Importing goods from Asia offers tremendous growth opportunities for German SMEs. However, those who place products into circulation also assume responsibility—including for their packaging. Since the Packaging Act (VerpackG) came into force, registration in the LUCID register of the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) is mandatory for online retailers. A violation can lead not only to expensive legal warnings but also to an immediate sales ban on platforms like Amazon or eBay. ## Why does the Packaging Act apply to me as an importer? In Germany, the principle of product responsibility applies. If you import goods from Asia and sell them to end customers in Germany, you are legally considered the initial distributor. You are responsible for ensuring that the packaging subject to system participation (shipping boxes, filling material, product packaging) is recycled at the end of its life cycle. The law applies regardless of the quantity—there is no de minimis threshold. ## Step 1: LUCID Registration The first step is registration in the LUCID database. This is a simple online process that takes only a few minutes. You only need your company data, a tax number, and a list of brand names under which you distribute the goods. After registration, you will receive a registration number (DE number), which you must provide to your system operator (dual system). ## Step 2: System Participation and Data Reporting After registration, you must conclude a licensing agreement with a system operator (e.g., Interseroh, Der Grüne Punkt, or BellandVision). Here, you pay a fee based on the estimated material quantities (paper, plastic, composites) that you put into circulation per year. Important: You must reconcile and update your reported quantities with LUCID and the system operator annually. ## Practical Tips for Importers 1. Document all packaging weights during the goods acceptance stage in China. Request precise weight specifications for outer packaging and filling material from your suppliers. 2. Archive your certificates: The Central Agency conducts regular random checks. 3. Use tools for quantity calculation to avoid under-licensing (which can be expensive) or over-licensing. ## Conclusion and Next Steps Compliance in the import business may seem bureaucratic at first glance, but it is well manageable with the right processes. Those who are properly registered from the start protect themselves from legal consequences and strengthen their professional profile. Are you just starting to import from China or looking for a more efficient procurement strategy? At Import4u, we not only support you in finding reliable suppliers but also offer valuable resources for a legally compliant trading business. Visit our platform today and optimize your import workflow!