The obligation is based on the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, implemented into national law via the Packaging Act.
Since January 1, 2023, retailers of single-use plastic containers with food for immediate consumption or single-use beverage cups with drinks must offer their customers a reusable alternative.
Small providers exempt
Small businesses with a sales area of no more than 80 square meters and up to five employees are exempt; instead, they may fill reusable containers brought in by consumers themselves.
As of October 2022, the DIHK leaflet outlines changes to specific products:
DIHK leaflet on mandatory provision of reusable alternatives (PDF, 149 KB) (only available in German)
- Relevant in topic:
- Service Portal
It has been translated with the assistance of AI.
No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the translation.
Released 12.02.2023
Modified 05.06.2026
Contact
Hauke Dierks
Director Environmental Policy
Petra Blum
Spokesperson