Summary

Whether you're selling packaging, electronics, or batteries: if your products reach customers in Germany, you're legally responsible for their entire lifecycle. That’s what Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) demands. In this blog, we break down what companies need to know in 2025, how registration works, what happens in case of non-compliance – and how koorvi helps turn legal duties into scalable systems.
Digital illustration showing the German and EU flags, a cardboard box and a laptop – visualizing EPR regulation updates in Germany and Europe.

What does EPR actually mean?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory framework that makes companies accountable for their products from cradle to grave – including collection, take-back, recycling, and safe disposal. The goal is simple: reduce waste, promote recycling, conserve resources.

In Germany, EPR is implemented through specific laws:

  • The Packaging Act (VerpackG)
  • The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG)
  • The Battery Act (BattG)

These laws define how companies must register, report, finance, and manage the post-consumer phase of their products.

Textiles are also becoming increasingly relevant: under the EU Circular Economy Package, the European Commission plans to introduce mandatory EPR for textiles – likely effective in 2025/2026. That means brands in fashion and home textiles should already be preparing to build take-back, sorting, and recycling structures. France has shown how EPR for textiles can work – and Germany is following.

Who is affected?

In short: every business placing regulated products on the German market. This includes:

  • Domestic manufacturers based in Germany
  • Importers delivering goods to Germany
  • Online sellers and marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Zalando
  • Foreign direct-to-consumer brands shipping to German customers

Even small businesses and startups are not exempt. Since 2022, many platforms like Amazon have made EPR proof mandatory for sellers to stay live. So compliance isn't just a legal topic – it's also about business continuity.

What do companies need to do to stay compliant with EPR?

The path to EPR compliance is well-defined, but not without effort. Here’s what businesses need to do:

1. Register with the relevant authorities

Depending on the product category, companies must register with different bodies:

  • Packaging: Central Packaging Register (LUCID)
  • Electronics & Batteries: Stiftung EAR

Registration is mandatory and the basis for legal distribution.

2. Apply for an EPR registration number

Each product category (packaging, electronics, batteries) requires a separate number. This acts as proof of compliance for authorities, platforms, and partners.

3. Report product volumes

Companies must regularly declare the types and quantities of goods they place on the market – by weight, material, and product class.

4. Pay license fees

Fees are calculated based on declared volumes and product types. They fund the collection, sorting, and recycling of waste via Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).

5. Meet recycling quotas

Minimum recycling rates apply by law depending on product category. Companies must ensure their systems meet those thresholds.

Step-by-step guide to becoming EPR-compliant in Germany in 2025 – including icons for registration, EPR number, product data, license fees, and recycling targets.
This is how you can comply with the EPR regulations in Germany in 2025.

What happens if you don’t comply?

Non-compliance can be costly. Consequences include:

  • Sales bans on German marketplaces and retailers
  • Fines up to €200,000
  • Legal warnings from competitors under unfair competition law
  • Reputational damage, especially for brands with sustainability claims

Platforms like Amazon and Zalando now strictly require EPR compliance. No proof = no sales.

EPR as a strategic opportunity: more than just compliance

EPR is often viewed as a legal burden. But with the right perspective, it becomes a business asset:

  • Trade-in programs and credit systems improve customer loyalty
  • Take-back and reuse models create secondary revenue streams
  • Brands gain more control over material flows and supply chains
  • And EPR can become a proof point for sustainability in brand positioning

👉 See how Apple uses EPR and trade-ins to grow revenue.

How koorvi helps companies manage EPR

koorvi isn’t just a tool for compliance. It’s a full infrastructure for circular business models. Our platform helps you go from obligation to opportunity:

  • Digital return and registration forms integrated with CRM/ERP
  • Automated product volume tracking & fee calculation
  • Item-level tracking by category and origin
  • Integrated network of recycling, logistics, and refurbishment partners
  • Compliant documentation for EAR, LUCID, and marketplaces

EPR doesn’t have to be a hassle. With koorvi, it becomes a competitive advantage. Let's speak!

FAQs

What does Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mean in simple terms?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) means that producers are responsible for handling their products even after consumers discard them. This includes the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of packaging, electronics, or batteries. The idea is to encourage companies to design sustainable products, reduce waste, and conserve natural resources by closing the material loop.

How is EPR implemented in Germany?

In Germany, EPR is regulated through several laws: the Packaging Act (VerpackG), the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG), and the Battery Act (BattG). Each of these defines how producers must register, report quantities, and finance recycling systems. Companies must register with the Central Packaging Register (LUCID) or Stiftung EAR and regularly declare product volumes and materials placed on the market.

Which businesses are affected by EPR obligations in Germany?

Every business that places products on the German market is affected by EPR rules. This includes German manufacturers, importers, and foreign online sellers who ship directly to customers in Germany. Even small e-commerce sellers on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Zalando must provide valid EPR registration numbers to keep their listings active. Non-compliance can lead to fines or sales restrictions.

What happens if a company does not comply with EPR regulations?

Failure to comply with EPR obligations can result in severe consequences such as distribution bans, fines up to €200,000, or removal from major e-commerce platforms. Additionally, non-compliance can damage a company’s reputation and lead to legal disputes under competition law. Ensuring proper registration, reporting, and fee payments is therefore essential for maintaining business continuity and market access.

How can EPR become a strategic advantage for brands?

EPR offers opportunities beyond compliance, such as trade-in programs that boost loyalty and revenue. With platforms like koorvi, companies automate tracking, integrate recycling partners, and build circular models for supply chain control and sustainability positioning.