Italy Notifies Draft Rules on Compostable Single-Use Plastic Packaging

Italy has submitted a WTO TBT notification (G/TBT/N/ITA/39) for a proposed technical regulation introducing biodegradability and compostability requirements for certain single-use plastic packaging. The draft amends Legislative Decree No. 152 of 3 April 2006 and is grounded in Article 9(2)(b) of the PPWR (Regulation (EU) 2025/40), which permits Member States to require compostability for specific packaging types. The measure applies to plastic packaging articles covered by HS code 3923, including stoppers, lids, caps, and other closures.
The regulation would effectively create a national exemption from the PPWR's general recyclability requirement: single-use plastic packaging meeting certified biodegradability and compostability standards would be permitted on the Italian market as an environmentally sound alternative to conventional recyclable plastics. The draft also introduces specific administrative penalties for non-compliance and references obligations under food contact materials legislation and applicable waste management provisions. Exemptions in line with PPWR Annex V, point 2, and Article 25(4) would also be regulated. Dates for adoption and entry into force have not yet been determined.
Stakeholders wishing to comment may do so until May 31, 2026. This notification is relevant for any company placing single-use plastic packaging on the Italian market or supplying such products to Italian customers, particularly in the food contact and consumer goods sectors.
Source: WTO TBT Notification G/TBT/N/ITA/39 — ePing Platform and Full Proposal Text (Italian)