If you export products to Italy, your packaging already falls under some of the strictest environmental-labeling rules in Europe. These rules cover every layer—primary, secondary and tertiary—across plastics, paper, glass, metals and composites, and have been mandatory since 2023.
Italy’s framework will coexist with the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that arrives in 2026, so exporters must be ready for a dual system. This guide sums up the current Italian requirements, the upcoming PPWR changes and a data-driven roadmap to stay compliant.
Reading time: ~12 min
1. Current Italy packaging labeling rules to 2028
2. B2C and B2B packaging requirements
3. How the PPWR affects Italy packaging labeling from 2026
4. Practical exporter checklist for 2026 compliance
5. Common pitfalls with Italy packaging labeling
6. FAQ on Italy packaging labeling for exporters
7. Moving forward with scalable packaging compliance
Italy’s requirements stem from Legislative Decree 152/2006, amended by Decree 116/2020. Since 2023, all packaging placed on the Italian market must display material composition and disposal guidance.
The national framework remains in force until at least August 2028, even after the EU PPWR begins on 12 August 2026. In scope are primary (e.g., bottles, pouches), secondary (e.g., multipacks, retail boxes) and tertiary packaging (e.g., pallets, shrink wrap). Materials include plastics and bioplastics, paper and cardboard, glass, metals such as steel or aluminium, and composite structures.
Material identification code —each component needs the alphanumeric code from Commission Decision 97/129/EC (for example, PAP 21 for cardboard or PET 1 for plastic bottles). If the plastic is not listed, codes from UNI 1043-1 or UNI 10667-1 apply.
Disposal and sorting instructions —consumer-facing packs must state, in Italian, how to dispose of each part (e.g., “Raccolta Carta” for paper, “Raccolta Plastica” for plastic). When space is tight, a QR code linking directly to Italian instructions is allowed.
Packs reaching the final consumer must carry a material code for every separable part and disposal guidance in Italian. Multi-material items (such as cardboard with a thin plastic layer) may default to the main material when the secondary material is under five percent by weight, so accurate component weights are essential.
Packs used only between businesses need at least the material code; disposal details can appear on accompanying documents or digital portals. Typical B2B items are pallets, pallet wrap, transport cartons and bulk ingredient containers.
Every packaging item must have a Declaration of Conformity confirming recyclability, limits on substances such as PFAS (≤250 ppb in food-contact packaging) and compliance with any PPWR format bans. Exporters remain responsible, even when suppliers provide the technical evidence.
Between 2026 and 2028, packs sold in Italy must keep the current Italian material codes and disposal text while simultaneously holding a valid EU Declaration of Conformity. There is no need to redesign labels solely for PPWR on day one; focus on future-proof layouts that can switch to the EU harmonized symbols once adopted.
The PPWR requires all EU packaging to be recyclable by 2030, sets minimum recycled-content targets for certain plastics and bans specific single-use formats. Early decisions on materials, inks, adhesives and closures will affect future compliance and cost.
1. Map every component of your primary, secondary and tertiary packaging, recording material, weight, colour and separability.
2. Assign Decision 97/129/EC codes, or UNI 1043-1 / 10667-1 when not listed, and store them in a central database.
3. Prepare or update disposal wording in Italian (“Raccolta Carta”, “Raccolta Plastica” etc.) and decide when to print versus use a QR code.
4. Register with CONAI and align extended-producer-responsibility data to the same material coding and weights, or manage filings through the Compliancr platform.
5. Build Declaration-of-Conformity templates; confirm recyclability and substance limits with suppliers, ready for August 2026.
6. Create multi-market artwork processes so the same data feeds Italian labels, French Triman symbols and other national formats.
Inconsistent treatment of multi-material items —guessing the five-percent rule without precise weights leads to coding errors.
Missing Italian instructions —icons or English text alone are insufficient; always add clear Italian wording.
Labeling vs. EPR reporting mismatch —material codes on pack must match what you report to CONAI.
Waiting for EU harmonization —delaying improvements until PPWR symbols are published can leave you non-compliant in Italy for years.
Yes. Each separable component must show its material code and, for consumer packaging, the relevant disposal guidance. Very small parts can reference shared information if clarity is maintained.
A QR code is acceptable when space is limited, provided it leads directly to Italian instructions without complex navigation. For larger packs, combine on-pack text with the code.
Yes. Shipping products to consumers in Italy counts as placing them on the Italian market, so the packaging must comply even for e-commerce sales.
Liability can be allocated by contract, but authorities look to the party that first places the packaged product on the Italian market. Align with distributors on artwork, coding and CONAI reporting, and retain documents proving compliance.
Italian labeling links material codes, disposal text and EPR reporting; the PPWR will add recyclability and Declaration-of-Conformity duties across Europe. Investing now in accurate data, solid processes and automation prepares you for Italy, Triman in France and future EU requirements. To see how an AI-first approach can help, explore AlgoREP.
