FAQ
14. How are envelopes or cardboard boxes classified used for the mailing of products for private end-users?
The German Packaging Ordinance does not explicitly name cardboard boxes or envelopes as examples for sales or service packaging. According to the Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft Abfall (LAGA) they are classified as sales packaging not as service packaging which has been confirmed by the ministry of environment. The obligation to participate with a dual system in regard to mailing packaging is therefore imposed on the mail-order company or internet company.
The obligations apply to all parts of the packaging such as polysterene for stuffing. In case that the packaging has already been licensed by a manufacturer only additional packaging has to be licensed.
Re-used packaging which is used as cardboard boxes does not have to be licensed with a dual system if it has been licensed in accordance to the first usage already. The person who re-uses the packaging has to be able to proof evidence of the licensing participation though.
