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Oct 12, 2025

How to Register for a LUCID Number in 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Need to register with Germany's LUCID Packaging Register? This guide walks you through every step of getting your LUCID number in 2025, from gathering documents to avoiding common mistakes that trigger rejections and fines.

Also available in Deutsch: Zur deutschen Version

Getting your LUCID registration number is the first mandatory step for any business shipping packaged goods to Germany. Every company that distributes packaged goods commercially on the German market or imports packaged goods into Germany must register with the LUCID Packaging Register, regardless of where in the world that company is based LUCID Packaging Register: Registration requirement.

This guide shows you exactly how to complete your registration without mistakes that could cost you time, money, or market access.

Who Must Register with LUCID (And Why It Matters)

Under German packaging law, a "producer" includes manufacturers of goods, distributors, importers, online retailers, and mail order companies, essentially anyone who fills packaging with goods for the first time VerpackungsregisterVerpackungsregister. If you're an online seller shipping to Germany, you're almost certainly a producer under VerpackG.

What Happens If You Don't Register

Failing to comply can lead to fines up to €200,000 per violation, bans on selling products in Germany, and legal actions from competitors Sustainable-marketsEcosistant. Since July 2022, online marketplaces are legally required to verify sellers' LUCID registration German Packaging Act (VerpackG): A 2025 Guide to International Packaging Laws (Part 1) - Tetra Tech Sustainable Markets, meaning non-compliant sellers get blocked from platforms like Amazon and eBay.

Registration with the LUCID Packaging Register is free of charge and conducted online Registering with the LUCID Packaging Register, but the consequences of skipping it are expensive.

Drop-Shippers and Fulfillment Services

If you use fulfillment services or dropshipping, determining who registers can be complex. Generally, a fulfillment service provider does not equal the one putting distribution packaging on the market for the first time, their commissioning company does and is then obliged to register HowTo: Registration at the German Packaging Register. Always verify whether your fulfillment partner or you are responsible for LUCID registration.

Documents and Data You Need Before Starting

Preparing these details in advance will save you at least 30 minutes and prevent errors Master Your Verpackungsgesetz Compliance: A 2024 LUCID Registration Checklist - Deutsche Recycling Service GmbH. Gather everything below before you begin:

Company Information

When registering, you are required to enter your company name, the designated person (e.g. the CEO or managing director), and the specific contact person in the company, including their respective e-mail address LUCID Packaging Register: Registration requirement. You'll also need:

  • Full legal company name and physical address
  • VAT number or taxpayer reference number
  • National identification number (commercial register number, business registration, or trade membership number)
  • Contact telephone number

Critical note: Technical reasons and an automated check prevent producers from entering more than one VAT number or taxpayer reference number in the LUCID Packaging Register Registering with the LUCID Packaging Register. Choose one and use it consistently across LUCID and your dual system contract.

Packaging Type Classification

You'll need to classify your packaging into one of these categories:

Packaging subject to system participation — If you use various types of packaging subject to system participation to distribute your goods, the box you need to check is 'Retail, grouped or shipment packaging that typically accumulates as waste in private households / comparable sources of waste generation after use, and service packaging' Registering with the LUCID Packaging Register.

Exclusively pre-participated service packaging — Only if you exclusively purchase unfilled pre-participated service packaging and don't use any other packaging.

Packaging not subject to system participation — Reusable packaging, deposit-subject beverage packaging, transport packaging, or industrial packaging that doesn't reach private consumers.

Most online retailers will select the first option (packaging subject to system participation).

Brand Names

Brand names are those under which the company distributes its packaged goods LUCID Packaging Register: Registration requirement. If you don't use any brand names, enter your company name only HowTo: Registration at the German Packaging Register. List all brands printed on your products or packaging.

Dual System Information

You must license your packaging with a dual system before registration with LUCID can be completed How-To-Guide: How to register in the LUCID packaging register?. Have your dual system contract ready and know which operator you've chosen (Der Grüne Punkt, Interseroh+, Zentek, etc.).

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Create Your LUCID Account

To register, you must first create a login as a 'producer' LUCID Packaging Register: Registration requirement. Visit the official LUCID portal at lucid.verpackungsregister.org and begin registration.

You will receive a verification email; you must click the activation link within 24 hours LizenzeroDeutsche-recycling. Missing this 24-hour window means starting over.

Step 2: Enter Master Data

Complete all company details exactly as they appear in your dual system participation agreement. Enter the same data you used when entering into your system participation agreement or when working with a marketplace Registering with the LUCID Packaging Register.

Any inconsistency between your LUCID data and dual system data can invalidate your compliance status.

Step 3: Select Packaging Types

Choose your relevant packaging type from the categories and tick the appropriate box Registering with the LUCID Packaging Register. For most online retailers shipping to German consumers, this will be "Retail, grouped or shipment packaging" subject to system participation.

Step 4: Enter Brand Names

Enter the brand names of your products or packaging under which you as the producer put packaging filled with goods on the market. You have the option of defining a validation period for the brand registration HowTo: Registration at the German Packaging Register.

List each brand or, if you have no brands, your company name.

