+49 6196 5835357

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🇮🇹 EPR Compliance for WEEE in Italy |
Guide and Checklist 2026

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) – 7 Steps to Compliance + Step-by-Step Checklist

Anyone selling electrical or electronic equipment in Italy has a legal obligation: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires companies to take financial and organizational responsibility for the end-of-life phase of their products. The legal basis is Legislative Decree 49/2014, which transposes the EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU into national law and is enforced by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE).

What does this mean specifically for your company?

Here are the 7 most important steps – including a checklist to get started.

🇮🇹 EPR Compliance for WEEE in Italy |
Guide and Checklist 2026

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) – 7 Steps to Compliance + Step-by-Step Checklist

Anyone selling electrical or electronic equipment in Italy has a legal obligation: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires companies to take financial and organizational responsibility for the end-of-life phase of their products. The legal basis is Legislative Decree 49/2014, which transposes the EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU into national law and is enforced by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE).

What does this mean specifically for your company?

Here are the 7 most important steps – including a checklist to get started.

Who is considered a “producer” under the Italian WEEE regulations?

The definition in Italy is broad. Any company that places EEE (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) on the Italian market for the first time is considered a manufacturer – regardless of where the company is headquartered. Specifically, this applies to:

  • Domestic producers – those who manufacture or have manufactured AEE in Italy under their own name or brand
  • Resellers / rebranders – those who distribute devices from third parties under their own label, provided the original manufacturer’s brand does not appear on the product
  • Importers – those who commercially import AEE from abroad (EU or non-EU) into Italy
  • Distance selling – anyone who sells devices directly from abroad (EU or third countries) to Italian households or commercial users
  • Marketplace operators – according to current case law, platforms are vicariously liable if they fail to ensure that their third-party sellers have a valid WEEE registration number

Practical example: A German company operates an online store and delivers electrical appliances directly to Italian end customers → is considered a manufacturer under the WEEE Regulation → must appoint an authorized representative based in Italy → requires membership in a collective system → must register with the Registro Nazionale AEE and obtain an IT number → must display this number on all invoices → must provide marketplaces such as Amazon it to avoid account suspensions.

The 7 Key Steps to EPR Compliance in Italy

Step 1: Appoint an Authorized Representative (for foreign companies)

Foreign manufacturers not based in Italy who sell equipment directly to Italian customers are legally required to appoint an authorized representative based in Italy.

The authorized representative assumes full legal and financial responsibility toward the Italian government for all WEEE obligations of the foreign manufacturer.

Requirements for the authorized representative and the power of attorney:

  • A legal entity or natural person established in Italy
  • The power of attorney must be in writing and notarized – this is an important difference from Belgium, where a simple written power of attorney is sufficient
  • The authorized representative assumes all registration, reporting, and payment obligations toward MASE, the Registro Nazionale AEE, and the collective system

Step 2: Membership in a collective system (Sistema Collettivo)

Membership in a state-approved collective system is mandatory. Unlike in Belgium, there are several approved systems competing with one another in Italy – manufacturers are free to choose.

The physical management and coordination of collection is overseen by the Centro di Coordinamento RAEE (CdC RAEE) at www.cdcraee.it. It assigns collection contracts from municipalities to the producer systems and manages national WEEE data. Manufacturers must be indirectly registered with the CdC RAEE through their collective system.

Individual compliance: Legally permissible, but in practice hardly relevant for B2C manufacturers – the requirements for independent collection, recycling capacity, and record-keeping for MASE are extremely high.

Step 3: Mandatory registration with the National AEE Registry

Competent authority: Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), administered by the Chambers of Commerce (Unioncamere).

Registration platform: www.registroaee.it

Procedure:

  1. Join a collective system (Step 2)
  2. Submit an online application at www.registroaee.it, providing the tax ID number of the manufacturer or authorized representative
  3. Pay a small administrative fee and the stamp duty
  4. Receive a unique IT registration number

The IT registration number must then be displayed prominently: on all invoices and commercial documents, in terms and conditions, legal notices, marketplace profiles (Amazon.it, eBay.it, etc.), and on the website.

Step 4: Correctly classify WEEE categories

Italy uses a national classification system with five category groups:

CategoryDescriptionTypical appliances
1. Refrigeration and air conditioningRefrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps
2.Other large appliancesWashing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, ovens
3.TV & MonitorsTelevisions, monitors, display devices with a screen area >100 cm²
4.IT, Consumer Electronics & Small AppliancesSmall household appliances, IT equipment, consumer electronics, toys, lighting fixtures (excluding light bulbs)
5.Light bulbsLamps, fluorescent tubes, LED bulbs

Correct classification is crucial: It determines the contribution rate in the collective system as well as the collection logistics of the CdC RAEE.

Step 5: Calculate and pay financial contributions

WEEE Eco-Contribution (Contributo RAEE): A fee per device that covers the costs of collection, transport, and recycling. The calculation is based on weight (kg) or the number of units, depending on the category.

