The EU PPWR's restrictions on certain single-use plastic packaging do not take effect until 2030, but Italy has moved ahead. On October 7, 2026, Italy's Law No. 173 entered into force, requiring specified single-use plastic packaging to hold EN 13432 compostability certification for legal circulation. Italy is the first EU member state to convert compostability requirements into a market access condition.
Scope: Single-use plastic packaging for pre-packaged fresh produce under 1.5 kg, on-premises food and beverage containers (excluding takeaway), single-portion condiments, and hotel toiletries. (Strawberries, grapes, and tomatoes are temporarily excluded.)
Penalties and Enforcement: Fines range from €2,500 to €25,000, enforceable from January 1, 2030. However, the access condition has already changed: regulated packaging placed on the Italian market from October 2026 must hold compliant certification.
Purchaser Exemption: Buyers who can demonstrate they purchased based on supplier compliance documentation, without knowledge of non-compliance, are exempt from penalties. This means EN 13432 certificates have become essential documents for supply chain transfer.
What Does EN 13432 Test? Under industrial composting conditions (55–60°C): at least 90% organic carbon conversion to CO₂ within 180 days; disintegration residue not exceeding 10% of original dry weight after 12 weeks; ecotoxicity and heavy metals compliance.
Certification Pathways: OK compost INDUSTRIAL aligns with EN 13432 technical requirements and can serve as compliance evidence; OK compost HOME targets home composting and cannot replace EN 13432. For regulated products exported to Italy, EN 13432 is the baseline.
Watch for the European Commission's PPWR Article 25(6) guidance due February 2027, which will signal whether excluded fresh produce categories are re-included.
Starpack holds EN 13432 and OK Compost INDUSTRIAL certifications, providing compliant support for regulated products entering the Italian market.
