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    LUCID number: What is it and when do I need it?

    The LUCID number of the Central Agency Packaging Register is mandatory for retailers and manufacturers in Germany. Find out what the LUCID number is and what the ZSVR is all about. What is the packaging licensing requirement and which laws apply? You will find answers to your questions in our FAQ.

    Definition: What is the LUCID number?

    The LUCID number is the registration number at the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR). In Germany, all distributors of packaging are obliged to register with the ZSVR. In addition, marketplaces such as Amazon or Ebay must request the LUCID numbers of their retailers.

    The name LUCID is based on the English term "lucid" and stands for clarity and transparency. The LUCID register is intended to make it possible to trace all packaging in circulation in Germany.

    Background and laws

    What is the Central Agency Packaging Register?

    The Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister was established in 2017 as a private foundation. Since 2019, it has acted as an entrusted authority in accordance with the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) and, in addition to tasks under private law, is also authorised to perform tasks under public law. This includes managing the LUCID packaging register.

    Why does LUCID exist?

    LUCID lists the master data of all market participants that put packaging into circulation in Germany. This creates transparency in the distribution of costs for the dual recycling system and ensures that companies fulfil their individual obligation to recycle packaging.

    Which laws apply to the LUCID number?

    Entry in the LUCID register is regulated by the German Packaging Law (VerpackG). The law came into force in 2019 to implement EU Directive 94/62/EC. The aim is to minimise packaging waste and increase recycling rates. An amendment was made in 2022.

    EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) also plays an important role. This is a principle from environmental law that makes manufacturers responsible for the entire life cycle of their products. This also includes the recycling of waste.

    What is the licensing requirement for packaging?

    The VerpackG stipulates that initial distributors of certain packaging must be licensed in the Dual System. This applies to packaging and filling materials that end up in private households, such as sales packaging, shipping packaging, films, padding, tinned food and much more. They are considered packaging subject to system participation.



    What is the dual system?

    Both public and private waste disposal service providers work together in the dual system. The public service providers often take care of the disposal of household waste and certain other types of waste, while private companies focus on the collection and recycling of packaging waste.

    Who is the last and first distributor?

    The first distributor is the company that places a product or packaging on the market for the first time. This is usually the manufacturer itself. The final distributor is the company that ultimately makes the goods available to the end consumer - i.e. retailers or other distribution partners.

    What is packaging subject to system participation?

    According to the Packaging Act, packaging subject to system participation is "sales and secondary packaging filled with goods that typically accumulates as waste with private final consumers after use. "

     

    This means that sales packaging is subject to licensing. It must therefore be registered for a dual system for collection, disposal and recycling.

     

    In contrast, transport packaging that transports goods from the manufacturer to the retailer, for example, does not require a licence because it is disposed of by the retailer or ends up with the manufacturer for recycling.

    Frequently asked questions about the LUCID number

    By registering with the Packaging Register, you will be assigned a registration number for your company. This is the LUCID number.

    As the first or last distributor of packaging, you always need a LUCID number. This covers a wide range of categories:

    • Product packaging
    • Dispatch packaging
    • Transport packaging
    • Sales packaging
    • Service packaging
    • Disposable and reusable packaging
    • Packaging with and without system participation obligation

    You can find your LUCID number at any time in the login area of the LUCID platform. After logging in, you will find yourself in your dashboard. The "registration number" displayed there is your LUCID number. It usually consists of the country code DE and a 13-digit number.

    Registration in the Central Agency's LUCID database is free of charge for you as the first or last distributor of packaging.

    The LUCID packaging register aims to create transparency. This is only possible because the data is publicly accessible. In this way, customers, business partners and competitors can check in the producer register whether you fulfil your obligations under the Packaging Act and are properly registered. The following information is available:

    • Name of the company
    • address
    • VAT ID
    • LUCID registration number
    • Details of the packaging
    • Brand name

    Click here for the manufacturer register.

    The EPR number and the LUCID number are identical for packaging. You will therefore receive your EPR number from the ZSVR. An EPR number is also required for manufacturers of electrical appliances and batteries. This is regulated in the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG). The Stiftung Elektro-Altgeräte-Register (EAR) is responsible for this.

    Initially, the registration obligation only applied to initial distributors of sales packaging. Since the amendment to the Packaging Act in 2022, initial and final distributors of packaging that is not subject to system participation are also required to register. This means that all manufacturers and commercial sellers who sell goods in Germany must be registered in the packaging register and have a LUCID number. In addition to manufacturers, this affects importers, dropshippers, online retailers, retailers and catering businesses, for example.



    Conclusion: There is no way around the LUCID number

    Regardless of whether you market and package products for end consumers or transport goods in the B2B sector - LUCID registration is mandatory in Germany. By registering, you will receive a registration number or LUCID number for your company. With this number, you can register your company in a dual system in order to contribute to the proper disposal and recycling of your packaging that is subject to system participation.

     

    At Model, we are committed to the sustainable use of our planet's resources - and we go far beyond our obligations. We pay attention to ecological materials when developing new packaging designs and are proud of our recycling cycle. Become part of our sustainable mission!

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