Italy Converts Compostable-Packaging Decree Into Law With Scope Changes

Update, 20 October 2026. Italy has completed conversion of the decree originally reported at Senate stage.

Italy converted Decree-Law No. 143/2026 into law with amendments through Law No. 173 of 5 October 2026. The conversion law was published on 6 October and took effect on 7 October. The underlying decree had applied since 8 August.

The final conversion annex amends the specified packaging requirements in Legislative Decree 152/2006. The Senate approved the amendments on 23 September, and the Chamber approved conversion on 1 October.

Packaging Scope And Qualifications

Article 226-quinquies requires specified packaging first made available on the Italian market to be certified biodegradable and compostable under UNI EN 13432 or an equivalent recognised European standard.

The categories concern single-use plastic packs for less than 1.5 kilograms of prepacked fresh fruit and vegetables; single-use plastic food-and-drink packaging filled and consumed in hotels, restaurants and catering premises; single-use plastic individual condiment portions in that sector; and flexible single-use cosmetic and hygiene packs for one hotel booking.

Exceptions include condiment packs supplied with ready-to-eat takeaway food and packs needed for hygiene or safety in facilities providing individual medical care. Covered hotel cosmetic and hygiene packs are subject to the condition that the contained product is itself certified biodegradable and compostable and compatible with composting.

The final text temporarily suspends the national obligation for a specified list of fresh produce, herbs, mushrooms and ready-to-eat produce, pending implementation of the Commission guidelines referred to in Article 25(6) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40. This is a listed exception, rather than an exemption for all fresh produce.

Penalties And Supplier Documentation

Administrative penalties apply from 1 January 2030. The fine does not apply where an operator demonstrates acquisition on suitable supplier conformity documentation, unless the operator knew of the non-conformity or it was evident. This concerns the fine and does not authorise non-compliant packaging.