Italy: PPWR Packaging EPR and Deposit Return

How Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR) applies in Italy: the national extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme, small-producer thresholds, eco-modulation, and deposit return system status. PPWR is directly applicable in Italy from August 12, 2026.

EPR scheme

CONAI coordinates 7 consortia: Corepla (plastic), Comieco (paper/board), Coreve (glass), Ricrea (steel), CiAl (aluminum), Rilegno (wood), Biorepack (compostable).

Small-producer threshold

Varies by consortium and material weight. Micro-importers: simplified filing available. Check conai.org.

Eco-modulation

Corepla 9-band plastic matrix (Band 1 = lowest rate/most recyclable; Band 9 = highest rate/least recyclable). Comieco 6 levels by non-paper content %.

Deposit return system

Watch points

Decree-Law No. 143/2026 (TRIS notification 2026/0167/IT): four single-use plastic formats must be certified compostable to EN 13432 to be sold in Italy, a duty in force since August 8, 2026, with fines from January 1, 2030; the conversion law, approved with amendments on September 30, 2026, is not yet published. From August 12, 2026 CONAI treats beverage capsules, pods and sachets as packaging under the PPWR definition, bringing them into CAC scope by material (certified compostable plastic at 45 EUR/t) [SIGNALED]. From October 1, 2026 aluminum capsules, pods and sachets carry a diversified CAC of 120 EUR/t (12 base plus 108 extra), per the published CONAI schedule read August 18, 2026 [LOCKED]. Alphanumeric material codes (PP 5, PET 1) required until the harmonized label applies (August 12, 2028, or 24 months after the Art. 12(6) or 12(7) implementing acts enter into force, whichever is the latest).

Indicative EPR fees (CONAI 2026)

All 27 member states