Italy's decree on packaging enters into force today, introducing new compliance rules and penalties for companies that handle packaging and packaging waste.

The decree, reported by Il Sole 24 ORE, sets out the regulatory framework that Italian operators — including producers, importers and users of packaging — must now follow. Businesses that fail to meet the new obligations face the penalties provided for under the decree.

What does the decree cover?

The measure governs the requirements applied to packaging placed on the Italian market. It defines the duties that fall on companies across the packaging value chain, from manufacture and import through to end-of-life management.

For hospitality and food-service operators, packaging compliance directly affects procurement of takeaway containers, single-use items and delivery packaging, sectors that have faced successive regulatory tightening at both EU and national level in recent years.

Who is affected?

The rules apply to the businesses involved in producing, importing, distributing and using packaging in Italy. The decree consolidates the obligations these operators must observe and attaches penalties to non-compliance, giving the framework immediate practical force from its entry into force date.

Companies operating in Italy should verify that their packaging suppliers and internal procurement processes meet the new requirements, since liability for breaches now carries defined financial consequences.

What happens next?

Operators should expect enforcement activity to follow the decree's entry into force, with penalties applicable to those found in breach. Businesses across the Italian hospitality and retail sectors will need to review packaging sourcing and documentation to confirm compliance with the framework now in force.