Country Guide

Italy EPR Guide: CONAI Packaging, WEEE & Environmental Labelling

Italy's packaging EPR runs through CONAI (Consorzio Nazionale Imballaggi) plus six material-specific consortia. The Contributo Ambientale CONAI (CAC) is paid per kg per material with eco-modulation. Environmental labelling has been mandatory since January 2023.

Last reviewed: June 18, 2026 · Version 1.0

Overview

Italy's EPR framework is governed by Legislative Decree 152/2006 (the Environmental Code) and subsequent amendments. Unlike Germany's competitive dual-system model, Italy operates a consortium system led by CONAI for packaging, with material-specific consortia underneath. WEEE goes through the national RAEE Register.

Packaging Authority

CONAI

Material Consortia

6 (COMIECO, COREPLA, etc.)

Fee Basis

Per kg per material (CAC)

CONAI & Material Consortia

CONAI coordinates the EPR system, but each material type has its own consortium that handles collection, sorting, and recycling:

  • COMIECO — Paper and cardboard
  • COREPLA — Plastic
  • RICREA — Steel
  • CIAL — Aluminium
  • RILEGNO — Wood
  • COREVE — Glass

Contributo Ambientale CONAI (CAC)

The CAC is a per-kg fee that varies by material. The 2026 rates are approximately:

MaterialCAC per kg (2026)
Paper / cardboard~€0.005
Plastic€0.15 – €0.29
Glass~€0.02
Aluminium~€0.01
Steel~€0.005
Wood~€0.005

Note: Plastic CAC rates are eco-modulated — recyclable packaging pays the lower rate, non-recyclable pays the higher rate.

Declaration Cadence by Threshold

How often you declare and pay depends on your prior-year CAC total:

CAC ≤ €3,000Annual

File by 20 January of the following year

CAC €3,001 – €31,000Quarterly

File by 20 April, 20 July, 20 October, 20 January

CAC > €31,000Monthly

File by the 20th of the following month

Non-EU companies must appoint an Italian authorised representative to fulfil EPR obligations.

Lead time: approximately 14 days.

Mandatory Environmental Labelling

Since 1 January 2023, all packaging placed on the Italian market must carry environmental labelling with:

  • Material identification code (per Decision 97/129/EC)
  • Sorting and disposal instructions in Italian
  • For multi-component packaging, each separable component must be labelled

The labelling can be applied to the packaging itself or, for very small items, communicated via digital channels (website, app). Amazon has begun requesting packaging-labelling proof from Italian sellers.

WEEE EPR — RAEE Register

WEEE producers must register with the national RAEE Register (Registro AEE). The system covers all electrical and electronic equipment categories. Lead time: approximately 30 days.

Key Deadlines

20 JanuaryAnnual CAC declaration (for producers with CAC ≤ €3,000)
OngoingEnvironmental labelling mandatory since 1 January 2023
Quarterly/MonthlyHigher-volume producers declare per the applicable cadence

Calculate your Italy EPR costs

Estimate your CONAI CAC contributions per material and track your declaration cadence with DutyScope.