Business opportunities in Italy - Ice
Business opportunities in Italy - Ice
Business opportunities in Italy - Ice
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<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong><br />
<strong>opportunities</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong><br />
Handbook for Thai SME’s Entrepreneurs<br />
Edit by Italian Trade Commission (ICE Bangkok)<br />
Curator Edoardo Magg<strong>in</strong>i<br />
1
BUSINESS ITALIA<br />
More than just art, culture, style, gastronomy, climate and nature: follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
recent reforms <strong>Italy</strong> offers new <strong>opportunities</strong> for bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>vestments,<br />
production and profits.<br />
<strong>Italy</strong> is already well known for its important lively economy, ranked seventh <strong>in</strong><br />
the world accord<strong>in</strong>g to production value.<br />
It is a member state of the European Union and part of the Euro zone. With<strong>in</strong><br />
this framework, three fundamental components of economic legislation have<br />
been revolutionized: the tax system, company law and labor legislation.<br />
These changes seek to establish regulations <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with those of other<br />
advanced economies, <strong>in</strong> order to make the Italian System more attractive to<br />
economic operators and more competitive <strong>in</strong>ternationally.<br />
2
INDEX<br />
ITALY: OUTLOOK<br />
I. Country Profile<br />
II. Political system and adm<strong>in</strong>istrative divisions<br />
III. Legal System<br />
IV. Reforms<br />
V. Local Taxation<br />
VI. The Regional Council for Local Authorities<br />
VII. Participation of local government representatives <strong>in</strong> parliament<br />
VIII. Italian Districts<br />
EXPORT AND TRADE<br />
I. Trade Regulations and Standards<br />
I.I Import Tariffs<br />
I.II Imported requirements and documentation<br />
I.III Prohibited and restricted imports<br />
I.IV Customs regulations and contact <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
I.V Label<strong>in</strong>g and mark<strong>in</strong>g requirements<br />
I.VI Standard Trade agreement<br />
II. <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Opportunity <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong><br />
III. Italian Trade Fair<br />
INVEST IN ITALY<br />
I. New bus<strong>in</strong>ess environment<br />
II. <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Solutions<br />
III. Representative Office and Branch<br />
III.I Branch Office<br />
IV. Types of companies<br />
IV.I Jo<strong>in</strong>t Stock Options (Societa’ per Azioni –S.p.A.)<br />
IV.II Limited Liability Company (Societa’ a Resposnabilita’ Limitata-S.r.l.)<br />
IV.III Other types of company<br />
V. Groups of Companies<br />
VI. Litigation – Corporate proceed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
VII. Bankruptcy<br />
VIII. Intellectual and Property Right<br />
IX. Incentives<br />
LIVING AND WORKING IN ITALY<br />
USEFUL LINK AND CONTACTS<br />
3
ITALY: OUTLOOK<br />
I. COUNTRY PROFILE<br />
4
Country name: conventional long form: Italian Republic<br />
conventional short form: <strong>Italy</strong><br />
local long form: Repubblica Italiana<br />
Government<br />
type: republic<br />
Capital: name: Rome<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />
divisions: 15 regions (regioni, s<strong>in</strong>gular - regione) and 5 autonomous regions*<br />
(regioni autonome, s<strong>in</strong>gular - regione autonoma); Abruzzo, Basilicata,<br />
Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia*, Lazio<br />
(Latium), Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte (Piedmont),<br />
Puglia (Apulia), Sardegna* (Sard<strong>in</strong>ia), Sicilia*, Toscana (Tuscany),<br />
Trent<strong>in</strong>o-Alto Adige* (Trent<strong>in</strong>o-South Tyrol), Umbria, Valle d'Aosta*<br />
(Aosta Valley), Veneto<br />
National holiday: Republic Day, 2 June (1946)<br />
Legal system: based on civil law system; appeals treated as new trials; judicial review<br />
5
under certa<strong>in</strong> conditions <strong>in</strong> Constitutional Court; has not accepted<br />
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction<br />
Executive<br />
branch: chief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (s<strong>in</strong>ce 15 May 2006)<br />
head of government: Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister (referred to <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> as the president of<br />
