A new EPR regulation is rolling out in Germany starting January 1, 2025, and Amazon sellers need to act fast. If you’re selling items considered single-use plastic products and you’re not properly registered, your listings might disappear overnight.
Here’s what’s coming and how to stay ahead.
What’s the New Regulation All About?
From January 1, 2025, Amazon is required by German law to verify if sellers are complying with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for single-use plastic products. This goes beyond packaging or electronics—it directly targets certain product types.
If Amazon can’t confirm that your single-use plastic products are registered in Germany, those listings will be blocked. That means zero visibility, zero sales. Whether you sell directly or resell existing products, you’ll need to prove compliance—or risk being shut down.
What Exactly Counts as a Single-Use Plastic Product?
This regulation targets a specific list of plastic-heavy products. Common examples include:
- Wet wipes (like baby wipes)
- Balloons
- Plastic straws
- Plastic plates and cutlery
- Food containers made from expanded polystyrene
The focus is on products intended to be used once and then thrown away, especially if they contain or are made from plastic. Even if the packaging is eco-friendly, it’s the product itself that determines whether the rule applies.
Are You a Producer or Just a Reseller? Know the Difference
Here’s where many sellers get confused.
If you are importing a product into Germany under your own name (i.e., private label sellers or dropshippers from China), you are legally the producer. That means you must register.
If you’re simply reselling a product from a German supplier or brand (like DM, Rossmann, etc.), then you are not the producer—but you still need the producer’s registration number to enter into Amazon’s system.
No matter your role, Amazon expects documentation. If you don’t provide it, your listing will be flagged.
Where to Find the Single-Use Plastic Registration Number (SUP-Nummer)
To stay compliant, you’ll need to input the registered SUP number into Amazon. Here’s how to find it:
- Go to https://einwegkunststofffonds.de
- Click on “Produzentenregister”
- Use Ctrl+F (or Strg+F on German keyboards) to search by brand name or company
- Locate the correct brand and copy the corresponding SUP-Nummer
This process can be done in under 2 minutes—but only if the company is already registered. If not, you’ll need to contact them.
How to Submit the Number in Your Amazon Seller Dashboard
Once you’ve found the SUP number, log into Amazon Seller Central and do the following:
- Go to Account Health
- Click on Regulatory Compliance
- Look for a tab labeled EPR Germany – Single Use Plastics
- You’ll see your affected listings here
- Paste the SUP number for each one
- If you’re a reseller, check the box confirming that the number belongs to your upstream supplier
This step is mandatory for each relevant ASIN. You only need to do it once per brand, but if you sell different brands, each one needs its own registration number.
Dealing with Validation Errors on Amazon
Even if you’ve entered a valid number, Amazon might reject it. Ricky shared a real case: He found the correct SUP number for DM (a major German brand), but Amazon refused to validate it.
Why? Because the system is new, and some brands may not be properly linked in Amazon’s internal registry. If you see an error like:
“The registration number you entered could not be validated…”
Don’t panic. Amazon may take time to update its backend database. In the meantime:
- Screenshot your efforts
- Keep proof that your supplier is registered
- Contact Seller Support if your listing is incorrectly flagged
How to Register as a Producer (If You’re the Importer)
If you’re the importer or private label brand, you must register yourself. Here’s how:
- Go to einwegkunststofffonds.de
- Choose “Ich bin ein Produzent ohne Niederlassung in Deutschland” (I am a producer without an establishment in Germany)
- Use your Elster business login to access the portal
- Complete the required forms and submit
If you don’t yet have an Elster account (Germany’s online tax system), you’ll need to apply for one first. This can take a few weeks, so don’t delay. You need to be registered before January 1, 2025.
Ricky’s Real Example: Baby Wipes from DM Brand
Ricky sells baby wipes on Amazon Germany from DM—a massive German drugstore chain. He went to the official registry, found DM’s SUP number, and tried submitting it on Amazon.
Boom. Rejected.
Even though DM is clearly registered, Amazon’s validation system didn’t accept the entry. This shows that even big-name brands can cause issues. If your listing is based on such products, you’ll need to take extra steps to show Amazon the number is legit—even if their backend doesn’t agree yet.
Why You Might Struggle to Find Supplier Numbers
Many brands are unaware of this law or haven’t gotten around to registering. That’s a huge risk for resellers who rely on their compliance.
If your supplier isn’t registered yet:
- Send them the link and push them to sign up
- Consider switching to a supplier who’s already compliant
- Temporarily delist high-risk items if they may be blocked
The earlier you start this process, the fewer headaches you’ll face in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if my supplier hasn’t registered yet?
You won’t be able to submit a SUP number until they do. Either ask them to register or switch to a compliant supplier.
2. Can I be fined if I don’t comply?
Yes. Non-compliance with EPR laws can result in fines from German authorities—and Amazon can deactivate your listings.
3. Is this only for Amazon sellers?
No. The law applies to all businesses selling into Germany, but Amazon is proactively enforcing it on their platform starting January 2025.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Deadline
The January 1, 2025 deadline has arrived—and Amazon is enforcing its single-use plastic regulations. If you sell products that fall under this category, immediate action is critical to avoid disruptions.
Don’t risk suspended listings or lost sales. Verify your compliance status, complete any pending registrations, and ensure your account meets all requirements. By addressing this now, you can keep your business running smoothly under the new rules.