Germany Single-Use Plastics EPR Regulation | SUP Compliance Guide 2025

Germany to Launch New EPR Regulation for Single-Use Plastics Starting January 2025

Germany has expanded its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program to include a category for Single-Use Plastics (SUPs). This regulation, established under the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG), took effect on January 1, 2025, joining Germany’s existing EPR categories for Packaging, Batteries, and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

Germany Single-Use Plastics EPR Implementation Timeline

• Regulation effective date: January 1, 2025

• Registration for non-German companies opened: August 2024

Definition of Single-Use Plastics in Germany

Under this law, products are considered Single-Use Plastics if they:

• Are made partially or entirely from plastic, and

• Are intended for one-time use, without design for refilling or reuse by consumers or manufacturers

  
  

Examples of SUP products include:

• Food containers: especially for immediate consumption without additional preparation (e.g., takeaway packaging)

• Drink cups and lids

• Plastic beverage containers under 3 litres

• Wet wipes containing synthetic fibers or plastic-based materials

Germany’s Federal Environment Agency provides guidance to help businesses determine if their products fall under this category. Additional SUP types — such as fireworks (from 2026) — are expected to be included in the future.

Who Must Comply with Germany Single-Use Plastics EPR Rules

Any business considered a “producer” of SUPs must register, including:

• Manufacturers

• Brand owners

• Retailers or re-sellers

• Overseas businesses selling SUP products to German consumers — even if not the original manufacturer

Compliance Requirements for Non-German Sellers

If your company is based outside Germany, you must:

1. Appoint an Authorized Representative in Germany for SUP registration.

2. Meet marketplace requirements — since January 1, 2025, platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Zalando require sellers to verify their SUP EPR registration status.

3. Report sales data and pay contribution fees based on the quantity of SUPs distributed, similar to other EPR categories.

How TBA Ecofuture Supports EPR Compliance in Germany

TBA Ecofuture helps businesses maintain compliance with EPR regulations across Europe, including the Germany Single-Use Plastics category.

Our services include:

• Registration for SUP obligations

• Appointment of a certified Authorized Representative

• Reporting management and contribution fee calculations

• Marketplace compliance support for online platforms

Contact us to get your free consultation.