EPR Registration 2026: How Does It Work?

Selling online through your own online stores or platforms such as Amazon and eBay makes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) a mandatory requirement for sales. Without valid registration numbers, you risk substantial fines and the immediate suspension of your listings. Marketplaces are legally required to strictly verify this documentation.

What does EPR mean?

Anyone who commercially places packaging, electrical appliances, or batteries (including built-in batteries) on the market for the first time is legally considered a “manufacturer” or “first-time distributor.” This entails financial and organizational responsibility for the entire life cycle of the products – from distribution to proper recycling.

A concise roadmap for the three most important EPR categories in Germany

1. Packaging

Who: All online retailers who ship packaging filled with goods (including shipping boxes and packing materials) to end consumers in Germany for the first time
Where: Registration in the LUCID Packaging Register of the Central Packaging Register (ZSVR)
Process: Create an online account → Enter master data and brand names → Sign a license agreement with a dual system.
Result: Receive the LUCID number, which must be entered on the sales platforms

2. Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Who: Manufacturers, importers, or online retailers who place electronic products on the market in Germany for the first time
Where: Through the official portal of the ear Foundation (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Register).
Process: Registration of the specific equipment type → Proof of an insolvency-proof guarantee (for B2C equipment) → Ensuring coordination of pickup. Note: Processing by the authorities can take several weeks!
Result: Receipt of the WEEE Reg. No. DE, which must be provided when offering products for sale

3. Batteries

Who: All parties that commercially offer batteries, rechargeable batteries, or devices with built-in batteries for the first time in Germany
Where: Also via the ear Foundation’s portal
Process: Create an account → Register the applicable battery category → Provide proof of affiliation with an approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to fulfill take-back obligations
Result: Receipt of the specific registration number from the ear Foundation and authorization for legally compliant distribution

Selling to other EU countries?

EPR is regulated at the national level. For example, if you’re selling to France, you’ll need a UIN (Unique Identification Number) obtained through registries such as ADEME (SYDEREP).

In countries where you do not have a registered office, you often need to appoint an authorized representative to handle the legal obligations locally.

Do you have questions about the process or about appointing an authorized representative abroad?
Contact us!

www.ecopv-eu.com/en/contact/ | E-Mail: info@ecopv-eu.com