the Council of M<strong>in</strong>isters) Silvio Berlusconi.<br />
cab<strong>in</strong>et: Council of M<strong>in</strong>isters nom<strong>in</strong>ated by the prime m<strong>in</strong>ister and<br />
approved by the president<br />
elections: president elected by an electoral college consist<strong>in</strong>g of both<br />
houses of parliament and 58 regional representatives for a seven-year<br />
term (no term limits); prime m<strong>in</strong>ister appo<strong>in</strong>ted by the president and<br />
confirmed by parliament<br />
International<br />
organization<br />
participation: AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer),<br />
CDB, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 7,<br />
G- 8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD,<br />
IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO,<br />
ITSO,<br />
ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (guest), NATO,<br />
NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA,<br />
SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL,<br />
Union Lat<strong>in</strong>a, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO,<br />
WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC<br />
Economic<br />
overview:<br />
<strong>Italy</strong> has a diversified <strong>in</strong>dustrial economy with roughly the same total and<br />
per capita output as France and the UK. This capitalistic economy rema<strong>in</strong>s<br />
divided <strong>in</strong>to a developed <strong>in</strong>dustrial north, dom<strong>in</strong>ated by private<br />
companies, and a less-developed, welfare-dependent, agricultural south,<br />
with 20% unemployment. Most raw materials needed by <strong>in</strong>dustry and<br />
more than 75% of energy requirements are imported. Over the past<br />
decade, <strong>Italy</strong> has pursued a tight fiscal policy <strong>in</strong> order to meet the<br />
requirements of the Economic and Monetary Unions and has benefited<br />
from lower <strong>in</strong>terest and <strong>in</strong>flation rates. The current government has<br />
enacted numerous short-term reforms aimed at improv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
competitiveness and long-term growth. <strong>Italy</strong> has moved slowly, however,<br />
on implement<strong>in</strong>g needed structural reforms, such as lighten<strong>in</strong>g the high<br />
tax burden and overhaul<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Italy</strong>'s rigid labor market and over-generous<br />
pension system, because of the current economic slowdown and<br />
opposition from labor unions. But the leadership faces a severe economic<br />
constra<strong>in</strong>t: the budget deficit has breached the 3% EU ceil<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
economy experienced low growth <strong>in</strong> 2006, and unemployment rema<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
at a high level.<br />
GDP<br />
(purchas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
power parity): $1.782 trillion (2010 est.)<br />
GDP (official<br />
exchange rate): $2.037 trillion (2010 est.)<br />
6
GDP - real<br />
growth rate:<br />
1.1% (2010 est.)<br />
GDP - per capita<br />
(PPP): $30,700 (2010 est.)<br />
GDP -<br />
composition by<br />
sector: agriculture: 1.8%<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry: 24.9%<br />
services: 73.3% (2010 est.)<br />
Labor force: 25.05 million (2006 est.)<br />
Labor force - by<br />
occupation: agriculture: 4.2%<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry: 30.7%<br />
services: 65.1%<br />
(2005)<br />
Unemployment<br />
rate: 8.4% (2010)<br />
Population<br />
below poverty<br />
l<strong>in</strong>e: NA%<br />
Household<br />
<strong>in</strong>come or<br />
consumption by<br />
percentage lowest 10%: 2.3%<br />
share: highest 10%: 26.8% (2000)<br />
7
Public debt: 118.1% of GDP (2010 est.)<br />
Agriculture -<br />
products: fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, gra<strong>in</strong>, olives;<br />
beef, dairy products; fish<br />
Industries: tourism, mach<strong>in</strong>ery, iron and steel, chemicals, food process<strong>in</strong>g, textiles,<br />
motor vehicles, cloth<strong>in</strong>g, footwear, ceramics<br />
Industrial<br />
production<br />
growth rate: 0.5% (2010 est.)<br />
Current account<br />
balance: -$61.98 billion (2010 est.)<br />
Exports: $458.4 billion f.o.b. (2010 est.)<br />
Exports -<br />
commodities: eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g products, textiles and cloth<strong>in</strong>g, production mach<strong>in</strong>ery, motor<br />
vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals; food, beverages and tobacco;<br />
