You can find even more interesting facts here in our News section.
You can find even more interesting facts here in our News section.
Mit dem ElektroG4, das am 1. Januar 2026 in Kraft getreten ist, gelten neue und verschärfte Pflichten für Hersteller und Händler. Hier ist ein Überblick der wichtigsten FAQs zur Photovoltaik-Compliance.
Die neue EU-Batterieverordnung und das deutsche Batteriedurchführungsgesetz (BattDG) haben die Regeln für das Inverkehrbringen von Batterien und akkubetriebenen Geräten grundlegend verschärft. ❓ Was hat sich seit 2025 geändert? Seit
Das Elektrogesetz wird verschärft. Mit dem ElektroG4 kommen 2026 neue Pflichten auf Hersteller, Online-Shops und den stationären Handel zu. Hier ist der kompakte Überblick: ❓ Wer gilt offiziell als „Hersteller“?
Mit dem Übergang vom deutschen Verpackungsgesetz (VerpackG) zur neuen EU-Verpackungsverordnung (PPWR) kommen weitreichende Änderungen auf Unternehmen zu. Was passiert am 12. August 2026? Ab diesem Datum gilt die EU-Verpackungsverordnung (PPWR)
Die regulatorischen Anforderungen für Hersteller und Inverkehrbringer von Einwegkunststoffprodukten haben im Jahr 2026 eine neue Stufe erreicht. Nach den Vorbereitungsjahren steht nun die operative Abwicklung der Abgabezahlungen im Fokus. ❓
Mit dem ElektroG4, das am 1. Januar 2026 in Kraft getreten ist, gelten neue und verschärfte Pflichten für Hersteller und Händler. Hier ist ein Überblick der wichtigsten FAQs zur Photovoltaik-Compliance.
Die neue EU-Batterieverordnung und das deutsche Batteriedurchführungsgesetz (BattDG) haben die Regeln für das Inverkehrbringen von Batterien und akkubetriebenen Geräten grundlegend verschärft. ❓ Was hat sich seit 2025 geändert? Seit
Das Elektrogesetz wird verschärft. Mit dem ElektroG4 kommen 2026 neue Pflichten auf Hersteller, Online-Shops und den stationären Handel zu. Hier ist der kompakte Überblick: ❓ Wer gilt offiziell als „Hersteller“?
Mit dem Übergang vom deutschen Verpackungsgesetz (VerpackG) zur neuen EU-Verpackungsverordnung (PPWR) kommen weitreichende Änderungen auf Unternehmen zu. Was passiert am 12. August 2026? Ab diesem Datum gilt die EU-Verpackungsverordnung (PPWR)
Die regulatorischen Anforderungen für Hersteller und Inverkehrbringer von Einwegkunststoffprodukten haben im Jahr 2026 eine neue Stufe erreicht. Nach den Vorbereitungsjahren steht nun die operative Abwicklung der Abgabezahlungen im Fokus. ❓
Frequently Asked Questions
The three core categories and the EU-wide standard are: packaging, electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and batteries and accumulators. In addition, single-use plastics are regulated in Germany under the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act.
Since 2019, Germany’s Packaging Act has governed manufacturers’ responsibility for sales, return, and shipping packaging. The basic principle is that whoever first places packaging on the market commercially is responsible for its collection and recycling.
Starting in August 2026, the Packaging Act (VerpackG), which has been in effect since 2019, will be replaced by the new Packaging Implementation Act (VerpackDG).
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the new EU packaging regulation and, together with the VerpackDG (Packaging Implementation Act), will form a regulatory framework starting in August 2026: The PPWR sets the substantive rules for all of Europe (e.g., recycling rates, design, minimum recycled content requirements, and uniform labeling), while the German implementing law, the VerpackDG, is expected to regulate implementation in Germany – such as responsibilities, inspections by the ZSVR, and fines.
It is the party that first makes the packaged goods available in the respective EU country.
New: Anyone shipping directly from a non-EU country to end customers in the EU must have an authorized representative in the destination country who assumes EPR liability.
Stock that was already “placed on the market” (i.e., made available for sale) before August 12, 2026, may be sold off. Stock held solely in the company’s own warehouse that has not yet been registered as a product-packaging unit could become a problem.
