German Pfand: Deposit Fees on Bottles and Cans Under the VerpackG
A reference for Germany's Pfandpflicht deposit-return system. Covers Einweg (single-use) and Mehrweg (reusable) container deposit amounts and the beverages they apply to.
This is a regulated fee — required or governed by law in the jurisdictions below.
Overview
Germany's Pfandpflicht requires retailers to charge a refundable deposit on most beverage containers sold in the country. The system distinguishes between Einweg (single-use) containers, which carry a flat €0.25 deposit, and Mehrweg (reusable) containers, which carry variable deposits typically ranging from €0.08 to €0.15. The deposit is refunded when containers are returned via Pfandautomaten (reverse vending machines) or at the point of sale.
Fee schedule by jurisdiction
4 jurisdictions with active fee requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Germany (Einweg / single-use) | €0.25 per container |
| Germany (Mehrweg / reusable beer bottles) | €0.08 per bottle |
| Germany (Mehrweg / reusable water and soft drink bottles) | €0.15 per bottle |
| Germany (Mehrweg / reusable crates) | €1.50 per crate |
Germany (Einweg / single-use)
€0.25 per container
Single-use plastic bottles, cans, and glass bottles for water, soft drinks, beer, mixed drinks, and energy drinks
Since January 2024, also applies to milk-based beverages in single-use containers
Germany (Mehrweg / reusable beer bottles)
€0.08 per bottle
Reusable beer bottles (standard Euro/NRW shapes)
Germany (Mehrweg / reusable water and soft drink bottles)
€0.15 per bottle
Reusable PET and glass bottles for water, juice, and soft drinks
Germany (Mehrweg / reusable crates)
€1.50 per crate
Standard beer or water crates (Kasten)
Deposit covers the crate itself; individual bottle deposits apply separately
Enforcement
Retailers who fail to charge Pfand or refuse to accept returns face regulatory action from the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR) and potential fines under the Verpackungsgesetz.
Official sources
Related guides
Step-by-step guides for charging german pfand (deposit-return system) on Shopify.
How to Charge Pfand Fees on Shopify (Germany Edition)
Learn how to charge Pfand bottle deposit fees on Shopify, comply with Germany’s Packaging Act, and make reporting fees easier with an app.
How to charge Pfand bottle deposit fees with Magical Fees
To add a Pfand bottle deposit fee, create a fixed fee for the bottles or containers you sell. Follow these steps:In your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Apps and open Magical Product Fees.
Shopify compliance
This is a mandatory fee — merchants selling in covered jurisdictions are legally required to collect it. Shopify requires that mandatory fees be clearly disclosed to customers before checkout. Use a Shopify app like Magical Fees to automate collection and ensure compliance.
This information is maintained by the Magical Apps team and reviewed annually. Always consult official government sources for the most current requirements.
Quick facts
- Regulation
- Pfandpflicht (Verpackungsgesetz / VerpackG)
- Country
- Germany
- Jurisdictions
- 4
- Category
- Container Deposits
Explore German Pfand (Deposit-Return System) in practice
See how to automate this fee on Shopify and browse other regulations in this category.
Related use cases
Set up with Magical Fees on Shopify.
More container deposits
Other regulations in this category.
Australian Container Deposit Schemes
Reference for Australia's container deposit schemes (CDS) operating in all states and territories with a uniform 10-cent refund per eligible beverage container.
View fee schedule →CanadaCanadian Provincial Container Deposit Programs
Reference for Canadian provincial container deposit-return programs covering refundable deposits on bottles, cans, and other beverage containers across all provinces with active programs.
View fee schedule →European UnionEU Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) Rollout
Reference for deposit return schemes (DRS) across the European Union. Multiple member states have launched or are launching DRS under the Single Use Plastics Directive; rates and scope vary by country.
View fee schedule →HungaryHungary Deposit Return Scheme (MOHU)
Reference for Hungary's national deposit return scheme operated by MOHU, requiring a refundable 50 HUF deposit on single-use glass, plastic, and aluminum beverage containers.
View fee schedule →IrelandIreland Deposit Return Scheme (Re-Turn)
Reference for Ireland's national deposit return scheme (Re-Turn), requiring refundable deposits of 15–25 cents on PET plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans sold in Ireland.
View fee schedule →NetherlandsNetherlands Statiegeld (Deposit-Return System)
Reference for the Netherlands' Statiegeld deposit-return system requiring refundable deposits of €0.15–€0.25 on plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
View fee schedule →Ready to get started?
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