m<strong>in</strong>erals, and nonferrous metals<br />
Exports -<br />
partners: Germany 12.6%, France 11.57%, US 5.92%, Spa<strong>in</strong> 5.69%, UK 5.13%<br />
(2010)<br />
Imports: $445.6 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.)<br />
Imports -<br />
commodities: eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g products, chemicals, transport equipment, energy products,<br />
m<strong>in</strong>erals and nonferrous metals, textiles and cloth<strong>in</strong>g; food, beverages,<br />
and tobacco<br />
Imports -<br />
partners: Germany 16.68%, France 8.82%, Ch<strong>in</strong>a 6.53%, Netherlands 5.63%,<br />
Spa<strong>in</strong> 4.3%, Russia 4.2% (2010)<br />
Reserves of<br />
foreign<br />
exchange and<br />
gold:<br />
$132.8 billion (2009 est.)<br />
Debt - external: $2.223 trillion (30 June 2010 est.)<br />
Economic aid -<br />
donor: ODA, $1 billion (2002 est.)<br />
Currency (code): euro (EUR)<br />
note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union <strong>in</strong>troduced the<br />
euro as a common currency to be used by f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>stitutions of member<br />
countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for<br />
everyday transactions with<strong>in</strong> the member countries<br />
8
II. POLITICAL SYSTEM AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS<br />
<strong>Italy</strong> is a Parliamentary Republic established by the 1948 Constitution.<br />
Sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it as laid down by the Constitution.<br />
The Italian Republic acknowledges and guarantees human rights. All citizens have equal<br />
social status without regard to their gender, race, language, religion, political op<strong>in</strong>ions or their<br />
personal and social conditions.<br />
The Constitution stipulates a democratic state with powers divided between the Executive, the<br />
Parliament and the Judiciary.<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative divisions<br />
The Constitution states that the Italian Republic consists of Municipalities, Prov<strong>in</strong>ces,<br />
Metropolitan Areas and Regions.<br />
<strong>Italy</strong> is divided <strong>in</strong>to twenty Regions, five of which have a special status (Valle d'Aosta,<br />
Trent<strong>in</strong>o-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sicilia and Sardegna).<br />
The Italian regions are divided <strong>in</strong>to 103 Prov<strong>in</strong>ces and 8,101 Municipalities<br />
III. LEGAL SYSTEM<br />
In the Italian legal system the jurisdictional functions are divided <strong>in</strong>to:<br />
• ord<strong>in</strong>ary, practiced by ord<strong>in</strong>ary magistrates<br />
• adm<strong>in</strong>istrative, practiced by the Regional Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Courts (TAR)<br />
• account<strong>in</strong>g, performed by the Court of Auditors <strong>in</strong> public account<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• tax-related, performed by the Prov<strong>in</strong>cial Tax Commission and the Regional Tax<br />
Commission on tax matters.<br />
The judicial process is one of the three fundamental functions of the democratic state along<br />
with the legislative and the executive functions.<br />
IV. REFORMS<br />
The Italian Government is committed to promot<strong>in</strong>g reform policies on a national and local<br />
level.<br />
National reforms<br />
The Italian government has carried out several structural reforms to improve long-term growth<br />
and competitiveness, such as company law, tax system and labor market reforms.<br />
It is also committed to promot<strong>in</strong>g and support<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>ternationalization, R&D as well as<br />
e-government procedures to simplify red-tape.<br />
Federal Reforms<br />
Constitutional Law No. 3 of October 18, 2001, has enhanced the regional legislative powers.<br />
Regional governments have ga<strong>in</strong>ed new powers <strong>in</strong> several important areas such as foreign<br />
trade, education and local government. Furthermore, regional governments <strong>in</strong>tervene <strong>in</strong> the<br />
legislative process of the EU when European laws deal with regional matters.<br />
Nevertheless, the central government rema<strong>in</strong>s responsible for the follow<strong>in</strong>g issues:<br />
Foreign Policy<br />
Immigration<br />
Religious Affairs<br />
Defence<br />
National currency<br />
Electoral Laws<br />
Central Public Adm<strong>in</strong>istration<br />
Public Safety<br />
Citizenship<br />
Justice<br />
