Step-by-Step Guide: DIVID (EWKF) Registration for Online Sellers in Germany

For many international sellers, registering with the Single-Use Plastics Fund (EWKF) via the DIVID portal is a major compliance hurdle. Unlike the LUCID registry, which covers almost all packaging, DIVID (EWKF) specifically targets products that frequently end up as litter in public spaces. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines and sales bans on major marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.

Step 1 — Check Whether DIVID Applies to Your Products

One simple tip to understand if you fall under this law is to consider the goal of this fund: it is a "public space cleanup fund." If your product contains plastic and is likely to end up as litter in public areas (like parks or streets), there is a very high probability that you fall under this regulation.

The EWKF law focuses on items that contribute significantly to the pollution of public parks, streets, and forests. Use the table below to see if your products are included:

Product Examples Table

Экспортировать в Таблицы

[IMAGE INSERT: ChatGPT Image 13 мая 2026 г., 14_59_16.png] The infographic above visually confirms which items are subject to the fund and highlights the "Supermarket" exception (Point 8).

Step 2 — Choose the Correct Registration Type

When you access the DIVID portal, you must select your account category based on your location:

• Producer established in Germany (Inland): For companies with a physical branch or headquarters in Germany.

• Producer without establishment in Germany (Ausland): For international sellers based outside of Germany. This is the category for most cross-border e-commerce sellers.

• Authorised Representative: This is a specialized account for German service providers who act on behalf of foreign companies.

Crucial Rule: If your company is based outside of Germany, you are legally required to appoint an Authorised Representative (AR). You cannot complete the registration without a valid AR mandate.

Step 3 — Creating Your Account (Example Entry)

The initial setup requires you to provide basic company information.

[IMAGE INSERT: image_3a51d9.png]

Based on the official registration form, follow these field requirements:

• Name (company): Full legal business name exactly as per tax documents.

• Corporate form: Your legal structure (e.g., LLC, Ltd, Corp, Sole Proprietorship).

• Street, number / Postcode / Place: Your official business legal address.

• Country: Your company's home country.

• Natural person with power to represent: The name of the director or authorized signatory for the company.

• E-mail address: A permanent business email. This will be your primary login and the address where you receive official invoices from the UBA.

Step 4 — Appointing Your Authorised Representative

Because foreign companies cannot directly manage their environmental duties in Germany, you must formally link your account to a representative:

1. Contract: Sign a formal Mandate (contract) with a German service company.

2. Upload: Search for and select your representative in the DIVID portal and upload the signed PDF contract.

3. Confirmation: The registration becomes active only after your AR confirms the link in their own portal.

Step 5 — Annual Quantity Reporting and Payment

Registration is just the first step. Every year, you must report the total weight of the relevant plastic products placed on the German market:

1. Reporting Window: Usually between January and May for the previous calendar year.

2. Payment: The UBA (German Environment Agency) calculates your fee based on your report. These funds are used to reimburse German cities for the costs of cleaning up public litter.

Mini FAQ: Clearing the Confusion

1. Do I need DIVID if I already have LUCID? Not necessarily. If you sell items without single-use plastic components (like wooden toys), you need LUCID but NOT DIVID. LUCID is for general packaging; DIVID is specifically for "litter-prone" products containing plastic.

2. Does Amazon handle DIVID for me? No. While Amazon requires your registration number to keep your listings active, you must handle the registration, reporting, and payments yourself through your Authorised Representative.

3. Is an Authorised Representative always required? For sellers not based in Germany — Yes, it is a strict legal requirement under the EWKF law.

Conclusion

The DIVID system is designed to make producers responsible for the environmental cleanup of their products. If your products contribute to the waste found in public areas, compliance is not optional. Understanding the "public space cleanup" logic will help you navigate these requirements and avoid legal issues in the German market.

👉 Need help classifying your products or finding a certified Authorised Representative? Visit packaging-compliance.de

Nadezda Walz Master’s Degree in Economics and Management Sciences

Here is the final, complete article in English, incorporating your insightful new paragraph, the detailed product table, and instructions on how to use the images.

Step-by-Step Guide: DIVID (EWKF) Registration for Online Sellers

For many international sellers, registering with the Single-Use Plastics Fund (EWKF) via the DIVID portal is a major compliance hurdle. Unlike the LUCID registry, which covers almost all packaging, DIVID (EWKF) specifically targets products that frequently end up as litter in public spaces.

Step 1 — Check Whether DIVID Applies to Your Products

One simple tip to understand if you fall under this law is to consider the goal of this fund: it is a "public space cleanup fund." If your product contains plastic and is likely to end up as litter in public areas (like parks or streets), there is a very high probability that you fall under this regulation.

The EWKF law focuses on items that contribute significantly to the pollution of public parks, streets, and forests. Use the table below to see if your products are included:

Product Examples Table

[IMAGE INSERT: ChatGPT Image 13 мая 2026 г., 14_59_16.png]

The infographic above visually confirms which items are subject to the fund and highlights the "Supermarket" exception (Point 8).

Step 2 — Choose the Correct Registration Type

When you access the DIVID portal, you must select your account category based on your location:

• Producer established in Germany (Inland): For companies with a physical branch in Germany.

• Producer without establishment in Germany (Ausland): For international sellers based outside of Germany.

• Authorised Representative: The mandatory account type for the German-based service provider hired by foreign companies.

Crucial Rule: If your company is based outside of Germany, you are legally required to appoint an Authorised Representative (AR). You cannot complete the registration without a valid AR mandate.

Step 3 — Creating Your Account (Example Entry)

When filling out the registration form, pay close attention to the mandatory fields.

[IMAGE INSERT: image_3a51d9.png]

• Name (company): Full legal business name exactly as per tax documents.

• Corporate form: Your legal structure (e.g., LLC, Ltd, Corp, Sole Proprietorship).

• Address Fields: Your official business legal address.

• Natural person with power to represent: The name of the director or authorized signatory for the company.

• E-mail address: A permanent business email. This will be your login and the address where you receive official invoices from the UBA.

Step 4 — Appointing Your Authorised Representative

A foreign seller must formally link their account to a representative in Germany:

1. Contract: Sign a formal Mandate (contract) with a German service company.

2. Upload: Search for and select your representative in the portal and upload the signed PDF contract.

3. Confirmation: The registration becomes active only after your AR confirms the link in their own portal.

Step 5 — Annual Quantity Reporting and Payment

Every year, you must report the total weight of the relevant plastic products placed on the German market:

1. Reporting Window: Usually between January and May for the previous calendar year.

2. Payment: The UBA (German Environment Agency) calculates your fee based on your report. These funds are used to reimburse German cities for cleaning up public litter.

Mini FAQ

1. Do I need DIVID if I already have LUCID?

Not necessarily. If you sell items without single-use plastic components (like wooden toys), you need LUCID but NOT DIVID. LUCID is for packaging; DIVID is for "litter-prone" products.

2. Does Amazon handle DIVID for me?

No. While Amazon requires your registration number to keep your listings active, you must handle the registration, reporting, and payments yourself.

3. Is an Authorised Representative always required?

For sellers not based in Germany — Yes, it is a strict legal requirement.

Final Thoughts

The DIVID system is designed to make producers responsible for the environmental cleanup of their products. If your products contribute to the waste found in public areas, you must comply with these regulations.

👉 Need help classifying your products or finding an Authorised Representative?

Visit packaging-compliance.de

Nadezda Walz

Master’s Degree in Economics and Management Sciences