German border shops’ use of export declarations to avoid can deposit ruled illegal

The administrative court in Schleswig has ruled that German border shops cannot use export declarations to circumvent deposit obligations on cans, DR reports.

Until now, stores near the Danish border have asked customers to sign a declaration stating the goods would be exported, allowing them to avoid the German deposit system. The court found that practice illegal, according to the report.

Danish border shoppers interviewed by DR said they welcomed the ruling even if it may make shopping slightly more expensive. The Fleggaard chain said the ruling can still be appealed and likely will be.