Labelling Obligation in Italy: A Comprehensive Guide
Contents:
- The labelling obligation in the Italian law
- Why does the labelling obligation exist?
- Requirements for packaging labelling
- Conclusion
Each country implements the EU Packaging Directive differently. While Germany, for example, has the Packaging Act (VerpackG) with its specific obligations, other countries have chosen different approaches to transposing the Directive. This results in varying requirements from one country to another. In some European countries, such as France and Italy, there is – in addition to the obligation to license packaging – a country-specific labelling requirement. This article provides an overview of the labelling obligation in Italy, which is set out in the country’s packaging legislation.
The labelling obligation in the Italian law
The labelling obligation in Italy is based on Legislative Decree No. 116/2020. Since 1 January 2022, it has been mandatory for online retailers to label product, shipping, and transport packaging in Italy so that it can be sent for recycling. The regulations in Italy consist of both binding requirements and voluntary recommendations, and originate from the Italian Packaging Act.
The aim of these rules is to ensure that recyclable packaging arising from Italian end consumers can be easily distinguished from other types of packaging. This enables consumers to dispose of packaging correctly, thereby supporting the recycling process. At its core, the legislation reflects a commitment to enhanced resource conservation and a stronger circular economy. Italy is thus contributing to more sustainable practices and the responsible use of packaging materials.
Why does the labelling obligation exist?
Recyclable packaging arising from Italian end consumers should be easy for them to distinguish from other types of packaging. The goal is to ensure proper disposal so that it can be processed through the most effective recycling channels. The law therefore aims to strengthen resource conservation and improve the circular economy.
Requirements for packaging labelling
The labelling obligation has been in force since 1 January 2022. However, other existing labels that were printed before 1 January 2023 may continue to be used if the corresponding products were purchased for sale before 31 December 2022. For all products ordered after 31 December 2022, the new labelling requirements apply.
The rules for different types of packaging include specific provisions. The key requirement is that packaging must feature clear disposal instructions for consumers. In accordance with Directive 97/129/EC, the composition of packaging materials must be indicated using an alphanumeric code. Each component of the packaging must be marked with the relevant code and a clearly visible disposal instruction. Consumer information must also be provided in clear and simple Italian. In certain cases, the required information on composition and proper disposal may also be made available via QR codes or websites. This allows for a flexible and modern implementation of the labelling requirements.
To facilitate practical compliance with these regulations, the national packaging consortium CONAI has published a guide to the decree. You can find the implementation guide here for step-by-step instructions and further details on the obligations in Italy.
Summary of obligations:
- Packaging intended for private end consumers must bear a clearly visible disposal instruction for consumers.
- The composition of packaging materials must be indicated using an alphanumeric code in accordance with Directive 97/129/EC.
- The instructions must be written in clear and simple Italian.
- It is recommended that each material component is individually marked with its material code and disposal instruction.
- There are no specific design requirements for the visual presentation of the instructions, except that they must be in Italian.
- In certain cases, information on composition and proper disposal may also be provided via QR codes or websites.
Conclusion
The labelling obligation in Italy aims to increase recycling rates and thus conserve resources. It also makes it easier for consumers to separate packaging components correctly.