This is because all new products manufactured after that date must meet the strict “design for recycling” criteria.
Yes, “sending air” is becoming expensive and illegal. The 50% empty space quota applies to shipping packaging in e-commerce as well as to consolidated shipments.
Important: The ban on artificially inflating volume with fillers (air cushions, paper) is a key aspect of material minimization.
It is not just those who manufacture the products. Anyone who imports electrical appliances into Germany or, as a foreign retailer, ships them directly to end customers is also considered a manufacturer.
The counter model will become mandatory. Consumers will no longer be allowed to dispose of battery-powered devices in collection bins on their own. Disposal must be handled by trained staff at a drop-off counter.
Yes, starting July 1, 2026! Single-use e-cigarettes must be accepted for return free of charge at every point of sale – no matter how small the store is.
Starting in July 2026, a standardized, two-color logo indicating the acceptance of used equipment will be mandatory:
What matters is not who manufactures the product, but who first introduces it to the German market. This applies to:
The tax applies to, among other things:
New as of 2026: Fireworks are now also subject to the levy, provided they contain plastic.
Mark May 15, 2026, in red on your calendar! By this deadline, the exact weight (in kilograms) of the products sold in the previous year must be reported via the DIVID platform.
No. The requirement applies starting with the first gram.
The new BattDG has been in effect since 2025. It supplements the EU Battery Regulation at the national level.
It doesn’t just affect the factories that manufacture batteries.
The following are considered manufacturers under the BattDG:
Since 2025, the law has distinguished between five categories:
To remain eligible for sale, two requirements must be met:
Frequently Asked Questions
The three core categories and the EU-wide standard are: packaging, electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and batteries and accumulators. In addition, single-use plastics are regulated in Germany under the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act.
Since 2019, Germany’s Packaging Act has governed manufacturers’ responsibility for sales, return, and shipping packaging. The basic principle is that whoever first places packaging on the market commercially is responsible for its collection and recycling.
Starting in August 2026, the Packaging Act (VerpackG), which has been in effect since 2019, will be replaced by the new Packaging Implementation Act (VerpackDG).
The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is the new EU packaging regulation and, together with the VerpackDG (Packaging Implementation Act), will form a regulatory framework starting in August 2026: The PPWR sets the substantive rules for all of Europe (e.g., recycling rates, design, minimum recycled content requirements, and uniform labeling), while the German implementing law, the VerpackDG, is expected to regulate implementation in Germany – such as responsibilities, inspections by the ZSVR, and fines.
It is the party that first makes the packaged goods available in the respective EU country.
New: Anyone shipping directly from a non-EU country to end customers in the EU must have an authorized representative in the destination country who assumes EPR liability.
Stock that was already “placed on the market” (i.e., made available for sale) before August 12, 2026, may be sold off. Stock held solely in the company’s own warehouse that has not yet been registered as a product-packaging unit could become a problem.
This is because all new products manufactured after that date must meet the strict “design for recycling” criteria.
Yes, “sending air” is becoming expensive and illegal. The 50% empty space quota applies to shipping packaging in e-commerce as well as to consolidated shipments.
Important: The ban on artificially inflating volume with fillers (air cushions, paper) is a key aspect of material minimization.
It is not just those who manufacture the products. Anyone who imports electrical appliances into Germany or, as a foreign retailer, ships them directly to end customers is also considered a manufacturer.
The counter model will become mandatory. Consumers will no longer be allowed to dispose of battery-powered devices in collection bins on their own. Disposal must be handled by trained staff at a drop-off counter.
Yes, starting July 1, 2026! Single-use e-cigarettes must be accepted for return free of charge at every point of sale – no matter how small the store is.
Starting in July 2026, a standardized, two-color logo indicating the acceptance of used equipment will be mandatory:
What matters is not who manufactures the product, but who first introduces it to the German market. This applies to:
The tax applies to, among other things:
New as of 2026: Fireworks are now also subject to the levy, provided they contain plastic.
Mark May 15, 2026, in red on your calendar! By this deadline, the exact weight (in kilograms) of the products sold in the previous year must be reported via the DIVID platform.
No. The requirement applies starting with the first gram.
The new BattDG has been in effect since 2025. It supplements the EU Battery Regulation at the national level.
