Italy: New law concerning e-waste and e-commerce platforms published

In 14 November, the Bill Converting into Law, with Modifications, Decree-Law No. 131 of 16 September 2024, Salva-infrazioni, was published in the Official Journal of Italy.

This legal instrument, concerning waste management legislation, introduces relevant articles for e-waste (Art. 14-bis) and e-commerce platforms (Art 14-ter).

E-waste

Article 14-bis introduces urgent measures to promote the recovery of critical raw materials from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in response to infringement procedures 2024/2142 and 2024/2097.

The modifications to Legislative Decree No. 49 of 14 March 2014 aim to simplify the collection and deposit of WEEE, efficiently use the eco-contribution, and raise awareness about proper waste management and recycling.

Key points include:

• Producer responsibility organisations (PROs) must design, implement and finance communication programmes to inform citizens about the importance of separate WEEE collection and its environmental and economic benefits. At least 3% of the previous year’s total revenue must be used for these programmes
• Distributors must offer free takeback of used equipment when supplying new electrical or electronic equipment (1:1) and ensure free collection of small WEEE from households without requiring a purchase (1:0), and
• Distributors, including those selling online, must clearly inform consumers about the free takeback services, and the absence of purchase obligations in the case of small household EEE

E-commerce

Article 14-ter introduces urgent provisions on extended producer responsibility (EPR) in the e-commerce sector.

It adds Article 178-quater to Legislative Decree No. 152 of 3 April 2006, detailing how producers using e-commerce platforms must fulfil their EPR obligations.

Key points include:

• EPR obligations: producers selling through e-commerce platforms must comply with EPR obligations, including joining PROs and paying environmental contributions
• Platform responsibilities: e-commerce platforms must offer services to help producers meet EPR requirements, governed by specific agreements
• Implementation timeline: platforms have at least 12 months to adjust their services to comply with these requirements, and
• Registration and reporting: a new section in the National Register of Producers will include e-commerce platform operators and producers using these platforms. PROs must report product data to the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security

Landbell Group’s Knowledge Database (KDB) already documents these changes. Find out more about the KDB here.

If your company needs support with EPR for WEEE in Italy, then please contact ERP Italia here.

It is not only about recycling processes and compliance, it is also about networking. ERP shares knowledge, insights, and news so that together we can promote the sustainable agenda.