LUCID and Germany

[Porky]

So i find if I want to sell goods into Germany I need to register for a LUCID number.

Having completed the forms and now registered I have a license number - great.

What I'm trying to work out though is the point of it? Is this just a mechanism really to get all businesses registered and then later introduce annual license fees?

Further, if they don't like the packaging on your product are they going to fine a UK business from Germany?

I appreciate the Germans love rules but the creation of this looks nonsense to me, hope keir doesn't catch on, I can see this as another way to tax businesses via the back door

 

[FreddyG]

Here is the explanatory splurge from a company that deals with this stuff. It's about LUCID -

The reason for the legislative amendment is that disposable tableware and cups account for a large proportion of packaging waste and have a very short lifespan. The reusable alternative is intended to significantly reduce packaging waste, save energy, and conserve resources. This can reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the burden on the environment. At first glance, the changes in the amendment to the Packaging Act may seem complicated, but they should be seen as an opportunity. On the one hand, the introduction of reusable tableware and cups can appeal to new customer groups who value the ecological use of resources. On the other hand, you can reduce your packaging volumes and thereby minimize the costs of purchasing packaging and the costs of your packaging license. This therefore benefits both your business and the environment.

However, the start of the reusable packaging requirement in 2023 was bumpy. There are several reasons for this: Ordering reusable alternatives was difficult for many businesses due to very high demand and manufacturers experiencing long delivery times and bottlenecks. For many customers, using a reusable alternative was new and unfamiliar. Deposit fees and return procedures caused skepticism. Businesses also implement the reusable requirement very differently. For example, some have established their own system, meaning reusable packaging can only be returned to a store. Due to the many different systems, returns are not always possible everywhere and are therefore sometimes very time-consuming. In general, the proportion of restaurants that even implement the requirement still has a lot of room for improvement, even after six months. This was also due to the fact that the verification mechanisms for the reusable requirement are not yet fully developed.

There is therefore potential for improvement on several fronts: End consumers must be willing to rethink and try out the system. Businesses must implement the requirement across the board, deposit system providers must continuously work on improving and expanding the systems, and control mechanisms must be established by the states. There is still a lot to be done. But one thing is clear: reusable alternatives are essential for resource conservation and climate protection.

If you need help with this topic, scream in my general direction!

 

[Porky]

Thanks @FreddyG

 

[AmazonGeek]

This is another red-tape wonder from the EU - generally known as EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility).

In essence, someone needs to be responsible for paying a contribution towards the disposal of the packaging (and some products like batteries at the end of its life). This 'producer' label normally gets passed down the chain to the seller unfortunately.

If you take on a service provider to manage it there is usually a sign-up fee + a fee per category and then a percentage based on the number of units sold.

It is the same in other EU countries and the packaging element is due in the UK too later this year.

 

[Porky]

Thanks @AmazonGeek
Be about right. Deffo see that coming in here as some new "green tax" honestly as if business are not squeezed enough.

Are there any cost effective "service providers" you would recommend for this - i am keen to sell into Germany - i have a LUCID number but no back up service provider yet. Thanks

 

[AmazonGeek]

I'm afraid I've only done it via Amazon but I believe Avask does a good job

 

[Shipping Guru]

should you need a logistics provider, DM me.

 

[FreddyG]

Thanks @AmazonGeek
Are there any cost effective "service providers" you would recommend for this - i am keen to sell into Germany - i have a LUCID number but no back up service provider yet. Thanks

Try these people - https://www.lizenzero.de/en/

I know nothing about these people and the person here at Freddy Towers who deals with German bureaucracy is on holiday for another week. When she gets back, all will be sunshine and roses, I assume.