Legal Requirements and Documents in Germany
LUCID Packaging Registration
When shipping products to the German market, you must fully comply with environmental and product safety legislation. As of 2023, platforms such as Amazon are also obliged to verify that sellers meet these legal requirements. Below are the main legal requirements for the LUCID system that you should pay particular attention to in Germany:
Packaging EPR Registration (LUCID system):
Germany has implemented the VerpackG Packaging Act, which makes the recycling of packaging waste the responsibility of producers. Under this law, every company that sells products in Germany must register with the LUCID packaging register and participate in a recycling financing system for packaging waste. LUCID is the online registration portal managed by the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR). Registration is free of charge and you will receive an EPR registration number (LUCID registration number).
How to register for the Lucid system?
First, you register on ZSVR's LUCID portal by entering your company details. Then you enter into an agreement with an authorized "Dual Sistem" company that collects packaging waste in Germany and pay a recycling fee equal to the amount of packaging you will put on the market.
You purchase an annual packaging license in one of the dual systems, e.g. Der Grüne Punkt, Landbell. After obtaining the license, you declare the agreed amount of packaging in the LUCID system. This registration and licensing process means that you assume the cost of recycling the waste from the packaging of your products.
LUCID does not allow sellers without EPR registration to sell in Germany. If you sell without registration despite the ban, the German authorities can stop your sale and impose administrative fines of up to €100,000.
Similarly, if you leave packaging without a dual system license, the fine can be up to €200,000. Therefore, it is critical that you complete your LUCID registration and inform Amazon of your EPR number before entering the German market.
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Germany LUCID Registration and VerpackG Packaging Act - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
S: What is the VerpackG (Packaging Act)?
A: VerpackG is a law that places the cost of recycling all product packaging shipped to Germany on the seller. It came into force on January 1, 2019 and applies to all e-commerce sellers selling in Germany.
Q: Why was this law passed?
A: The aim is to protect the environment and ensure the professional recycling of packaging waste. Sellers bear the costs of disposal or recycling of the packaging they place on the market.
S: Who has to comply with the VerpackG?
A: All companies that ship packaged goods to Germany, Amazon and other online marketplace sellers, in short anyone who delivers packaged goods to the end consumer.
Q: What is the LUCID register?
A: LUCID is Germany's official Zentrale Stelle Verpackungs Register. By registering here, sellers receive an "EPR (LUCID) registration number".
Q: How to register LUCID?
- Create a free registration on the LUCID Packaging Register.
- Enter your company details and brand name.
- Declare your packaging type and quantity.
- Enter into an annual license agreement with a Dual System company (e.g. Der Grüne Punkt, Landbell).
- Report your license number to the LUCID system.
- Add the given logo to your packaging.
Q: What is Dual System?
A: They are authorized companies that organize the recycling of packaging in Germany. Examples: Der Grüne Punkt, Landbell, Interseroh+. You pay an annual license fee depending on the type and quantity of your packaging.
S: Which packaging requires certification?
A: Glass, paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, beverage cans, composite packaging... In short, any packaging that protects your product.
Q: How to pay for a license from Der Grüne Punkt?
A: Available on the official website of Der Grüne Punkt License Calculator section, you can calculate the quantity according to the product types in your packaging and pay the annual license fee.
- If you have a packaging type other than paper and plastic, you can see and add all material types by clicking the "Add Category" button.
- The system automatically calculates prices based on the packaging types and quantities you select.
- After the calculation, you can make your payment by credit card or bank transfer.
S: What happens if the VerpackG is not complied with?
C:
- Fine up to €100,000,
- Up to €200,000 fine for non-participation in the recycling system,
- Ban on sales on Amazon.de,
- Suspension of distribution of the products in Germany.
Q: Why is it important for Amazon sellers?
A: As of July 1, 2022, Amazon.de does not allow sellers without a LUCID number to sell. If you are not registered. your listings may be closed.
As a result, for any e-exporter looking to sell in Germany, VerpackG compliance and LUCID registration is one of the most critical steps of market entry. Managing this process correctly not only eliminates legal risks, but also ensures that your sales on platforms such as Amazon.de continue uninterrupted.
As Export Partners Turkey, we provide end-to-end support to our sellers who want to expand into the German market, starting from the necessary documentation and registration processes, private label brand creation, Amazon FBA operation management and product listing optimization. From LUCID registration to CE certificates, from brand registration to product strategy, we help you create a strong and sustainable brand presence in Germany.
📞 Contact us now and start your journey in the German market with confidence.
