Pakete ins Ausland: Ärger um EU-Verpackungsregeln - Grüner will Bußgeld-Verzicht

In a debate over new EU packaging regulations, German Green Party MEP Erik Marquardt called for clarification on when fines could be imposed. "A joint statement at European level, indicating no sanctions will be imposed until February, would be needed," he told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The government must advocate for this, and clarify that Germany has already made this decision.

"The long-term goals of the packaging ordinance - less packaging waste, recycling systems, pan-European deposit systems, and so forth - are correct," Marquardt said. "But they must also be practically implementable, without burdening businesses with bureaucracy." The deadline of February should be used to find practical regulations.

"The current bureaucracy in the regulation is poison for small businesses. That has to change." German law states that no fines can be issued by February 12, 2027, even if companies violate the new rules. This gives companies several months to adjust. The rules have been in place in the EU since August 12. To sell goods in multiple member states, businesses must register in each one and appoint a representative.

Several small retailers have complained about the rules on social media and announced they will send fewer shipments in the future. The EU Commission proposed in December to suspend the obligation for European manufacturers to appoint representatives, but this requires approval from the European Parliament and the member states.

EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall had said in August she hoped there would be no further delay. National authorities should refrain from imposing sanctions against businesses in the meantime.