Moving to an EU warehouse? Get your packaging right from day one

More and more online brands from the UK, the US and Asia open a warehouse in the EU: faster delivery to customers, easier returns and no customs on every parcel. But a warehouse in the EU also brings packaging obligations – and it is much easier to meet them before the first sale than after an inspection.

When do you need a warehouse in the EU?

• You sell to EU customers and want 1–3 day delivery.
• You are a UK brand, and since Brexit every parcel to the EU goes through customs.
• You sell on Amazon, Zalando, Kaufland or other EU marketplaces and need stock close to your customers.
• You are growing and can no longer ship orders yourself.

What changes for your packaging when your stock is in the EU

As soon as your goods are stored in the EU and sold from there, you are placing packaging on the EU market. This means:

1. Germany: LUCID registration and a packaging licence (contract with a dual system) – before the first sale. Without a LUCID number, marketplaces block your listings. A company without an establishment in Germany also needs an authorised representative.
2. Other EU countries: EPR registration in every country where you sell.
3. EU Declaration of Conformity for your packaging (PPWR, Art. 39) – since 12 August 2026, for each type of packaging, in the language of the country of sale.
4. Packaging labelling (Art. 15): manufacturer details and packaging identification.
5. VAT: stock in an EU country usually means a VAT registration in that country.

Checklist before you move to an EU warehouse

• ☐ Warehouse (3PL) chosen in the right country
• ☐ LUCID registration and dual system contract (Germany)
• ☐ Authorised representative, if you have no company in Germany
• ☐ EPR registration in the other countries of sale
• ☐ EU Declaration of Conformity for each type of packaging
• ☐ Label with the mandatory information on the packaging
• ☐ VAT registration in the warehouse country

How to find the right warehouse

Our partner SHIPMAX LTD is an independent logistics consultancy. You describe your requirements free of charge and receive a maximum of three vetted warehouses from a network across the UK, EU and US. SHIPMAX takes no commission from warehouses, so it recommends the ones that really fit you.

Find a warehouse with SHIPMAX →

How to get your packaging ready

– Declaration of Conformity: our generator – one simple form, a ready PDF in the language of any EU country
– Label with the mandatory information: free
– Authorised representative in Germany
– VAT in the warehouse country: our partner hellotax
– Questions about German packaging law: consultation

Note: This page is general information and does not replace legal or tax advice. Status: 21 October 2026.