9 9
M<strong>in</strong>imum levels of Healthcare Services<br />
Guidel<strong>in</strong>es on Education<br />
PensionsElectoral Laws for Prov<strong>in</strong>ces and City Councils<br />
Environmental Protection.<br />
V. LOCAL TAXATION<br />
Local taxation grants f<strong>in</strong>ancial autonomy to Regions, Prov<strong>in</strong>ces, City Councils and<br />
Metropolitan Cities (art. 119 of the Constitution). Thus local governments may establish and<br />
levy their own taxes. and pay their due to the central government.<br />
VI. THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES<br />
The regional Council for Local Authorities co-ord<strong>in</strong>ates city and prov<strong>in</strong>cial councils with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
same Region.<br />
VII. PARTECIPATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES IN<br />
PARLIAMENT<br />
A transitional law gives local government representatives the right to take part <strong>in</strong> the works of<br />
the Parliamentary Commission for Regional Affairs with the aim to support the establishment<br />
of a Chamber of Regions.<br />
10
VIII. INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS IN ITALY<br />
La mappa dei distretti associati alla Federazione<br />
Source: www.distretti.org<br />
11 11
EXPORT AND TRADE<br />
I. TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS<br />
• Import tariffs<br />
• Import requirements and documentation<br />
• Label<strong>in</strong>g and mark<strong>in</strong>g requirements<br />
• Prohibited and restricted imports<br />
• Customs regulations and Contact Information<br />
• Standards Trade agreements<br />
12<br />
I.I. IMPORT TARIFFS<br />
Customs duty rates are the same for all EU countries. The value added tax varies from<br />
Country to country. In <strong>Italy</strong> VAT ranges from 4 to 20 percents.<br />
I.II IMPORTED REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTATION<br />
Practically all goods orig<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Thailand can be imported without import licens<strong>in</strong>g or free of<br />
quantitative restrictions. Only a group pf agricultural items may be subject to import<br />
regulations. There are, however, monitor<strong>in</strong>g measures applied to imports of certa<strong>in</strong> sensitive<br />
products. The most important of these measures is the automatic import license of textiles.<br />
The import license is the responsibility of the Italian importer. This license is granted to Italian<br />
importers when they provide the requisite forms.<br />
Various textile, apparel, and controlled products (such as arms and munitions), are the most<br />
frequently regulated items.<br />
License are not transferable, although they may be used to cover several shipments with<strong>in</strong><br />
the total quantity authorized. In general, the goods <strong>in</strong>volved are <strong>in</strong>dicated on the license by<br />
the Harmonized System classification number and the correspond<strong>in</strong>g word<strong>in</strong>g of the tariff<br />
position.<br />
IMPORT LICENSES<br />
The <strong>in</strong>tegrated Tariff of the Community, referred to as TARIC (acronym for “Tarif Integre de la<br />
Communaute”), is designed to show various rules apply<strong>in</strong>g to specific products be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
imported <strong>in</strong>to customs territory of the EU or, <strong>in</strong> some cases, when exported from it. To<br />
determ<strong>in</strong>e if a license is required for a particular product, check the TARIC.<br />
The TARIC can be searched by country of orig<strong>in</strong>, Harmonized System (HS) Code, and<br />
product description on the <strong>in</strong>teractive website of the Directorate-General for Taxation and the<br />
Customs Union. The TARIC is updated annually.<br />
It is important to note that the World Customs Organization has released the third update <strong>in</strong><br />
more than 20 years to the HS code. There are major production classification revisions to<br />
chapters 84 and 85. This affects not just the EU, but all 121 contract<strong>in</strong>g parties to the HS<br />
start<strong>in</strong>g January 2007.<br />
In addition, many EU Members States ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> their own list of good subject to import<br />
licens<strong>in</strong>g. For example, Germany’s “Import List” (E<strong>in</strong>fuhrliste) <strong>in</strong>cluded goods for which<br />
licenses are required, their code numbers, any applicable restrictions, and the agency that will<br />
