Packaging registration in Germany – LUCID – and how to register for it?

What is LUCID?

LUCID is the name of the Central Packaging Register in Germany. It is linked to the Verpackungsgesetz (VerpackG), which was introduced on 1 January 2019.

The objective of this law is to reduce pollution and promote recycling by reducing the amount of packaging used and giving companies an incentive to use recyclable materials.

From a practical point of view, if you intend to sell in Germany and deliver parcels there, you are obliged to register the type and quantity of packaging you bring into the German market. Even in cases where you ship a product once a year you must:

• register in the LUCID register,
• sign a contract with one of the 12 German recycling organisations,
• prepare an annual report,
• pay the applicable recycling fee.

What are the costs related to registration and licensing?

The registration for LUCID itself is free of charge. You have the option to register on your own, and the advice provided in the section below might be of assistance. However, concerning costs, the payment for the licence itself happens when you enter into a contract with one of Germany’s 12 recycling companies. An up-to-date list can be found on the official website.

It’s important to note that each of these companies operates with its own pricing structure for different types of packaging and initial fees. For instance, if you predominantly use beverage packaging, company X might be the most advantageous choice. But if plastics are more commonly used, company Y could offer more economical options for you.

Our suggestion is to verify the fees associated with a specific company. It’s simple, as each of their websites offers intuitive calculators that estimate your expected expenses in a matter of minutes.

Consider this: attempting to avoid registration has serious repercussions. Failing to register and obtain a licence could result in fines reaching up to €200,000. Is it a risk worth taking? From our perspective, absolutely not.

How do you register for LUCID?

We’ll guide you through the LUCID registration in 3 simple steps:

1. Create an account here (you can choose between German, English or, to make things easier, an automatic Polish translator if you are working on Google Chrome)
2. Enter your company details
3. Pre-declare the annual quantity of used packaging

If you prefer video instructions, use this guide.

Most importantly, if you change your mind about expanding to Germany or adjust your plans, you’re free to opt out of the system at any time. Just log in to LUCID, go to “Edit Master Data” select → “Terminate Registration”. You will pick the termination date yourself and receive confirmation via email at the address you’ve provided.

Are you selling to Germany and need help with VAT?

You’re in the right place! Reach out to us, and our VAT Compliance specialists will take care of your VAT and VAT OSS matters – registrations, returns or settlements!

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How can Amazon help you with packaging registration?

The next step in the LUCID process is all about packaging registration. Once your company is in the system and you’ve got your identification numbers, Amazon can be a lifesaver.

If you prefer Amazon handling the tasks of managing and selling, their comprehensive service steps in. Crucially, Amazon assumes these responsibilities, even in countries where similar registrations are obligatory.

This typically involves Amazon collaborating with other companies, granting you access to real-time reporting and detailed billing based on package quantities or weights.

However, it’s important to highlight that even when utilising Amazon’s services, you are still responsible to register with the LUCID system in Germany or France. Only then can you provide the received id numbers to Amazon, which then manages the package registration.

Based on feedback from users employing this solution, it’s especially beneficial and cost-efficient when selling across multiple markets.

For more details about this service, please check out this article on waste and packaging registration.

LUCID Germany - Summary

Once you venture into cross-border operations, remember that your responsibilities extend beyond strategy and order fulfilment to include environmental considerations.

This article received content support from our partner, Global24, specialising in foreign e-commerce logistics. Global24 handles package deliveries and return collections for online shops across Germany, the UK, France, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy. Their solution, in a nutshell, can be found here.