VAT

 

Please click here to reserve your place.

 

Click here to see our booking terms and conditions.