issue the relevant license. The Import List is required under German or EU law. For<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation relevant to Member State Import licenses, please consultant the relevant Member
State Country Commercial Guide.<br />
Key l<strong>in</strong>k: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/databases/taric/<strong>in</strong>dex_en.htm<br />
IMPORT DOCUMENTATION<br />
Non-agricultural Documentation<br />
The official model for written declarations to customs under “Normal Procedure” is the S<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Document (SAD). European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Norway, <strong>Ice</strong>land, Switzerland and Liechtenste<strong>in</strong> also use the SAD.<br />
However, other forms may be used for this purpose. Information on import/export forms is<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> Title VII, of Council Regulation (EEC) No.2454/93, which lays down provisions<br />
for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No.2913/92 establish<strong>in</strong>g the Community<br />
Customs Code (Articles 205 through 221). Articles 222 through 224 provide for oral<br />
declarations.<br />
Additional <strong>in</strong>formation on import/export documentation can be found <strong>in</strong> Title III, of Council<br />
Regulation (EEC) No.2913/92 of October 12, 1992, establish<strong>in</strong>g the Community Customs<br />
Code (articles 37 through 57).<br />
Goods brought <strong>in</strong>to the customs territory of the Community are, from the time of their entry,<br />
subject to customs supervision until customs formalities are completed.<br />
Goods presented to customs are covered by a summary declaration, which is lodged once<br />
the goods have been presented to customs. The customs authorities may, however, allow a<br />
period for lodg<strong>in</strong>g the declaration, which cannot be extended beyond the first work<strong>in</strong>g day<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g the day on which the goods are presented to customs.<br />
The summary declaration can be made on a form correspond<strong>in</strong>g to the model prescribed by<br />
the customs authorities. However, the customs autorithies may permit the use, as a summary<br />
declaration, of any commercial or official document that conta<strong>in</strong>s the particulars necessary for<br />
identification of the goods. It is encouraged that the summary declaration de made <strong>in</strong><br />
computerized form.<br />
The summary declaration is to be lodged by:<br />
• The person who brought the goods <strong>in</strong>to the custom territory of the Community or<br />
by any person who assumes responsibility for carriage of the goods follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
such entry;<br />
Or<br />
• The person <strong>in</strong> whose name the person referred to above acted.<br />
Non-EU goods presented to customs must be assigned a custom-approved treatment or use<br />
authorized for such non-Community goods. Where goods are covered by a summary<br />
declaration, the formalities for them to be assigned a customs-approved treatment or use<br />
must be carried out:<br />
• 45 days from the date on which the summary declaration is lodged <strong>in</strong> the case of<br />
goods carried by sea;<br />
• 20 days from the date on which the summary declaration is lodged <strong>in</strong> the case of<br />
goods carried other than by sea.<br />
Where circumstances so warrant, the customs authorities may set a shorter period or<br />
13 13
14<br />
authorize an extension of the period.<br />
BATTERIES<br />
New EU batteries rules came <strong>in</strong>to force on 26 September 2006 follow<strong>in</strong>g the publication of the<br />
Directive on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators (directive<br />
2006/66) <strong>in</strong> the EU’s Official Journal. This new Directive applies to all batteries and<br />
accumulators put on the EU market <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g automotive, <strong>in</strong>dustrial and portable batteries. It<br />
aims to protect the environment by restrict<strong>in</strong>g the sale of batteries and accumulators that<br />
conta<strong>in</strong> mercury or cadmium (with an exemption for emergency and alarm systems, medical<br />
equipment and cordless power tools) and by promot<strong>in</strong>g a high level of collection and recycl<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
It places the responsibility on producers to f<strong>in</strong>ance the costs associated with the collection,<br />
