Lucid packaging register: closing the gap for foreign importers

The first expansion stage of the Lucid packaging register will be launched on time on 3 July. Foreign producers and online retailers must also register if they want to place their packaging on the German market.

With the entry into force of the amendment to the Packaging Act Various European legal acts be transposed into German law, among other things. Although the new version of the Packaging Act was only promulgated on 14 June 2021, the first necessary expansion stage of the packaging register will be launched on time on 3 July 2021. The second expansion stage will take place on 1 July 2022. The Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) summarised.

More and more packaging is arriving in Germany from abroad and more and more goods are being sold via electronic marketplaces. This means a large amount of packaging. But the foreign producers and dealers are often not familiar with the German legal provisions in this regard. Until now, this has often led to foreign companies behaving illegally. Enforcement abroad is difficult.

As of 3 July 2021, the Packaging Act stipulates that foreign producers and online retailers must an authorised representative in Germany be able to nominate a third party. This person takes over the fulfilment of all obligations for the person actually liable. This ensures that the authorised representative is familiar with German law and that someone in Germany can be held responsible. The authorised representative reports the required data to the Lucid packaging register. This required extensive Reprogramming the Lucid software necessary.

Tax number instead of e-mail address

Another small change with a big impact also brings a significantly greater degree of transparency: In future, the tax number will be published instead of the e-mail address. These can be used by retailers and marketplaces to better identify those obliged under the law. Packaging from producers that are not registered in the Lucid packaging register may not be sold in Germany. They are subject to a distribution ban. Retailers and marketplaces can now use an interface to quickly determine whether producers and online retailers are listed in the register based on their tax number. Free riders will be noticed more quickly.

„Packaging is a raw material. Recycling requirements can only be implemented at a high level in a financially healthy market. Free riders must be identified and they must also pay for the recycling of their packaging. The legal changes create more transparency in two key areas“. Gunda Rachut, Management Board of ZSVR

Packaging register Lucid takes electronic marketplaces to task

From 1 July 2022, electronic marketplaces and online platforms will also be directly subject to this obligation. These market participants may only offer goods in their shipping packaging and other sales packaging if the packaging is part of a system and has been registered in the Lucid packaging register. This complements the new regulation on the tax number, as it creates the basis for implementing this obligation digitally.

The publication of the registered companies makes it clear who is placing this packaging on the market. Gunda Rachut: „The clear designation of the target group significantly increases the transparency already achieved. The principle of direct product responsibility is stated consistently and specifically for all types of packaging and distribution channels. It will be easier for foreign companies to comply with the rules. We are entering a New phase in the effectiveness of the law in.“

SourceZSVR