It doesn’t just affect the factories that manufacture batteries.
The following are considered manufacturers under the BattDG:
Since 2025, the law has distinguished between five categories:
To remain eligible for sale, two requirements must be met:
According to Section 6(3) of the ElektroG, every manufacturer is required to include a WEEE number when selling products and on invoices. The basis for ear registration is the WEEE Directive in force in Europe, which has been transposed into German law by the ElektroG.
You can apply for a WEEE number on the ear Foundation’s portal. To do so, you must first create a user account by providing the name of the authorized representative, the billing address, and your company’s details. When submitting the registration application, you must provide the brand name listed on the device.
The registration notice assigns the registration number (WEEE Reg. No. DE) and is also published in the directory of registered producers.
Electrical equipment includes all devices that you use as work or operating equipment and that are connected to an electrical power source. This includes, for example, devices that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.
All manufacturers that sell electrical and electronic equipment to private (B2C) or commercial (B2B) customers must apply for a WEEE number. Alternatively, the manufacturer may designate an authorized representative officially recognized by the ear Foundation.
According to Section 6(3) of the ElektroG, every manufacturer is required to include a WEEE number when selling products and on invoices. The basis for ear registration is the WEEE Directive in force in Europe, which has been transposed into German law by the ElektroG.
You can apply for a WEEE number on the ear Foundation’s portal. To do so, you must first create a user account by providing the name of the authorized representative, the billing address, and your company’s details. When submitting the registration application, you must provide the brand name listed on the device.
The registration notice assigns the registration number (WEEE Reg. No. DE) and is also published in the directory of registered producers.
Electrical equipment includes all devices that you use as work or operating equipment and that are connected to an electrical power source. This includes, for example, devices that generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.
All manufacturers that sell electrical and electronic equipment to private (B2C) or commercial (B2B) customers must apply for a WEEE number. Alternatively, the manufacturer may designate an authorized representative officially recognized by the ear Foundation.
Photovoltaic modules, or PV modules for short, are the most important component of a photovoltaic system, as they convert sunlight into usable electricity.
Most solar panel manufacturers offer warranties of 20 to 25 years. Accordingly, buyers can expect the system to last at least that long. The actual lifespan of the panels is 30 to 40 years. In some cases, it can even exceed that.
Traditional photovoltaic manufacturers that sell inverters and battery storage systems in addition to their panels quickly fall under these three legal categories. Accordingly, under the ElektroG4 and BattDG, registration with the ear Foundation is required, as well as enrollment in a battery take-back system. For packaging, registration with the central packaging register and licensing with an approved dual system are required as standard.
Fundamentally, the difference between photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal energy is that photovoltaics generates electricity, while solar thermal energy produces hot water. Both systems harness the sun’s energy.
Photovoltaic modules, or PV modules for short, are the most important component of a photovoltaic system, as they convert sunlight into usable electricity.
Most solar panel manufacturers offer warranties of 20 to 25 years. Accordingly, buyers can expect the system to last at least that long. The actual lifespan of the panels is 30 to 40 years. In some cases, it can even exceed that.
Traditional photovoltaic manufacturers that sell inverters and battery storage systems in addition to their panels quickly fall under these three legal categories. Accordingly, under the ElektroG4 and BattDG, registration with the ear Foundation is required, as well as enrollment in a battery take-back system. For packaging, registration with the central packaging register and licensing with an approved dual system are required as standard.
Fundamentally, the difference between photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal energy is that photovoltaics generates electricity, while solar thermal energy produces hot water. Both systems harness the sun’s energy.
In Germany, until the new EU Battery Regulation enters into force, the Battery Act applies to all entities that place batteries on the market.
Battery distributors (retailers) are required to accept used batteries from end users free of charge. On the other hand, end users are legally required to return all used batteries to battery distributors or to collection points at municipal recycling centers or mobile hazardous waste collection units.
Before a manufacturer or its authorized representative places batteries on the market as a standalone product or as part of another product, it must register with the ear Foundation.
Batteries are often damaged in waste compactors and catch fire explosively. There are no statistics on how often this happens. The industry estimates that there are a double-digit number of fires per day.
