In order to prepare for the large number of expected classification decisions and to save producers within the meaning of section 3 (14) Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act) (initial distributors) the time and effort of having to make case-by-case applications, the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – 'ZSVR') has decided to publish norm-interpreting administrative regulations. These contain indications of how the ZSVR would likely decide an application concerning the classification of a type of packaging as being subject to system participation. For ease of use, the administrative regulations are published in the form of a system participation requirement catalogue.

Please read our fact sheet ​​​​​and the following information carefully. 

• Please do not send test items that have been used.

• All of our decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. General requirements under the Verpackungsgesetz cannot be pronounced by the ZSVR, that means neither 
  • whether a producer is required to register, 
  • the extent of a producer’s system participation requirement
  • nor whether one is required to submit data reports.

• Only individual, specific test items (packaging containing goods) can be assessed, that means neither 
  • product portfolios,  
  • goods/product groups nor
  • delivery lists.

• Packaging material alone (without goods) is not an acceptable test item and cannot be assessed if sent unfilled, that means neither
  • boxes,
  • films nor
  • labels.

• Goods alone (without packaging) are also not acceptable test items, that means neither
  • raw materials (e.g. malt, aluminium),
  • products (e.g. hair dryer, garden sheers) nor
  • goods (e.g. contact lens solution, gelatine).

• The ZSVR does not issue any other legally binding information beyond what is provided for by law, that means neither
  • individual or general material classifications apart from the classification of hazardous contents nor
  • classifications regarding how recyclable an article of packaging or material is.

• The ZSVR does not make any decisions about labelling, that means neither
  • food law labelling on packaging,
  • packaging law labelling on packaging nor
  • any other text on packaging.

You can access the application form (form EO23/19) here (only available in German).