treatment, and recycl<strong>in</strong>g of used batteries and accumulators. The Directive also <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
provisions on the label<strong>in</strong>g of batteries and their removability from equipment. EU Member<br />
States must implement the EU Directive <strong>in</strong>to their national law by September 26, 2008.<br />
REACH<br />
REACH is a major reform of EU chemicals policy, proposed by the European Commission on<br />
October 2003 and was adopted at EU level <strong>in</strong> December 2006, REACH became national law<br />
<strong>in</strong> the 27 EU Member States <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g 2007. REACH stands for the “Registration, Evaluation<br />
and Authorization of Chemicals produced and imported <strong>in</strong>to EU <strong>in</strong> volumes above 1 ton per<br />
year to be registered with a central European Chemical Agency, with <strong>in</strong>formation on their<br />
properties, uses and safe ways of handl<strong>in</strong>gs them. Chemicals of very high concern, like<br />
carc<strong>in</strong>ogens, will need an authorization for use <strong>in</strong> the EU. Virtually every <strong>in</strong>dustrial sector,<br />
from automobiles to textiles, could be affected by the new policy. The Thai exporters to<br />
Europe should carefully consider this piece of EU environmental legislation.<br />
WEEE & RoHS<br />
EU rules on ‘waste electrical and electronic equipment’ (WEEE), while not requir<strong>in</strong>g specific<br />
customs or import paperwork, may require Thai exporters to register the products with a<br />
national WEEE authority, or arrange for this to be done by a local partner. Similarly, related<br />
rules for EEE restrict<strong>in</strong>g the use of the hazardous substances (RoHS) lead, cadmium,<br />
mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBBs, and PBDEs, do not entail customs or importation<br />
paperwork. However. Thai exporters may be asked by a European RoHS enforcement<br />
authority or by a customer to provide evidence of due diligence <strong>in</strong> comp[liance with the<br />
substance bans on a case-by-case.<br />
AGRICOLTURAL DOCUMENTATION<br />
Phytosanitary Certificates: Phytosanitary certificates are required for most the fresh fruits,<br />
vegetables, and other plant materials.<br />
Sanitary certificates: for commodities composed of animal products or by-products, EU<br />
countries require that shipment be accompanied by a certificate issued by the competent<br />
authority of the export<strong>in</strong>g country. This applies regardless of whether the product is for human<br />
consumption, for pharmaceutical use, or strictly for non-human use (e.g., veter<strong>in</strong>ary<br />
biologicals, animal feeds, fertilizers, research). Many of these certificates are uniform<br />
throughout the EU, but the harmonization process has not been f<strong>in</strong>alized yer. Dur<strong>in</strong>g this<br />
transition period, certa<strong>in</strong> Member State import requirements cont<strong>in</strong>ue to apply.<br />
Sanitary certificates (fisheries): on November 20, 2006, the commission published an<br />
amendment to Regulations 2003/804/EC and 2003/858/EC. Decision 2006/767/EC, <strong>in</strong> force
as of November 27, 2006, modifies the conditions of imports of aquaculture live bivalve<br />
mollusks as as fishery products for human consumption.<br />
A new EU Hygiene law has been <strong>in</strong> force s<strong>in</strong>ce January 1, 2006. This new set of Regulations<br />
aims to simplify<strong>in</strong>g exist<strong>in</strong>g rules and at guarantee<strong>in</strong>g safer food. To facilitate the<br />
implementation of the revised rules, the Commission recently published implement<strong>in</strong>g<br />
measures and transitional arrangements that are also effective as of January 1, 2006. These<br />
guidel<strong>in</strong>es can be found below:<br />
• Commission Regulation 2073/2005<br />
• Commission Regulation 2074/2005<br />
• Commission Regulation 2076/2005<br />
From May 1, 2007, a second set of new hygiene laws has been placed. For detailed<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation look this website:<br />
TEMPORARY ENTRY<br />
Material may temporarily be imported <strong>in</strong>to <strong>Italy</strong> without payment of duties or tax if the material<br />
is to be used <strong>in</strong> the production or manufacture of a product that is to be exported. The<br />
importer gives a security deposit, usually <strong>in</strong> their form of a guarantee from a bank or<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance company, for the amount of the usual duties and taxes. Upon exportation of the<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ished product, the guarantee is released or deposit returned.<br />
