Packaging licensing – reliable, compliant and convenient

A packaging licence refers to the participation of the distributor in a system in accordance with VerpackG, also known as a dual system, for its sales packaging. A dual system organises the collection, sorting and recycling of used sales packaging.

The steps for obtaining a packaging licence include the following measures: 

• Registration in the LUCID register of the ZVSR (Central Agency Packaging Register) 
• Conclusion of contract and notification of packaging quantities to the dual system 
• Forwarding the data reported to the dual system to the ZVSR  
• Notification of the LUCID registration number to the dual system 
• Data synchronisation between ZVSR and dual system 

We are committed to making the licensing process as simple as possible for you. Take advantage of our consulting service to take out your packaging licence without much effort and request your individual offer.

Anyone who fills goods into sales packaging and puts them into circulation in Germany is obliged to participate in the system and must licence their packaging. Manufacturers, producers, trading companies, importers, mail order companies and online retailers are required to obtain a licence.  

Anyone who does not fulfil their licensing obligation is liable to prosecution. Violations of the Packaging Act (VerpackG) are considered an administrative offence and can be punished with fines of up to €200,000 and sales bans.

The cost of a packaging licence depends on the weight of the packaging quantities. After a consultation, we will determine the exact weight of your packaging quantities and the costs for your packaging licence.

As a distributor, you must licence all packaging that reaches end consumers or comparable sources of waste generation. This applies to all B2C packaging filled with goods, shipping material and service packaging from the catering industry. Service packaging is a special subtype of sales packaging and can be purchased with an existing licence. You can find information on packaging types in the dual system in the catalogue of system participation obligations for packaging from the Central Agency Packaging Register. 

A packaging licence is also recommended for used packaging if no proof of an existing licence can be provided. 

You do not have to provide a licence for this packaging in Germany:  

• Reusable packaging 
• Single-use beverage packaging subject to a deposit 
• Packaging that is exported 
• Packaging that arises in the commercial sector  
• Sales packaging whose participation is prohibited due to incompatibility with the system (hazardous goods)

The packaging that participates in the dual system and for which a packaging licence is required is divided into the following types: 

• Cardboard: cardboard, paperboard and paper products as well as filling material made of paper 
• Plastics: e.g. plastic bottles, plastic bags and films, but also adhesive tape and foam 
• Beverage cartons: liquid cartons
• Other composites: various materials that are bonded together 
• Glass: Disposable bottles, containers for medicines and cosmetics as well as jars (jam, pickles, etc.) 
• Ferrous metals: Classic tins and other tin cans 
• Aluminium: Well-known examples include aluminium foil, bottle caps and aerosol cans 
• Other materials: All other materials such as cotton, wood and rubber 

The classification into packaging types serves to enable targeted and efficient organisation of collection, sorting, return and recycling in the system.

If you want to acquire a packaging licence in Germany, you must first register with a dual system such as Interzero Recycling Alliance and with the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) in the LUCID Packaging Register. When registering, you must provide your master data, brand name and type of packaging. You may only place the packaging on the market once you have obtained a licence from a system.

A packaging licence must be available for all packaging subject to system participation when it is 

• Is placed on the German market filled with goods for the first time 
• Is placed on the German market 
• Occurs commercially 
• Is used for commercial purposes 

The first notification to the dual system is an estimate if no actual values are available. This initial notification is made during the licensing process when registering and at the beginning of each new calendar year. In addition, year-end reports to the dual system are required, in which you state the quantity of packaging actually put into circulation in the previous year. These reports are an essential part of the licensing process and ensure accurate recording of the quantities for a transparent and legally secure licence.

The term "dual" for the dual system comes from the fact that it is the second waste disposal system in Germany alongside the public waste disposal system. The dual system was introduced to help prevent and reduce waste and increase recycling rates. However, the dual system not only coordinates the nationwide recycling of sales packaging, it also acts as an intermediary between the ZVSR and the product owner, who is obliged to report their packaging quantities for licensing.  

The Central Agency Packaging Register is responsible for registering and publicising product owners and monitoring environmental targets such as recycling rates. Furthermore, this body ensures transparency and legal clarity in its concerns.

Even if the consumption of packaging for the respective financial year only needs to be estimated at the start of the contract, it is advisable to provide the most precise information possible from the outset: The licence fee to be paid is calculated from the packaging quantities specified for each type of material.

Ideally, you already know the weights of the packaging you use. For example, you can view the product information in your packaging supplier's customer account and extrapolate the weight of an individual product to the total number of packaging units used. Simply multiply the number of items of the respective material and packaging type by the weight of a single item of packaging.

Interzero Recycling Alliance not only makes compliance easier for companies, but also ensures an accurate calculation of licence fees based on the amount of packaging.

The increasing importance of sustainable products has a significant impact on consumer behaviour. Even the packaging plays an important role for consumers when making a purchase. Sustainable packaging should combine various aspects of environmental compatibility and resource conservation.  

Recyclable or recycled materials also make a significant contribution to closing the cycle of resources and reducing the amount of waste. Take advantage of Interzero's advice on the use of recycled materials for your sustainable packaging design. 

The way packaging is produced is another critical factor. Environmentally friendly production using renewable resources and efficient use of energy minimise unwanted environmental impacts. In addition, transport emissions can be reduced by using lighter and more compact packaging. 

A holistic approach that takes into account the entire life cycle of the packaging and the implementation of circular economy principles are key to promoting sustainable development. Collaboration with suppliers and partners plays a central role in developing and successfully implementing innovative and environmentally friendly packaging strategies. 

To test the recyclability of your packaging, Interzero Recycling Alliance offers a scientifically based packaging analysis. In order to adapt your packaging and make it sustainable, we accompany you as a full-service provider through the entire packaging optimisation process.