Step 5: Confirm Declarations

You'll need to confirm that you have concluded or will conclude a system participation agreement with a dual system for packaging subject to system participation.

Even if at the time of registration you are not yet participating in a (dual) system, you should choose "yes" here. Otherwise the registration will not be granted. The necessary system participation should follow as soon as possible HowTo: Registration at the German Packaging Register.

Step 6: Receive Your LUCID Number

Upon completion of registration, the ZSVR will send you an email with your registration number. You will also automatically receive an administrative act by electronic means to officially confirm that you have successfully completed your registration VerpackungsregisterZmart.

The LUCID registration number consists of the country code and a 13-digit number sequence and looks like this: DE 1234567890987 LUCID - Packaging register of the ZSVR | zmart.

Step 7: Report to Your Dual System

Submit the individual registration number you received from LUCID to your dual system How-To-Guide: How to register in the LUCID packaging register?. They need this for data reconciliation.

Step 8: Complete Data Reporting in LUCID

Enter the name of your dual system in the LUCID master data. Then enter your packaging volumes licensed with the dual system for the current year under the "Data reporting" tab in LUCID How-To-Guide: How to register in the LUCID packaging register?.

The type of report depends on when you register:

  • Before the new year starts: Submit an Initial Planned Volume Report for the coming year
  • During the current year: Submit an Intra-year Volume Report

For more on reports and deadlines, see our Germany EPR guide for Shopify.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Thinking You're Not a Producer

A primary mistake is registering as the wrong entity type; you must register as a "producer," even if you are an online retailer Avoid These 7 Common Errors in German EPR Registration to Prevent Fines of up to €200,000 - Deutsche Recycling Service GmbH. Many foreign businesses assume they don't need to register, but if you're the first to place packaged goods on the German market, you're the producer.

Fix: Always register as a producer if you're importing or directly shipping to German consumers.

Mistake 2: Registering Without System Participation

Registration alone doesn't fulfill your obligations, you must also conclude a system participation agreement with a dual system How-To-Guide: How to register in the LUCID packaging register?. LUCID registration is only the first of three mandatory steps.

Fix: Contract with a dual system before or immediately after registration, then report those volumes to LUCID.

Mistake 3: Data Inconsistencies Between LUCID and Your Dual System

Your company data in LUCID must 100% match the data held by your dual system provider. Even minor discrepancies lead to an invalid status Avoid These 7 Common Errors in German EPR Registration to Prevent Fines of up to €200,000 - Deutsche Recycling Service GmbH.

Fix: Use identical company names, addresses, VAT numbers, and contact details across both systems. Double-check before submitting.

Mistake 4: Entering Multiple VAT Numbers

Technical reasons and an automated check prevent producers from entering more than one VAT number or taxpayer reference number Registering with the LUCID Packaging Register. This is one of the most common reasons registrations get rejected.

Fix: Choose the primary VAT or tax number you use for German business and stick with it everywhere.

Mistake 5: Forgetting to Update Changes

If your company address changes, you add new brands, or you switch dual systems, you must update LUCID immediately.

Fix: Log into your LUCID dashboard whenever business details change and update your registration.

After Registration: Next Steps

From the point of registration onwards, you will be visible in the LUCID Packaging Register with your registration number, brand names and packaging details. The LUCID Packaging Register is public LUCID Packaging Register: Registration requirement.

You'll need to:

  1. Report packaging volumes to both your dual system and LUCID (at least annually)
  2. Keep data consistent between both systems
  3. File year-end reports by May 15 each year
  4. File forecasts by December 31 for the following year

For detailed reporting requirements, read our Germany EPR compliance guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a LUCID number as a small seller? Yes, the size of your business does not matter. As soon as you sell packaged goods in Germany (even as a small online retailer or as a side business), you must register. There are no minimum quantities or sales limits LUCID Packaging Register: Background and Guide – ecosistant.

Can a consultant register on my behalf? You must complete the registration personally; it cannot be delegated to a third party without legal authorization How to License B2B Packaging in Germany: A 2025 Compliance Guide - Deutsche Recycling Service GmbH. Some service providers can assist, but you remain responsible.

How long does LUCID registration take? LUCID registration for packaging can be completed relatively quickly, often within a day, but you must also contract with a dual system Avoid These 7 Common Errors in German EPR Registration to Prevent Fines of up to €200,000 - Deutsche Recycling Service GmbH. The full process (registration + dual system + data reporting) typically takes 1-2 weeks if you have all documents ready.

Where do I find my LUCID number after registration? You can find the LUCID number in the dashboard of your LUCID account LUCID - Packaging register of the ZSVR | zmart at verpackungsregister.org.

What if I made a mistake during registration? Log into your LUCID account and update the incorrect information immediately. For serious errors, contact the ZSVR directly through the LUCID portal.

Resources and Further Reading

Primary Sources / Citations:

  • verpackungsregister.org (LUCID Packaging Register - official source)
  • deutsche-recycling.com (compliance guides)
  • lizenzero.de (registration how-to guides)
  • ecosistant.eu (LUCID background information)

German EPR for Shopify

Looking for a complete overview?

Read the German E‑commerce EPR guide →

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