The German regulation of 1998 imposes a re-use scheme on importers, obliging
them to ship empty packaging back to the country of origin. When bottled mineral
water is brought in over long distances this can mean a heavy cost burden for
importers.
GERMANY: EU challenges German “environmental” bottling laws
A German packaging regulation, covering imported bottled natural mineral water, is being challenged in the European Court of Justice by the European Commission. The German regulation of 1998 imposes a re-use scheme on importers, obliging them to ship empty packaging back to the country of origin. When bottled mineral water is brought in over long distances this can mean a heavy cost burden for importers.