LUCID packaging register: registration, LUCID number, costs and obligations
LUCID Packaging Register: Registration, LUCID number, costs and obligations Companies that place packaged goods on the market commercially in Germany for the first time must in many cases comply with the requirements of the Packaging Act. This includes registration on the LUCID portal of the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR). Once registration has been successfully completed, the ZSVR issues a registration number. Packaging licensing with a dual system is also required.
This page provides a concise summary of the most important information on registration, login, costs, obligations and typical practical questions.
The most important information
LUCID is the public packaging register of the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR).
Registration with LUCID is free of charge.
After successful registration, you will receive your LUCID number (registration number).
LUCID registration is not the same as packaging licensing.
For packaging subject to system participation, an additional contract with a dual system is required (packaging licensing).
This may affect manufacturers, online retailers, importers, mail order companies and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Violations may result in sales bans, warnings and fines.
What is LUCID?
LUCID is the portal of the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR). It lists companies that place B2C sales packaging on the market commercially for the first time in Germany. The register is publicly accessible and serves to monitor the legal obligations under the Packaging Act.
For classification purposes, it is important to distinguish between the following terms:
ZSVR = Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister
LUCID = ZSVR online portal
packaging licensing = paying the disposal costs for the quantities of packaging placed on the market
These terms belong together, but fulfil different functions.
Wer muss sich bei LUCID registrieren?
Every company that is considered a ‘manufacturer’ under the Packaging Act is required to register. According to the law, a ‘manufacturer’ is a company that places packaging on the market in Germany for the first time, which is usually disposed of as waste by private end consumers. This includes, among others:
producers
online retailer
importers
marketplace traders
small and medium-sized companies
It is not the size of the company that is decisive, but whether packaging is being introduced to the German market for the first time.
What is the LUCID number?
The LUCID number is your company's registration number in the packaging register. It is automatically assigned after successful registration.
This number is relevant for companies because it documents their entry in the register and is required for further obligations. In practice, it plays an important role in cooperation with the dual system, in data reporting and in providing evidence to business partners or platforms, among other things.
LUCID, ZSVR and packaging licence: what is the difference?
These terms are often confused with one another, particularly in everyday business life. In fact, they are three different components:
Here you can register your company in the packaging register and obtain your LUCID number.
If your packaging typically ends up as waste in private households, it must also be included in a dual system.
Bestimmte Verpackungsmengen müssen sowohl beim dualen System als auch in LUCID korrekt und konsistent gemeldet werden.
Which packaging is affected?
The decisive factor in determining whether a packaging licence is required for packaging is whether it typically ends up as waste in private households. Packaging covered by the deposit system is exempt from this requirement. Below is a comparison of which types of packaging are subject to system participation and which are not:
Packaging subject to mandatory participation in the system
These typically arise for private end consumers. They include, for example:
sales packaging
shipping packaging
outer packaging
Service packaging, unless already pre-paid
Packaging not subject to system participation
These include, among others:
transport packaging
reusable packaging
deposit-bearing disposable beverage containers
Packaging that is not typically generated by private end consumers
Important:
Not all packaging is subject to system participation. However, this does not affect the company's registration with LUCID.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
We can answer any questions you may have about LUCID and packaging licensing.
E-Mail: kundenservice@zmart.de
Phone: +49 2203 8987-700
LUCID registration: How to register
Registration with LUCID is free of charge and can be completed online. The process is generally straightforward:
1. Create access to the portal
First, create your login details for the LUCID-Portal.
2. Confirm registration
You must confirm your registration by E-mail.
3. Enter company details
Anschließend erfassen Sie die relevanten Angaben zu Ihrem Unternehmen.
4. Register brands
Where available, the brands under which packaging subject to system participation are placed on the market shall be indicated.
5. Obtain LUCID number
Once registration is complete, your registration number will be assigned.
Once registration is complete, the next step for packaging subject to system participation is licensing with a dual system. You can do this directly here at zmart.de.
To the portal LUCID
How much does LUCID registration cost?
Registration in the LUCID packaging register is free of charge.
There are also no fees for assigning a LUCID number.
Costs are only incurred if packaging subject to system participation requires packaging licensing. The amount is usually based on the type of material and quantity of packaging subject to participation.
The most important distinction is therefore:
LUCID registration: free of charge
packaging licensing: subject to a charge
If you would like to implement licensing directly, we offer a simple digital solution on this website.
Zur Verpackungslizenzierung
What data reports are required for LUCID?
For packaging subject to system participation, registration alone is not sufficient. In addition, the quantities of packaging placed on the market must be reported correctly.
Quantity reports to the dual system must be reported identically in the LUCID portal.
A distinction is made between the following quantity reports:
The planned quantity report is an estimate of how much packaging is expected to be placed on the market in the coming calendar year. The planned quantity report is submitted to both the dual system and the LUCID portal.
The annual report is the final report on the quantities that were actually placed on the market in the previous calendar year. This report must also be submitted to the dual system partner and on the LUCID portal.
Eine Vollständigkeitserklärung ist nur für Unternehmen relevant die größere Mengen Verpackungen in Verkehr bringen.
Wenn eine der Mengengrenzen erreicht werden, besteht eine Verpflichtung zur Abgabe der Vollständigkeitserklärung:
80.000 kg Glas
50.000 kg Papier
Pappe und Karton
30.000 kg sonstigen systembeteiligungspflichtigen Verpackungen
Die Vollständigkeitserklärung ist zusätzlich durch einen Wirtschaftsprüfer zu bestätigen.
What penalties apply for violations?
Companies that are required to register and do not register with LUCID are in breach of the Packaging Act. Possible consequences include:
distribution ban
warnings
regulatory measures
fines
Missing licences or incorrect data reports can also have legal and economic consequences. Companies should therefore fulfil their obligations correctly, not only in terms of form but also in terms of content.
Frequently asked questions - FAQ
Is LUCID registration free of charge?
Yes. Registration and the allocation of a LUCID number are free of charge. You can register on the LUCID portal of the Zentralen Stelle Verpackungsregister.
Who receives a LUCID number?
Any company that successfully completes the registration process.
Do small businesses also have to register with LUCID?
Yes, provided that they are placing packaged goods on the market commercially in Germany for the first time.
Where can I find my LUCID number?
After successful registration in your own LUCID account or in the registration confirmation.
Do online retailers also need to register on the LUCID portal?
Yes, provided that they are placing packaging subject to registration on the market in Germany for the first time.
What happens without registration?
Legal consequences such as sales bans, fines and warnings may be imposed.
How can I license my packaging?
For packaging subject to system participation, companies can obtain a licence directly here at zmart online using our calculator.
Is LUCID the same as the packaging licence?
No. LUCID is the register. Packaging licensing is carried out additionally via a dual system such as Zentek. You can easily obtain packaging licensing using our calculator.