Germany Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG) replaces VerpackG

SPI analysis Our reading of the official source above. Not legal advice; always rely on the official text.

SPI summary

The VerpackDG adapts German packaging law to the PPWR and replaces the Packaging Act (VerpackG). Producers selling packaged goods in Germany must register in the LUCID packaging register and finance recycling through system participation.

In practice

Since 12 August 2026 the Verpackungsrecht-Durchführungsgesetz (VerpackDG) and the EU PPWR apply in Germany in place of the Verpackungsgesetz. The basic duties stay the same: registration in LUCID, system participation for packaging that typically reaches private final consumers, and data reporting. What changes is who counts as manufacturer and producer under PPWR definitions. Foreign sellers shipping directly to German end users need an authorised representative, and producers of packaging outside system participation need ZSVR authorisation from the end of 2027.

What to do and by when

1. NowCheck LUCID registrations against the new manufacturer and producer definitions, especially for unbranded and cross-border supply chains.
2. NowFor foreign direct sellers, name an authorised representative in LUCID before further sales.
3. 31 December 2027Plan ZSVR authorisation for packaging outside system participation before the producer transition ends.
4. NowMap packaging by type to see which part falls under system participation and which under take-back duties.

Related rules

• PR-EU-001 EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) applies
  The EU PPWR that the VerpackDG implements and supplements from 12 August 2026.
• PR-EU-012 Environmental Omnibus: suspension of PPWR authorised-representative obligation
  Pending EU Omnibus proposal to suspend the PPWR authorised representative obligation.
• PR-DE-002 Germany Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG)
  Same jurisdiction: single-use plastic fund levy, separate from packaging EPR.
• PR-GB-002 UK packaging EPR regulations (pEPR) 2024
  Same type elsewhere: UK packaging EPR regulations.
• PR-ES-002 Spain Royal Decree 1055/2022: packaging EPR and reuse targets
  Same type elsewhere: Spain's packaging EPR decree.

Where the record is unclear

• SPI has not yet checked the commencement article, the repeal date of the VerpackG or the transitional provisions (section 68) against the Act's text. The 12 August 2026 start comes from the ZSVR.
• The outcome of the EU Omnibus proposal (PR-EU-012) could change the authorised representative duty.
• Deposit scope under section 46 VerpackDG was not confirmed in detail.

Sources for this note

1. recht.bund.de: BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 207, Gesetz zur Anpassung des Verpackungsrechts und anderer Rechtsbereiche an die Verordnung (EU) 2025/40 Consulted 13 October 2026
2. Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister: I want to know what will change from 12 August Consulted 13 October 2026
3. Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister: Authorised representative Consulted 13 October 2026
4. Umweltbundesamt: Verpackungsrecht Consulted 13 October 2026
5. Deutscher Bundestag: Drucksache 21/5346 (government bill, 15 April 2026) Consulted 13 October 2026

Note written by the SPI team on 13 October 2026.

Where it sits in the tracker

• One of 2 packaging rules we track in Germany, of which 2 are EPR rules.
• In all, 25 EPR rules are tracked across 15 jurisdictions. Compare them below

Company profiles that map to this rule

Companies whose SPI profile lists this rule in its regulatory exposure, based on where they report selling. Not company-reported.

• AB InBev
• Amazon
• Colgate-Palmolive
• Danone
• Diageo
• General Mills
• GSK
• Haleon
• HEINEKEN
• Henkel
• Kenvue
• Keurig Dr Pepper
• Kimberly-Clark
• L'Oréal
• Lidl
• Mars
• McDonald's
• Mondelēz International
• Nestlé
• PepsiCo
• Pfizer
• Procter & Gamble
• Reckitt
• Sanofi
• Starbucks
• The Coca-Cola Company
• The Estée Lauder Companies
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Unilever