DPG Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH - Function of the DPG-System

The marking of compulsory-deposit one-way drinks packaging is a central element and basis of the functioning of the DPG-System.
Drinks manufacturers and importers that decide to participation in the DPG-System undertake to mark their compulsory-deposit on-way drinks packaging in keeping with the DPG specifications. This marking requirement consists essentially of two components:

the so-called "DPG Marking" with a special DPG ink and
an article number (GTIN) used exclusively for the German market.

The marking of one-way drinks packaging is accredited a decisive status within the DPG system, for which reason it must only be used in conformity with the specially authorized label printers and producers of beverage cans in certified locations.
Only these are permitted to make use of the DPG ink required for this purpose.

The marking of DPG packagings serves several purposes:

1. Marking as a deposit-requiring one-way drinks

packaging or drinks packagings that bear a DPG marking are thereby sufficiently identified as being "subject to a compulsory deposit in the sense of the Packaging Ordinance".

2. Deposit value of the packaging

The DPG marking on a drinks packaging shows the consumer that this can be returned to a corresponding collection point at which it is subject to refunding of a deposit on one-way drinks packagings.

3. Part of the DPG deposit scheme

Only companies participating in the DPG-System are entitled to make use of the DPG markings on their compulsory-deposit drinks packagings. These markings give both wholesalers and retailers, as well as consumers, the certainty that a deposit refunding and a deposit clearing will be undertaken via the DPG system for drinks packagings bearing these markings.

4. Protection against fraud

The DPG marking on labels or drink cans has special security characteristics that are appropriately checked during the automated collection procedure.

5. Explicit allocation to a deposit account administrator

All of the article numbers (GTIN) printed on DPG packagings are stored in the system database. Each DPG system participant can access this database and thereby clearly allocate each packaging to a corresponding, responsible deposit account administrator.

6. Identification of Packaging in the Reverse Vending Machines

At the time of return of DPG packagings via the retailers' Reverse Vending Machines or via the hand-in collection procedure and subsequent automatic recording in the large count centre each DPG packaging is checked for its security-relevant markings. Only DPG packagings that are fully recognized will be accorded a deposit settlement within the DPG-System.

The following label printers and producers of of beverage cans are authorized for the manufacture of labels and drink cans within the DPG-System:

How can drinks manufacturers and importers take part in the DPG-System and why should they want to?

Drinks manufacturers and importers that decide to take part in the DPG-System sign, to this end, a framework agreement; the so-called "Terms and Conditions of Participation in the DPG-System". The participants are then obliged to behave in accordance with the DPG deposit scheme regulations. Such observation of the regulations agreed to in the Terms and Conditions of Participation in the DPG deposit scheme ensures, for those companies participating, the following:

1. Observance, of the duties foreseen in the Packaging Ordinance for distributors of compulsory-deposit one-way drinks packaging

2. Realization of a quick and, where possible, non-bureaucratic settlement of deposit money for the one-way drinks packaging sold with deposit by the participants.

On what basic principle does the DPG Deposit Scheme function and what does participating mean to drinks manufacturers and importers?

The Terms and Conditions of Participation in the DPG deposit scheme are a so-called "Form Agreement" that all of the system participants sign. Depending on the role of the company in the economic cycle, the Terms and Conditions of Participation in the DPG deposit scheme are concluded for the various functions discharged. Specific rights and obligations are associated with the functions selected by the participant in the DPG deposit scheme.

DPG offers bottlers and importers of compulsory-deposit one-way drinks packagings the opportunity to conclude the Terms and Conditions of Participation in the DPG-System in the functions of a First Distributor / Deposit Account Administrator. These functions are associated with the following duties, amongst others:

" Before the sale of compulsory-deposit packagings:

1. Marking obligation
All compulsory-deposit drinks packagings must be furnished with a deposit marking, the so-called "DPG Marking" and an article number (GTIN) for exclusive use on the German market.
More detailed information in this connection can be found under (see 3.1.1.2 Markings)

2. Duty to make entry in the DPG database
The article numbers of compulsory-deposit drinks packagings must be entered in the central DPG system database at least 3 days before first-time distribution.
3. Duty to collect and administrate the deposit on one-way drinks packaging:
For each compulsory-deposit drinks packaging, a deposit sum of 25 cents plus value added tax must be charged to customers and administered until subsequent refunding

" After return of the emptied packagings to DPG collectors / refund claimants:

4. Timely check of deposit claims and in the order:

5. Complaint about faulty deposit claims or

6. ettlement of justified deposit claims
More detailed information in this connection can be found under (see 3.1.13, Processing of the Settlement of Deposits)

" as well as:

7. Duty to payment of the participation fees to DPG

Everyone distributing drinks in Germany must clarify whether "his/her/its" products are subject to a compulsory deposit on one-way drinks packaging in accordance with the enacted Packaging Ordinance. If the prerequisites for a compulsory deposit on one-way drinks packaging are fulfilled, the distributor of these products must satisfy the obligations foreseen by the Packaging Ordinance. These are essentially as follows:

Obligation to charge a deposit: for each one-way drinks packaging a deposit of at least 25 cents (including value added tax) must be charged.
Marking obligation: the packaging must be clearly identifiable as being subject to a compulsory deposit.
System-participation obligation: distributors must participate in a nation-wide depostit scheme.

The DPG offers companies required to satisfied these obligations, as distributors of compulsory-deposit one-way drinks packaging, an opportunity to participate in the function of the first distributor / deposit account administrator.

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