Reporting to the collective system: Sales figures are typically reported to the system on a quarterly basis, and the contribution amount is calculated based on these figures.

Step 6: Annual Quantity Report

The annual quantity report is mandatory and is submitted directly via the Registro Nazionale AEE (www.registroaee.it).

What must be reported?

  • Quantities of EEE placed on the market in Italy in the previous year
  • Broken down by weight and number of units
  • Separated by B2C (households) and B2B (commercial)
  • Classification into WEEE categories 1 through 5

Deadlines:

  • Annual report: Regular deadline April 30 of each year for the previous year
  • Quarterly interim report: To the collective system (for fee calculation), not to the national registry

Step 7: Comply with labeling requirements

The following labels are mandatory for all EEE placed on the Italian market:

  • WEEE symbol (crossed-out wheelie bin): Mandatory – must be permanently and clearly visible on the device or, if space is limited, on the packaging
  • Manufacturer identification: Name of the manufacturer and date of placing on the market
  • IT registration number: Must appear on all commercial documents and invoices

Who is considered a “producer” under the Italian WEEE regulations?

The definition in Italy is broad. Any company that places EEE (Electrical and Electronic Equipment) on the Italian market for the first time is considered a manufacturer – regardless of where the company is headquartered. Specifically, this applies to:

  • Domestic producers – those who manufacture or have manufactured AEE in Italy under their own name or brand
  • Resellers / rebranders – those who distribute devices from third parties under their own label, provided the original manufacturer’s brand does not appear on the product
  • Importers – those who commercially import AEE from abroad (EU or non-EU) into Italy
  • Distance selling – anyone who sells devices directly from abroad (EU or third countries) to Italian households or commercial users
  • Marketplace operators – according to current case law, platforms are vicariously liable if they fail to ensure that their third-party sellers have a valid WEEE registration number

Practical example: A German company operates an online store and delivers electrical appliances directly to Italian end customers → is considered a manufacturer under the WEEE Regulation → must appoint an authorized representative based in Italy → requires membership in a collective system → must register with the Registro Nazionale AEE and obtain an IT number → must display this number on all invoices → must provide marketplaces such as Amazon it to avoid account suspensions.

The 7 Key Steps to EPR Compliance in Italy

Step 1: Appoint an Authorized Representative (for foreign companies)

Foreign manufacturers not based in Italy who sell equipment directly to Italian customers are legally required to appoint an authorized representative based in Italy.

The authorized representative assumes full legal and financial responsibility toward the Italian government for all WEEE obligations of the foreign manufacturer.

Requirements for the authorized representative and the power of attorney:

  • A legal entity or natural person established in Italy
  • The power of attorney must be in writing and notarized – this is an important difference from Belgium, where a simple written power of attorney is sufficient
  • The authorized representative assumes all registration, reporting, and payment obligations toward MASE, the Registro Nazionale AEE, and the collective system

Step 2: Membership in a collective system (Sistema Collettivo)

Membership in a state-approved collective system is mandatory. Unlike in Belgium, there are several approved systems competing with one another in Italy – manufacturers are free to choose.

The physical management and coordination of collection is overseen by the Centro di Coordinamento RAEE (CdC RAEE) at www.cdcraee.it. It assigns collection contracts from municipalities to the producer systems and manages national WEEE data. Manufacturers must be indirectly registered with the CdC RAEE through their collective system.

Individual compliance: Legally permissible, but in practice hardly relevant for B2C manufacturers – the requirements for independent collection, recycling capacity, and record-keeping for MASE are extremely high.

Step 3: Mandatory registration with the National AEE Registry

Competent authority: Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), administered by the Chambers of Commerce (Unioncamere).

Registration platform: www.registroaee.it

Procedure:

  1. Join a collective system (Step 2)
  2. Submit an online application at www.registroaee.it, providing the tax ID number of the manufacturer or authorized representative
  3. Pay a small administrative fee and the stamp duty
  4. Receive a unique IT registration number

The IT registration number must then be displayed prominently: on all invoices and commercial documents, in terms and conditions, legal notices, marketplace profiles (Amazon.it, eBay.it, etc.), and on the website.

Step 4: Correctly classify WEEE categories

Italy uses a national classification system with five category groups:

Category

  1. Refrigeration and air conditioning: Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, heat pumps
  2. Other large appliances: Washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, ovens
  3. TV & Monitors: Televisions, monitors, display devices with a screen area >100 cm²
  4. IT, Consumer Electronics & Small Appliances: Small household appliances, IT equipment, consumer electronics, toys, lighting fixtures (excluding light bulbs)
  5. Light bulbs: Lamps, fluorescent tubes, LED bulbs

Correct classification is crucial: It determines the contribution rate in the collective system as well as the collection logistics of the CdC RAEE.

