Indications in accordance with the new environmental labeling regulations are mandatory as of January 1, 2023
On September 28, 2022, the Ministerial order was published by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) regarding the adoption of guidelines on the labeling of packaging pursuant to Article 219 co.5 of Legislative Decree 152/2006, as amended.
The guidelines are an integral part of the decree as they provide practical support to operators in the application of environmental labeling regulations.
The technical standards apply to all production sectors except for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Environmental labeling changes based on its marketing, in fact:
- if marketed to the final consumer, environmental labeling requires the identification of packaging materials according to the coding given in Decision 129/97/EC and indications for separate collection. The required information can be made either on the label or communicated through digital channels such as: Apps, EAN codes, QR codes, websites;
- if marketed to the producing sector, on the other hand, environmental labeling involves only material identification. The required information can be either made on transport documents or external media or communicated through digital channels such as software or management software.
The guidelines give full freedom on the choice of communication channel as long as they are communicated clearly and are easy to interpret.
As a reminder, the technical guidance, according to Article 219 co.5, is mandatory from January 1, 2023. Operators will be able to dispose of all stocks of non-compliant packaging, including those stored abroad, already on the market or labeled before Dec. 31, 2022.
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