Last Update: 01.05.2006

New provisions for the deposit on drink cans in Germany

On 28-th May 2005 the 3rd amendment of the packaging ordinance came into force. It simplifies the deposit on drink cans.

In December 2004 did the European Court of Justice confirm that the compulsory deposit is in principle compatible with EU law. This decision paved the way for the new provisions. Consumers especially profit from the simplified deposit on one-way packaging - but it is also an advantage for fillers, distributors and small and medium-sized companies, since they are presented with a clear framework for their investments. The new provisions were implemented in two steps. The first step has already started immediately after its coming into force on 28th May 2005: There is only one standard deposit of 25 cent. (Before the deposit on packaging with a volume of more than 1.5 litres was 50 cent).

In the second step as of May 2006, the compulsory deposit has been extended to all ecologically unfriendly one-way packaging and the so called individual solutions were discontinued. Under the "individual solutions", discounters only had to take back one-way drink packaging sold by their own sales chain. Since May 2006, stores that sell drink cans, glass or plastic bottles are obligated to take back corresponding packaging from other drinks manufacturers. Empty one-way bottles and cans can be returned to any outlet where one-way packaging is sold. This is also done to promote the development of a uniform nationwide return system which is now being build up by the economic operators.

As of May 2006 the deposit is compulsory for all ecologically unfriendly one-way packaging from 0.1 litres to 3 litres. This includes all packaging of beer, mineral water and carbonated soft drinks which had already been subject to deposit since Janauary 2003. As of May 2006, a deposit must also be paid for non-carbonated soft drinks and alcoholic mixed drinks, especially the so called alcopops. The deposit is compulsory for iced tea cans just as it is for coke or beer cans. Packaging of juices, milk and wine as well as ecologically advantageous packaging such as drink cartons, polyethylene tubular bags and stand-up bags remain exempt from deposit.

Further Information:
Packaging Ordinance (Consolidated Version)