What is VerpackDG?
VerpackDG governs the German implementation of Regulation (EU) 2025/40. It addresses matters including authorities, registration, scheme participation, data reporting and take-back processes. It is not an alternative EU regulation.
What happened to the former Packaging Act?
The previous VerpackG framework has been replaced. References to Germany’s Packaging Act in 2026 can therefore be ambiguous: check the PPWR and VerpackDG for current processes, and the rules applicable at the time for earlier periods.
How do the PPWR and VerpackDG relate?
The PPWR sets the EU framework for packaging and packaging waste. VerpackDG complements its implementation in Germany. A business’s technical requirements and obligations cannot be determined from either law’s name alone.
What applies from 12 August 2026?
The PPWR’s general application date and VerpackDG’s entry into force change the legal framework. LUCID registration, scheme participation and reporting remain operational steps where required for your role and packaging.
Reassess the roles: manufacturer (Erzeuger) concerns packaging conformity; producer (Hersteller) concerns EPR responsibility. Supply chains, packaging types and cross-border supply can affect their allocation.
Which transition rules are useful to check?
Section 68 VerpackDG contains specific transition provisions. These examples are not a complete deadline list:
- Existing registration: businesses registered under former section 9 VerpackG remain registered under section 6 VerpackDG. Section 68(2) specifies 12 November 2026 for the changes covered there.
- Earlier scheme participation: participation arranged before 12 August 2026 may continue under section 68(1), subject to differing private agreements and no later than 31 December 2026. Check your contract.
- Other obligations: new authorisation processes and individual EU requirements have separate deadlines. The general application date does not make every requirement apply at once.
An existing number or earlier contract is therefore not a blanket assurance. Check the relevant provision, period and required updates. Section 68 contains further conditions for other cases.
What should online sellers do?
- Assess the supply chain and responsibility, particularly for own brands, imports and direct cross-border sales.
- Update LUCID information and EPR representation where required; do not create an unchecked duplicate registration.
- Classify shipping and product packaging, calculate quantities and reconcile any required participation and reporting processes.
Questions about this topic
Do I need a new LUCID number because of VerpackDG?
Existing registration generally continues under section 68(2). Check which details need updating instead. Newly obligated businesses must assess their own circumstances under the applicable rules.
Is VerpackDG simply another name for the PPWR?
No. The PPWR is the EU regulation; VerpackDG is Germany’s implementation act. Read them together, accounting for the distinct application dates and transition provisions.
Your practical next step
Read the official sources
- VerpackDG: official legislation, especially sections 5–9 and 68
- EUR-Lex: PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40
- ZSVR: current roles, obligations and the transition
- ZSVR: packaging quantities and data reporting
Sources checked: 30 September 2026. Use the current official requirements for the relevant period.
VerpackTool is independent of the ZSVR. This information is guidance, not legal advice, and does not replace an assessment of your role and packaging.