What changes in Germany on 12 August 2026

Several compliance deadlines fall on the same day in Germany. Here is what changes on 12 August 2026 and what your company needs to do about each one.

What changes on this date

GermanyGermany packaging law (VerpackDG)

Germany: VerpackDG replaces VerpackG, implementing the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) nationally

The Verpackungsrecht-Durchführungsgesetz (VerpackDG) — formally the Gesetz zur Anpassung des Verpackungsrechts und anderer Rechtsbereiche an die Verordnung (EU) 2025/40 — entered into force on 12 August 2026, the same day the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) itself took first effect. It replaces the previous Verpackungsgesetz (VerpackG) while keeping the existing dual-system/LUCID registration framework, and adds new extended-producer-responsibility financing rules and rising recycled-content/recycling quotas (e.g. plastics recycling quota rising to 75% by 2028).

Confirm your existing LUCID registration and system-participation (dual system) contracts remain correctly categorised under VerpackDG's updated packaging types; review the new EPR financing and recycled-content rules that start phasing in from 2026 onward with your compliance provider.

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EU-widePPWR

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: core obligations apply (minimisation, PFAS ban in food packaging, conformity documentation, EPR registration)

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 applies directly in all Member States. Packaging must be minimised (e-commerce parcels max 40% empty space), food-contact packaging with PFAS above limits is banned, every packaging type needs a conformity assessment and technical documentation, and producers must register for extended producer responsibility in each country where they place packaged goods. Further deadlines follow (harmonised labels 2028, recycled-content minimums 2030).

Inventory your packaging by type and material and check empty-space ratios, PFAS content and heavy-metal limits. Create a technical file and declaration of conformity per packaging type. Register with the producer-responsibility scheme in every country you ship to and appoint an authorised representative where required for distance sales.

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