Minimum Compliance Checklist for Compostable Bag Imports
Table of Contents
Importing compostable bags is not just about choosing a sustainable material.
For importers and distributors, the real risk comes from non-compliance.
Wrong standards, unclear claims, missing documents, or poor acceptance can lead to rejected shipments, customer disputes, or regulatory issues.
This page provides a minimum compliance checklist for compostable bag imports, helping buyers confirm what must be checked before placing orders.
Quick Answer: What This Checklist Covers
This checklist focuses on the minimum checks required to reduce import risk:
- Correct compostable standard
- Valid certification and scope
- Clear and compliant claims
- Full product structure coverage
- Local acceptance rules
- Complete import documentation
If any step is skipped, compliance risk increases.
Step 1: Identify the Correct Compostable Standard
Different markets use different compostable standards.
Before importing, buyers must confirm which standard applies to their target market.
For example:
Europe uses industrial composting standards
The United States relies on ASTM-based systems
Australia uses council-specified composting standards
Understanding what makes a compostable bag compliant is the first step to selecting the correct standard.
Using the wrong standard is one of the most common reasons for failed imports.
Step 2: Verify Certification Validity and Scope
A certificate alone does not guarantee compliance.
Buyers should verify:
The issuing body
Certificate number and validity date
Certification scope
A common mistake is accepting a raw material certificate instead of a certificate that covers the finished bag.
The scope must clearly include the product being imported, not just the resin or film.
Step 3: Review Claims and Labeling Risks
Claims and labeling are high-risk areas.
Buyers should confirm that:
- Compostable claims match the certification
- Claims are clear and specific
- Labels avoid vague or unqualified terms
Unqualified biodegradable claims often create biodegradable vs compostable compliance risks, especially in regulated markets.
Avoid marketing language that cannot be supported by certification.
Step 4: Confirm Full Product Structure Coverage
Compostable bags usually contain more than one component.
Buyers should confirm compostability coverage for:
- Bag film
- Bottom or side seals
- Adhesives or sealing strips
- Printing inks and coatings
For compostable mailers, seals and adhesives are common compliance gaps.
The compostable claim should apply to the entire finished product, not only the base film.
Step 5: Check Local Acceptance Rules
Compliance does not guarantee acceptance.
Even certified compostable bags may be rejected if they do not align with local waste systems.
Acceptance is often determined by:
Councils
Waste contractors
Composting facilities
This is why buyers must understand are biodegradable bags accepted in organics bins and similar acceptance rules before importing.
Local acceptance rules always override supplier claims.
Step 6: Confirm Performance and Shelf Life
Compostable bags must perform well during use and storage.
Buyers should verify:
- Leak resistance
- Seal strength
- Thickness consistency
- Shelf life and storage conditions
Poor performance can cause complaints, contamination, or early failure, even when certification is valid.
Step 7: Collect Required Import Documents
Before importing compostable bags, buyers should request the following:
Compliance documents
- Compostability certificate
- Certificate scope pages
- Test reports (if available)
Product information
- Product specification sheet
- Approved labeling artwork
- Storage and shelf life guidelines
Quality and logistics
- Packing details
- Batch traceability method
- Quality control description
Missing documents increase the risk of customs delays and compliance disputes.
Common Compliance Mistakes Importers Make
Many importers face issues because they:
- Accept biodegradable claims instead of certified compostable proof
- Do not check certificate scope
- Ignore local acceptance rules
- Assume one standard works for all markets
- Skip shelf life and storage verification
Avoiding these mistakes reduces long-term sourcing risk.
Copy-Ready Minimum Compliance Checklist
You can copy and use this checklist when sourcing compostable bags:
Market & use
- Target market identified (EU / USA / AU)
- Application defined (liners / mailers / bags)
- Correct standard selected (YES / NO)
Certification
- Valid certificate provided (YES / NO)
- Issuing body verified (YES / NO)
- Scope covers finished product (YES / NO)
Claims
- Compostable claim verified (YES / NO)
- Biodegradable claims avoided or qualified (YES / NO)
Product structure
- Film covered (YES / NO)
- Seals / adhesives covered (YES / NO)
- Printing / coatings covered (YES / NO)
Performance
- Leak resistance confirmed (YES / NO)
- Shelf life provided (YES / NO)
Documents
- Test reports available (YES / NO)
- Spec sheet provided (YES / NO)
- Traceability explained (YES / NO)
Key Takeaways
- Compostable bag imports require more than certificates
- Correct standards must match the target market
- Certification scope must cover the finished product
- Claims and labeling are major risk areas
- Acceptance rules vary by waste system
- Complete documentation reduces compliance risk
Related Resources
Need Help Reviewing Import Compliance?
If you are importing compostable bags for regulated markets, confirm compliance before placing orders.
Request technical documents, arrange a factory review, or contact our team for market-specific compliance guidance.
This inquiry is for business buyers only. Retail requests are not supported.
