Germany Packaging Law (VerpackG): Complete Guide for Cross-Border Sellers
Updated 2026-08-17
If you sell packaged goods to consumers in Germany, you must register with LUCID (the national packaging register) and license your packaging through a dual system like Der Grüne Punkt. This applies to all sellers, including those outside Germany selling via Amazon or other marketplaces.
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Primary sources
This page is grounded in the primary materials below. Rules change, so open the source and confirm the current version before acting.
FAQ
Do I need to comply with VerpackG if I'm selling from China?+
Yes. VerpackG applies to any company that places packaged goods on the German market, regardless of where the company is based. If you sell through Amazon FBA to Germany, you must register with LUCID and license your packaging.
What happens if I don't register with LUCID?+
Non-compliance can result in fines of up to EUR 200,000 and a ban on selling your products in Germany. Marketplaces like Amazon may also suspend your listings.
How much does dual system licensing cost?+
Costs depend on the type and volume of packaging you put on the market. For small sellers, fees typically start at around EUR 50-200 per year. You need to report your packaging volumes to the dual system quarterly.
Can Amazon handle VerpackG compliance for me?+
Amazon does not handle VerpackG compliance on your behalf. You must register with LUCID yourself and contract with a dual system. However, Amazon requires your LUCID registration number to list products on Amazon.de.
What is the completeness declaration (Vollständigkeitserklärung) and when is it due?+
If your annual packaging volumes exceed certain thresholds — 80 tonnes of glass, 50 tonnes of paper/cardboard/plastics/aluminium/composites, or 30 tonnes of other materials — you must file an annual completeness declaration (Vollständigkeitserklärung) with the ZSVR by May 15 for the previous calendar year. The declaration confirms that all packaging volumes have been reported to your dual system and licensed. Even if you are below these thresholds, you must still report volumes to your dual system quarterly and pay eco-contributions. The completeness declaration is an additional compliance step for higher-volume sellers only.
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