Summary
Details
- Italy
The decree is legally binding for producers, importers, distributors, retailers and food service operators placing covered plastic products on the Italian market.
They must:
Cease placing banned SUP products on the market after applicable dates.
Ensure compliant design, labeling and recycled content where required.
Participate in EPR schemes for relevant plastic items and pay fees that support litter cleanup and waste management.
Exceptions:
Italy allows some derogations for certified biodegradable and compostable plastics in specific uses, especially where collection systems for organic waste are well developed.
Certain medical and specialised products remain exempt where no suitable alternatives exist.
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What’s Required
Legislative Decree 196/2021 transposes the EU Single Use Plastics Directive into Italian law. It seeks to prevent and reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics, especially in the marine environment.
The decree:
Bans or restricts certain single-use plastic products such as cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and some food and beverage containers.
Introduces consumption reduction measures and separate collection targets for plastic beverage bottles.
Sets requirements on product design, recycled content, and tethered caps for beverage containers.
Requires marking and consumer information for specific plastic products.
Encourages the use of biodegradable and compostable alternatives that meet national and EU standards.
Important Deadlines
The decree entered into force in January 2022.
Progressive bans and obligations are phased in during 2022–2025, including recycled content and design rules for beverage bottles.
Current Status
The decree is in force, but its implementation has been contentious. Italy has faced criticism and the risk of EU infringement for aspects of the transposition, particularly the scope of exemptions for biodegradable plastics. Market actors are progressively phasing out banned items and redesigning packaging to comply.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Penalties include administrative fines for placing banned products on the market, failure to comply with marking obligations, or non-respect of recycled content and design rules. Repeated or serious violations can lead to higher fines and product withdrawals.
Examples of Known Violations
Public commentary highlights enforcement disputes over non-compliant SUP products and the marketing of items that exploit grey areas around biodegradability claims. NGOs and media have reported retailers and food service outlets still supplying banned items in the early implementation period.
Resources
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