eBay has reminded its sellers that they must comply with the new German Packaging Act (VerpackG) from July 1, 2022, if they wish to continue selling into the German market.

This is the latest update relating to new environmental laws coming into effect worldwide and follows hot on the heels of the marketplace’s recent ban on selling single-use plastic straws, cutlery, and food and beverage containers to comply with Scottish regulations.

The German Packaging Act (VerpackG)

The Packaging Act was enacted on January 1, 2019, in an effort to dramatically increase the recycling rates for waste packaging materials created by online retailers.

From July 1, 2022, eBay is legally obliged to ensure that its sellers are compliant with the act’s regulations. There are four steps to this process:

1. Sellers must register with the LUCID database and obtain a unique identification number.
2. Create an account with a dual system licensing partner like Lizenzero (eBay’s official partner) to license your packaging digitally.
3. Ensure your packing materials are recyclable.
4. Add your LUCID number to your business profile on My eBay. You’ll find the LUCID Field under the Accounts tab, after your business address.

To register with LUCID, eBay advises its sellers that they will need to provide:

• Your full company name, address, and contact details
• Your Tax ID
• A declaration that your packaging materials are licensed with the dual system (Lizenzero covers this process).

Once you receive your LUCID number, you’ll need to enter this along with details about your packaging when you open an account with a dual system like Lizenzero.

What happens if I don’t comply?

Because eBay has a legal obligation to ensure that all its B2C sellers are compliant, it will restrict selling privileges for non-compliant sellers to the German market.

eBay also reminds sellers using services such as eBay international standard delivery or the eBay Global Shipping Program that their packages must be compliant when they arrive at eBay’s domestic hub as they won’t repackage any items.