In Germany, until the new EU Battery Regulation enters into force, the Battery Act applies to all entities that place batteries on the market.
Battery distributors (retailers) are required to accept used batteries from end users free of charge. On the other hand, end users are legally required to return all used batteries to battery distributors or to collection points at municipal recycling centers or mobile hazardous waste collection units.
Before a manufacturer or its authorized representative places batteries on the market as a standalone product or as part of another product, it must register with the ear Foundation.
Batteries are often damaged in waste compactors and catch fire explosively. There are no statistics on how often this happens. The industry estimates that there are a double-digit number of fires per day.
In addition to participating in a dual system, companies must also be registered with the Central Agency for Packaging Registration (ZSVR). This agency acts as a supervisory body to ensure compliance with legal obligations.
In general, all sales packaging that becomes waste in the hands of the end consumer—that is, B2C packaging containing goods—must be licensed. This includes shipping materials as well as packaging from the food service industry. Packaging from the food service industry is classified as “service packaging.”
The registration requirement applies to all packaging manufacturers, regardless of the type of packaging they fill for the first time in Germany for commercial purposes. Online marketplaces and fulfillment service providers are taking on new responsibilities.
The LUCID number is the registration number with the Central Agency for Packaging Registration (ZSVR). In Germany, all distributors of packaging are required to register with the ZSVR. In addition, marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay must request the LUCID numbers from their sellers.
A responsible distributor (manufacturer) is any person who, for the first time, supplies packaging containing goods to third parties – whether for a fee or free of charge – with the intention of sale, consumption, or use, if such packaging typically becomes waste in the hands of end consumers.
In addition to participating in a dual system, companies must also be registered with the Central Agency for Packaging Registration (ZSVR). This agency acts as a supervisory body to ensure compliance with legal obligations.
In general, all sales packaging that becomes waste in the hands of the end consumer—that is, B2C packaging containing goods—must be licensed. This includes shipping materials as well as packaging from the food service industry. Packaging from the food service industry is classified as “service packaging.”
The registration requirement applies to all packaging manufacturers, regardless of the type of packaging they fill for the first time in Germany for commercial purposes. Online marketplaces and fulfillment service providers are taking on new responsibilities.
The LUCID number is the registration number with the Central Agency for Packaging Registration (ZSVR). In Germany, all distributors of packaging are required to register with the ZSVR. In addition, marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay must request the LUCID numbers from their sellers.
A responsible distributor (manufacturer) is any person who, for the first time, supplies packaging containing goods to third parties – whether for a fee or free of charge – with the intention of sale, consumption, or use, if such packaging typically becomes waste in the hands of end consumers.
The Single-Use Plastics Fund Act implements the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). The directive includes numerous measures to reduce the consumption of certain single-use plastic products and limit the careless disposal of waste into the environment.
Plastic takes centuries to decompose and, if not handled properly, can pollute the oceans, freshwater sources, and land. Common examples of single-use plastics include plastic cutlery, straws, beverage containers, and food containers.
The law applies to companies established in Germany that make these products available or sell them on the German market for the first time on a commercial basis. Companies based abroad that sell these single-use plastic products to Germany are also subject to the law.
Starting in 2025, manufacturers of single-use plastic products – such as cigarette filters, beverage cups, and plastic packaging – must contribute to the costs of waste disposal in parks and on streets. To manage and process the fees that companies are required to pay into the Single-Use Plastic Fund, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has established the digital platform DIVID.
The Single-Use Plastics Fund Act implements the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). The directive includes numerous measures to reduce the consumption of certain single-use plastic products and limit the careless disposal of waste into the environment.
Plastic takes centuries to decompose and, if not handled properly, can pollute the oceans, freshwater sources, and land. Common examples of single-use plastics include plastic cutlery, straws, beverage containers, and food containers.
The law applies to companies established in Germany that make these products available or sell them on the German market for the first time on a commercial basis. Companies based abroad that sell these single-use plastic products to Germany are also subject to the law.
Starting in 2025, manufacturers of single-use plastic products – such as cigarette filters, beverage cups, and plastic packaging – must contribute to the costs of waste disposal in parks and on streets. To manage and process the fees that companies are required to pay into the Single-Use Plastic Fund, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has established the digital platform DIVID.
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