EPR, LUCID and packaging: legislation for selling in Germany

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an area where German authorities do not joke around. Fines can reach up to €200,000, and Amazon actively enforces compliance by blocking listings. The good news: you can meet these obligations in just a few days.

What EPR is and who it concerns

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) shifts the responsibility for the disposal of products and packaging to whoever places them on the market. If you sell to German customers — even just via FBA — that’s you.

Three areas of EPR in Germany

1. Packaging (VerpackG)

This applies to every seller without exception. You must register in the central LUCID registry, sign a contract with a licensing company (e.g., Lizenzero, Landbell), and pay licensing fees according to the quantity of packaging.

2. Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ElektroG)

Do you sell anything with a cable or battery? You need WEEE registration with the EAR foundation and a German authorized representative. The process takes 2–4 months — start early.

3. Batteries (BattG)

Separate registration for batteries and products with built-in batteries.

Amazon automatically checks LUCID registration. Without a valid number in Seller Central, your German offers will be blocked within 48 hours of a prompt.

How much it costs

Checklist before starting sales

1. Registration in LUCID and obtaining a registration number
2. Contract with a licensing company for packaging
3. Entering the LUCID number in Seller Central
4. For electronics: WEEE number application (in advance!)

We handle EPR completely turnkey for our clients — from registration to annual reporting. If you are unsure about the scope of your obligations, contact us.