Packaging registers across Europe: where you must register, country by country
In Germany it's called LUCID — but almost every EU country has its own packaging register and its own producer responsibility organisations. The country guide for online sellers.
Why every country has its own register
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is mandated EU-wide but implemented nationally. Anyone placing goods on the market to consumers in an EU country is generally considered an obligated producer there — and must register in that country's national register and join a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). For cross-border online sellers this means one registration per destination country.
The upcoming EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) harmonises many requirements but does not abolish the national registers. The overview below names, for the main markets, the competent register and the central point of contact. All information without warranty — always check the current obligations with the respective register.
Germany — LUCID / Central Packaging Register
In Germany you register in the LUCID packaging register run by the foundation Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR). You must also join a dual system (system participation) and report your volumes. Without a LUCID registration, a distribution ban applies under the German Packaging Act (VerpackG).
The main countries at a glance
- Germany: LUCID register (Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister, ZSVR) + a dual system.
- Austria: registration via the packaging web portal; PRO includes Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA).
- France: an identification number (IDU) via ADEME; join an approved eco-organisation such as Citeo or Léko.
- Spain: producer register for packaging at the Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO); PRO includes Ecoembes and Ecovidrio (glass).
- Italy: participation in the national packaging consortium CONAI and the material-specific consortia.
- Netherlands: reporting and fees to the Afvalfonds Verpakkingen (packaging fund).
- Belgium: join Fost Plus (household packaging) or Valipac (commercial packaging).
- Poland: entry in the BDO register (database on products, packaging and waste management).
- Czechia: join the EKO-KOM system.
- Ireland: register and join Repak.
What online sellers should clarify first
For each destination country, check three points: am I obliged to register there (usually from the first sale to consumers)? Which register do I sign up with and which PRO is competent? And do I need a local representative — several countries require foreign producers to appoint an established authorised representative. Document registration numbers and volume reports carefully, because marketplaces increasingly ask for them.
For the German market, the Packaging Act Extractor walks you through the LUCID obligations, and the PPWR Void-Space Calculator checks whether your shipping boxes meet the 40% void-space limit. The concrete registration steps in Germany are summarised in the LUCID guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register separately in every EU country?
Generally yes. EPR obligations for packaging are regulated nationally; whoever places goods on the market to consumers in a country must register in that country's register and join a producer responsibility organisation. There is currently no single EU-wide registration.
What is the packaging register in Germany called?
It is called LUCID and is operated by the foundation Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR). In addition to registering in LUCID, you must join a dual system and report the packaging volumes you place on the market.
As a foreign seller, do I need a representative?
In several EU countries, foreign producers must appoint an established authorised representative to fulfil the EPR obligations. Whether and how this applies depends on the destination country — check this with the respective register before entering the market.
Does the PPWR change the national registers?
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) harmonises many substantive requirements, such as packaging minimisation and recyclability, but does not abolish the national registers and producer responsibility organisations. Country-by-country registration therefore remains in place.
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