Common Compliance Mistakes When Importing Compostable Nappy Bags
Table of Contents
Compostable nappy bags are often seen as simple, low-risk eco products.
In reality, they are high-risk from a compliance perspective, especially when imported and sold across different markets.
This page explains the most common compostable nappy bags compliance mistakes made by brands and importers, and how to avoid certification, labeling, and claim risks before they become costly problems.
Before reviewing these mistakes, it is important to clearly understand what compostable nappy bags are and how compostability is defined in regulations.
Why Compostable Nappy Bags Are High-Risk for Import Compliance
Compared with standard packaging, compostable nappy bags involve:
Environmental and sustainability claims
Third-party certifications
Disposal and waste system guidance
Because nappy bags are used for hygiene and wet waste, regulators, councils, and retailers tend to apply closer scrutiny.
Most compliance issues do not come from product quality, but from misused claims, incorrect labels, or unverified documentation.
Mistake 1: Assuming “Compostable” Means the Same in Every Market
One of the most common mistakes is treating compostability as a global concept.
In reality:
Australia, the EU, and the US use different compostability standards
Certification in one market does not automatically apply in another
Logos and claims are market-specific
Many importers make this mistake when using the same packaging artwork across regions.
Compostable requirements vary by region, as explained in Can One Compostable Nappy Bag Meet AU, EU, and US Standards?
Mistake 2: Using Certification Logos Outside Their Approved Scope
Certification logos are not open-ended approvals.
Each certification is issued for:
A specific product type
A defined thickness range
Approved materials and structures
Common compliance failures include:
Using one certificate across multiple SKUs
Printing logos on products outside the approved thickness range
Continuing to use logos after specification changes
Always verify the approved scope in compostable nappy bags certification before printing packaging or shipping goods.
Mistake 3: Confusing Home Compostable With Industrial Compostable
Home compostable and industrial compostable claims are not interchangeable.
Typical errors include:
Marketing industrial compostable nappy bags as home compostable
Assuming one certification covers both environments
These mistakes often lead to incorrect disposal guidance and misleading claims.
Home compostable claims require separate standards, as explained in home compostable nappy bags.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Thickness and Structure Changes After Certification
Compostable certification is tied to exact product specifications.
Changes in:
Film thickness
Bag size
Sealing or bottom structure
may invalidate an existing certification.
This is one of the most overlooked compliance risks in private label programs.
Specification control is critical, especially for compostable nappy bags thickness, which affects both performance and certification scope.
Mistake 5: Making Unqualified or Absolute Compostability Claims
Statements such as:
“Breaks down anywhere”
“Fully compostable in all environments”
“Landfill biodegradable”
are high-risk and often non-compliant.
Compostable products are designed to break down only under composting conditions.
As explained in Do Compostable Nappy Bags Break Down in Landfill?, landfill is not a composting environment, and claims should never suggest otherwise.
Mistake 6: Providing Incorrect Disposal Instructions
Disposal guidance is a frequent source of compliance failure.
Common issues include:
Advising disposal in FOGO or green bins without confirmation
Failing to distinguish home composting from council composting
Omitting disposal limitations altogether
Disposal instructions must always align with the product’s certification scope and local waste system rules.
Mistake 7: Failing to Verify Certification Documents and Validity
Many importers rely on logos or marketing claims without checking the actual documents.
Before importing or selling compostable nappy bags, buyers should verify:
Certificate number and issuing body
Product name and specification match
Approved scope and thickness range
Certificate validity period
Using outdated or incorrect documents can result in non-compliant claims, even if the product itself is technically compostable.
How to Reduce Compliance Risk When Importing Compostable Nappy Bags
To reduce compliance risk, brands and importers should:
Treat compostable claims as regulated statements, not marketing slogans
Use market-specific packaging and labeling
Re-check certification scope after any specification change
Conduct a final compliance review before packaging print and shipment
Working with an experienced compostable nappy bags manufacturer helps ensure consistent specifications, proper documentation, and long-term compliance support.
Key Takeaways
- Compostable nappy bags are high-risk products from a compliance perspective
- Certifications are market-specific and scope-specific
- Thickness, structure, and claims all affect compliance
- Most failures come from assumptions, not materials
- Clear, condition-based communication is the safest approach
FAQ
Because they involve environmental claims, certifications, and disposal instructions that vary by market and must be verified.
No. Certifications are issued for specific markets and cannot be reused globally.
Yes. Changes in thickness or structure may fall outside the approved certification scope.
No. They refer to different composting environments and standards.
By verifying certification documents, controlling specifications, and using condition-based claims.
