Device for sterilizing packaging units in a filling and sealing plant comprises an ultraviolet high-pressure discharge lamp whose discharge arc is located in the axis of symmetry of a glass reflector that is transparent to infrared radiation and has a coating that reflects UV-C radiation. Independent claims are also included for: (1) sterilizing packaging units by directing UV-C radiation from a UV lamp with a selective UV-C reflector onto surfaces to be sterilized； (2) sterilizing packaging units by directing UV-C radiation from a UV lamp with a selective UV-C reflector onto the inside of a unilaterally open hollow body.