Step 5: Calculate and pay financial contributions

WEEE Eco-Contribution (Contributo RAEE): A fee per device that covers the costs of collection, transport, and recycling. The calculation is based on weight (kg) or the number of units, depending on the category.

Reporting to the collective system: Sales figures are typically reported to the system on a quarterly basis, and the contribution amount is calculated based on these figures.

Step 6: Annual Quantity Report

The annual quantity report is mandatory and is submitted directly via the Registro Nazionale AEE (www.registroaee.it).

What must be reported?

  • Quantities of EEE placed on the market in Italy in the previous year
  • Broken down by weight and number of units
  • Separated by B2C (households) and B2B (commercial)
  • Classification into WEEE categories 1 through 5

Deadlines:

  • Annual report: Regular deadline April 30 of each year for the previous year
  • Quarterly interim report: To the collective system (for fee calculation), not to the national registry

Step 7: Comply with labeling requirements

The following labels are mandatory for all EEE placed on the Italian market:

  • WEEE symbol (crossed-out wheelie bin): Mandatory – must be permanently and clearly visible on the device or, if space is limited, on the packaging
  • Manufacturer identification: Name of the manufacturer and date of placing on the market
  • IT registration number: Must appear on all commercial documents and invoices

Step-by-Step Checklist

(a) Companies based in Italy

1. Classify WEEE into the correct WEEE categories

2. Enter into a membership agreement with an authorized collective system

3. Complete registration in the National WEEE Register

4. Include the IT registration number on all invoices and commercial documents

5. Include the IT registration number in the terms and conditions, legal notice, and website

6. Set up quarterly sales reporting to the collective system

7. Submit annual volume reporting by April 30 via the Registro portal

8. Verify the WEEE symbol and manufacturer information on all products

(b) Companies from other EU countries

1. Check the distribution channel: Are direct sales made to Italian customers (B2C or B2B)? If yes → proceed to step 2

2. Appoint an authorized representative based in Italy – have a notarized power of attorney drawn up

3. The authorized representative joins a collective system on behalf of the foreign manufacturer

4. The authorized representative completes registration in the Registro Nazionale AEE and receives an IT registration number

5. Provide the IT registration number to all Italian marketplaces and trading partners (Amazon.it, eBay.it, etc.)

6. Regularly report sales figures to the authorized representative for fee processing

7. Ensure the WEEE symbol and manufacturer information are displayed on all products

(c) Companies from third countries (outside the EU)

1. Check the supply chain: Delivery to an Italian importer → this importer is legally considered the manufacturer; submit all data on quantity, weight, and category in a timely manner

2. Direct shipping to Italian end consumers (without an Italian intermediary) → all steps in (b) must be handled through an authorized representative based in Italy

3. Provide the IT registration number to all Italian marketplaces

4. Ensure regular volume reporting to the authorized representative

Step-by-Step Checklist

(a) Companies based in Italy

1. Classify WEEE into the correct WEEE categories

2. Enter into a membership agreement with an authorized collective system

3. Complete registration in the National WEEE Register

4. Include the IT registration number on all invoices and commercial documents

5. Include the IT registration number in the terms and conditions, legal notice, and website

6. Set up quarterly sales reporting to the collective system

7. Submit annual volume reporting by April 30 via the Registro portal

8. Verify the WEEE symbol and manufacturer information on all products

(b) Companies from other EU countries

1. Check the distribution channel: Are direct sales made to Italian customers (B2C or B2B)? If yes → proceed to step 2

2. Appoint an authorized representative based in Italy – have a notarized power of attorney drawn up

3. The authorized representative joins a collective system on behalf of the foreign manufacturer

4. The authorized representative completes registration in the Registro Nazionale AEE and receives an IT registration number

5. Provide the IT registration number to all Italian marketplaces and trading partners (Amazon.it, eBay.it, etc.)

6. Regularly report sales figures to the authorized representative for fee processing

7. Ensure the WEEE symbol and manufacturer information are displayed on all products

(c) Companies from third countries (outside the EU)

1. Check the supply chain: Delivery to an Italian importer → this importer is legally considered the manufacturer; submit all data on quantity, weight, and category in a timely manner

2. Direct shipping to Italian end consumers (without an Italian intermediary) → all steps in (b) must be handled through an authorized representative based in Italy

3. Provide the IT registration number to all Italian marketplaces

4. Ensure regular volume reporting to the authorized representative

Are you planning to sell your products in Italy?

We’ll help you ensure compliance with Italy’s WEEE EPR regulations so you can get started with legal certainty.

Are you planning to sell your products in Italy?

We’ll help you ensure compliance with Italy’s WEEE EPR regulations so you can get started with legal certainty.

Contact

We look forward to your message!

info@ecopv-eu.com

+49 6196 5835357

Frankfurter Str. 70-72
65760 Eschborn

Contact

We look forward to your message!

info@ecopv-eu.com

+49 6196 5835357

Frankfurter Str. 70-72
65760 Eschborn