The Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR): How to Obtain the LUCID Number?

1. What is the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR)?

The Central Agency Packaging Register was established in the middle of 2017 as a private foundation with the aim of coordinating and regulating information about packaging in the German market. During that period, it operated as an independent structure and was funded by industry companies obligated to participate in the waste management system.

Since 2019, ZSVR has become a governmental authority in accordance with the Packaging Act. These changes have transferred governmental functions to it, including the supervision and collection of information about packaging manufacturers, the volumes of materials used, and obligations regarding waste disposal and recycling.

The main task of the ZSVR is to oversee the registration of companies placing their packaging on the German market. This includes manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers using or producing packaging materials. The activities of the Central Packaging Registry are monitored by the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA).

1.1 What powers does the Central Agency Packaging Register have?

The powers of the ZSVR are outlined in § 26 of the Packaging Act. According to the provisions of this section, the authority carries out the following tasks:

• Maintenance of the packaging register: LUCID is a centralized database where all packaging materials placed on the German market are registered. The ZSVR oversees their registration and controls the accuracy and completeness of the information stored in the register.
• Registration of packaging manufacturers: The ZSVR monitors the process of registration and licensing of manufacturers of packaging materials. Companies supplying packaging to the German market are required to register with the ZSVR and provide essential information about the types and quantities of packaging they produce.
• Verification of reports from dual systems and manufacturers: The ZSVR conducts systematic checks of reports from dual systems and packaging manufacturers. This includes ensuring that the information presented in the reports complies with established standards and legal requirements.
• Calculation of market share of dual systems and industry solutions: The ZSVR performs calculations of the market share for dual systems and industry-specific solutions in the field of packaging management. These calculations provide information about the contribution of each system to the overall waste management structure.
• Analysis of consumption volumes and development of guidelines: The ZSVR conducts a review of industry-specific solutions, records of volume flows, recycling quotas, and testing guidelines. This ensures compliance with industry practices in line with legal requirements and contributes to the development of effective waste management strategies.

2. What Is the Packaging Register LUCID?

LUCID (Clear and Uniform Collection Point for Packaging Data) is a publicly accessible database created by the Central Agency Packaging Register in accordance with the requirements of the Packaging Act. It was established to facilitate the registration and tracking of packaging materials entering the German market.

The main objective of LUCID is to ensure compliance with legal requirements related to packaging materials. It enables companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible packaging within clear and transparent guidelines.

Why is this important?

• LUCID registration obligates manufacturers of packaging materials to register their products and provide detailed information about the types, quantities, and other relevant properties of the packaging. This database allows stakeholders to access accurate and up-to-date information on registered packaging materials.
• The Packaging Register enables authorities, competitors, and environmental organizations to verify whether specific packaging suppliers are complying with their licensing obligations. This function contributes to promoting fair competition practices and strengthens trust within the industry.

3. How Can One Register in the LUCID Packaging Register?

The registration in the LUCID Packaging Register is a systematic and crucial process for companies placing packaging on the German market. There are no fees for registration; however, it should be noted that costs may be incurred for obtaining a license from a Dual System.

The registration process involves several key steps to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with ecological standards. Below, we have provided a step-by-step description of this process:

3.1 Create a user account

Initiate the process by accessing the ZSVR online platform and initiating the registration. Provide basic contact information and create login credentials for accessing the system. An activation link will be sent to the email address provided during registration. By clicking on this link, you can log in and complete the registration.

3.2 Provide information about your company

After gaining access to the system, you need to provide all the necessary information about your business activities. This includes the following details:

• Business address
• Phone number
• Tax identification number
• Registration number of your company
• Additional information (regions where you operate, distribution channels used, etc.)

Ensure that all the provided information is accurate and comprehensive to fulfill the registration requirements effectively.

3.3 Provide packaging data

Provide information about the packaging materials you use. The system will prompt you to choose one of the following categories:

• Packaging that must participate in the system
• Packaging that does not have to participate in the system

To determine which category your packaging belongs to, you can refer to the catalog of participation requirements in the system.

3.4 Provide the brand names

If your company operates under specific brands, provide this information during the registration process. Clearly define the brands and associate them with the corresponding packaging materials. Later, the brand names will be published in the public register for transparency and accessibility.

3.5 Obtain the packaging registration number

After successfully completing the registration process, the ZSVR issues a unique LUCID number to the registered company. This number serves as evidence of compliance with the requirements and should be prominently displayed on products and packaging materials.

After registration, it is crucial to maintain the accuracy of the provided data. Any changes related to your packaging must be promptly communicated to the ZSVR to update the information in the Packaging Register. This step ensures the accuracy and timeliness of the data reflecting your activities in the field of packaging disposal.

If your packaging is required to participate in the system, you are also obligated to enter into a contract with a dual system provider and acquire a license for the volume of packaging material you use from them. For this process, you will need the LUCID number provided after registration. This step is an integral part of the Packaging Act and confirms your sincere commitment to sustainability issues and environmental responsibility.

4. Fast registration in the LUCID Register with Fulfillment Box

The Central Agency Packaging Register and the LUCID database underscore Germany's commitment to promoting sustainable practices in the business sector. They contribute to transparency, traceability, and collective responsibility in the management of the impact of packaging materials on the environment.

The ZSVR publishes all registration data of manufacturers in the public Packaging Register. This makes it easier for the public, competitors, law enforcement agencies, and environmental organizations to verify whether the original distributor has fulfilled its obligations.

For newcomers to the market, it is crucial to register correctly and as quickly as possible to avoid penalties for non-compliance with the requirements of the Packaging Act. If you find the process of obtaining the LUCID number to be too demanding, Fulfillment-Box is ready to assist you. Provide us with all the necessary data, and we will take care of all efforts for registration in LUCID.

Within two days, we will provide you with login credentials and assist you with initial reporting. We value your time and aim to provide an efficient solution, ensuring that your company is optimally prepared for environmentally responsible packaging management.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is required to register in the Packaging Register?

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers placing their packaging on the German market for the first time are obligated to register in the public Packaging Register.

2. How much does registration in the LUCID Packaging Register cost?

Registration in the LUCID Packaging Register is free; however, there may be costs associated with licensing packaging materials.

3. Who oversees the registration of companies in the LUCID Register?

The Packaging Register is publicly accessible. Any interested party can verify the registration of a specific packaging supplier if needed.

4. What is the LUCID number, and why is it important?

The unique identification number is assigned to companies during the registration process in the LUCID Packaging Register. It serves as a distinct identifier for each registered company, facilitating traceability and transparency in the movement of packaging materials.

5. What penalties are provided for non-compliance with the registration obligation?

Failure to comply with the requirements of the ZSVR can result in fines of up to 200,000 euros.