Italy Packaging EPR Requirements: Complete Guide for 2026
If you sell packaged products in Italy, you must comply with Italy’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. This guide explains who must register, how the CONAI system works, what steps are required, and how packaging EPR differs from product safety rules such as GPSR.
What is packaging EPR in Italy?
Packaging EPR is an environmental compliance system where companies that place packaging on the Italian market must finance recycling and waste management. The system is based on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and implemented in Italy through the national CONAI system.
Italy operates a single national packaging EPR system managed by CONAI (Consorzio Nazionale Imballaggi). Companies placing packaged goods on the Italian market must register and pay environmental contributions based on packaging materials and weight.
Who must register for packaging EPR in Italy?
The obligated company is usually the first company placing packaged goods on the Italian market. This can be:
Brand owner selling in Italy
Importer placing packaged goods into Italy
Italian distributor importing goods
E-commerce seller shipping directly to Italian consumers
If you are a non-EU company selling into Italy, you should also review how to sell to the EU and whether you need to appoint an EU Responsible Person.
How the CONAI system works
The Italian packaging EPR system is managed by CONAI together with material-specific recycling consortia:
Paper – COMIECO
Plastic – COREPLA
Glass – COREVE
Steel – RICREA
Aluminium – CIAL
Wood – RILEGNO
Companies register with CONAI and report packaging volumes by material. Environmental fees are then paid based on the packaging material and recyclability. Plastic packaging fees are eco-modulated depending on recyclability.
Italy packaging EPR registration: step-by-step
Step 1 – Register with CONAI
You must join CONAI before selling packaged products in Italy.
Step 2 – Declare packaging volumes
You must report packaging placed on the market by material and weight.
Step 3 – Pay environmental contributions
Fees depend on material type and recyclability.
Step 4 – Apply environmental labelling
Italy requires environmental labelling on packaging indicating material and recycling instructions.
Italy packaging labelling requirements
Italy requires environmental labelling on packaging. The label must indicate the packaging material and provide recycling instructions for consumers. Official guidance is available from the Italian Ministry and CONAI.
Note that packaging labelling is separate from product safety labelling required under GPSR. For product safety labelling, see GPSR labelling requirements.
Packaging EPR vs GPSR: do not confuse them
Many companies confuse packaging EPR with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), but they are completely different.
Packaging EPR is about environmental recycling and waste financing.
GPSR is about product safety, technical documentation, traceability, and risk analysis.
To understand GPSR requirements, see:
GPSR risk analysis
GPSR technical file
EU Safety Gate registration
GPSR penalties and recalls
Minimum compliance checklist for Italy packaging EPR
If you sell packaged products to Italy, you must:
Register with CONAI
Declare packaging volumes
Pay environmental fees
Add Italian recycling labelling
Selling products in the EU: other compliance you may need
Packaging EPR is only one part of EU compliance. Depending on your product, you may also need:
GPSR compliance
WEEE registration
Battery registration
REACH / RoHS chemical compliance
EU Responsible Person
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for packaging EPR in Italy?
Yes. If you are the first company placing packaged goods on the Italian market, you must register with CONAI and declare your packaging volumes. This applies to Italian companies, EU sellers, and non-EU companies selling directly to Italian customers.
What is CONAI?
CONAI (Consorzio Nazionale Imballaggi) is the national packaging EPR organization in Italy. Companies placing packaging on the Italian market must join CONAI and pay environmental contributions that finance recycling and waste management.
Does packaging EPR apply to e-commerce sellers?
Yes. If you sell products online and ship packaged goods to customers in Italy, you are usually considered the producer for packaging EPR and must register with CONAI and report packaging volumes.
Do I need an Italian company to register for CONAI?
No. Foreign companies can register for packaging EPR in Italy, but the obligations depend on your supply chain and who imports the goods into Italy.
What packaging is covered by Italian EPR?
All packaging placed on the Italian market is covered, including product packaging, shipping boxes, filler material, labels, tape, and pallets.
Do I need to label packaging in Italy?
Yes. Italy requires environmental labelling indicating packaging material and recycling instructions for consumers.
Is packaging EPR the same as GPSR?
No. Packaging EPR is an environmental regulation related to recycling and waste management. GPSR is a product safety regulation that covers product safety, technical documentation, traceability, and labeling.
What happens if I don’t comply with Italy packaging EPR?
If you do not comply, you may receive compliance requests from authorities, fines, or marketplaces may suspend your listings until you provide proof of EPR registration.
Do small companies need packaging EPR in Italy?
Yes. Unlike some other EU countries, packaging EPR obligations generally apply regardless of company size if you place packaging on the Italian market.
Do I need packaging EPR in other EU countries too?
Yes. Packaging EPR is national, so if you sell to Germany, France, Spain, or other EU countries, you must register separately in each country.
Need help with Italy packaging EPR or EU compliance?
Helpful guides:
EU compliance guide for consumer products
WEEE registration guide
REACH and RoHS compliance
EU product launch checklist
You can see what we offer, check the FAQ, or contact us.