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PPWR: System participation for own brands & imports – information, obligations and an retail action plan.
About the ZSVR
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Why we're here
For the packaging recycling market to work effectively, financial interests have to be aligned. In other words, companies need to cover the costs of recycling their retail, grouped or shipment packaging. As the ZSVR, our task is to establish a level playing field and ensure that everybody is playing by the rules.
Who we are
As a supervisory authority, our job is to create a level playing field and ensure costs are fairly distributed, with the ultimate aim of reducing the environmental impact of packaging waste and ensuring that packaging recycling costs are covered.
What we do
We operate the LUCID Packaging Register, which makes producer responsibility visible. We reconcile packaging volumes. And we publish standards promoting recycling-friendly packaging design.
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Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will introduce far-reaching changes for companies with obligations under packaging law. It will also create a harmonised legal framework for the European internal market. Our new website section provides an overview, key definitions and details on how the PPWR will be implemented in Germany. We will update this section regularly.
Producer definition
National implementation
Own brands & imports
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Why data reporting matters
Reporting the volumes of packaging subject to system participation is a core building block of financial producer responsibility. The volumes recorded in the LUCID Packaging Register must match those reported to system operators. Only if these figures are consistent can packaging recycling be ensured. The actual volumes for the prior year must be reported by no later than 15 May.
ZSVR court decisions: a growing section on our website
The section on our website dedicated to court decisions keeps growing. Ranging from shoe boxes and infusions bags to reusable shopping bags, these decisions provide clarity for users. In most cases, they also confirm the assessments made by the ZSVR. Companies are well advised to follow these decisions closely to avoid compliance breaches.
System participation – yes or no? The catalogue provides guidance
The ZSVR's catalogue helps companies classify their products' packaging – and shows if it is subject to system participation, i.e. whether they have to pay for recycling or not.
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Recycling-friendly design
Packaging types
Mail order companies and online retailers
Service packaging
Information for auditors
Authorised representatives
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News and press
Press
Responsibility shifts to retailers under the PPWR: companies failing to adjust their system participation may face a distribution ban
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) begins applying on 12 August 2026, introducing new requirements for system participation. For…
04/16/2026
Press releases
Fighting myths with facts – recycling packaging waste in Germany works
The German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR) unveiled the latest figures…
01/27/2026
Press releases
Packaging Law Implementation Act: First draft published
The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety has opened a consultation with associations and the…
11/20/2025
Other publications