Temporary entry of goods <strong>in</strong>tended to be re-exported <strong>in</strong> the same condition is permissible free<br />
of import duties and taxes upon approval of an application by Italian Customs.<br />
<strong>Italy</strong> participates <strong>in</strong> the International Convention to Facilitate the Importation of Commercial<br />
Samples and Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Materials. Sample of negligible value imported to promote sales are<br />
accorded duty-free and tax-free treatment. Prior authorization is not required. To determ<strong>in</strong>e<br />
whether the samples are of negligible value, their value is compared with a commercial<br />
shipment of the same product. Grant<strong>in</strong>g of duty-free status may require that the samples be<br />
rendered useless for future sale by mark<strong>in</strong>g, perforat<strong>in</strong>g, cutt<strong>in</strong>g, or other means.<br />
Imported samples of commercial value may be granted a temporary entry with exemption<br />
from custom charges. However, a bond or cash deposit may be required as security that the<br />
goods will be removed from the country.<br />
This security is the duty and tax normally levied plus 10 percent. Samples may rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the<br />
country for up to 1 year.<br />
They may not be sold, put to their normal use (except for demonstration purposes), or utilized<br />
<strong>in</strong> any manner for remuneration. Goods imported as samples may be imported only <strong>in</strong><br />
quantities constitut<strong>in</strong>g a sample accord<strong>in</strong>g to normal commercial usage.<br />
Samples of products, without commercial value, are admitted free of duty and taxes. Product<br />
literature should be marked “product literature – no commercial value”. Samples with<br />
commercial value are also admitted duty and tax free, provided that the follow<strong>in</strong>g conditions<br />
are complied with:<br />
a) The samples are accompanied by a representative of the Thai firm with a statement,<br />
notarized by an Italian Consulate, identify<strong>in</strong>g the commercial traveler and attest<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
the <strong>in</strong>tention that the sample are be<strong>in</strong>g imported <strong>in</strong>to <strong>Italy</strong> only for show or<br />
demonstration, and will be re-exported without sale.<br />
b) A certificate of orig<strong>in</strong> from a recognized chamber of commerce is submitted to identify<br />
the source of the goods.<br />
15 15
c) A deposit or bond, <strong>in</strong> the amount of the applicable customs duties and taxes, is made<br />
at the po<strong>in</strong>t of entry. This will refunded when the goods are re-exported.<br />
d) A list (<strong>in</strong> duplicate) with a full description of each sample, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g weight and value,<br />
is submitted. It is helpful to have such a list <strong>in</strong> Italian.<br />
In practice, samples valued <strong>in</strong> excess of 2,582 Euro ($ 3,380) are pratically impossible to<br />
clear through Italian customs <strong>in</strong>formally. In such cases, it is advisable to engage the services<br />
of a local freight forwarder.<br />
GOOD IN TRANSIT<br />
Goods may clear customs with an EU transit procedure, issu<strong>in</strong>g a s<strong>in</strong>gle transit document<br />
under which the goods may be easily shipped across frontiers of the EU member states.<br />
These transit documents are completed for the importer by freight forwarders <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>. The EU<br />
transit document provides the basis for a s<strong>in</strong>gle, comprehensive procedure cover<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
goods with<strong>in</strong> the EU. S<strong>in</strong>ce the s<strong>in</strong>gle transit document is an EU form, the European importer,<br />
customs house broker, freight forwarder, or shipper must prepare the document at the po<strong>in</strong>t of<br />
entry.<br />
INWARD AND OUTWARD PROCESSING<br />
Inward process<strong>in</strong>g is the temporary importation of raw material or products for additional<br />
manufacture or process<strong>in</strong>g. Merchandise imported for additional process<strong>in</strong>g and eventual reexport<br />
out of the EU is eligible for custom-free treatment.<br />
The re-exported goods may be partly or totally processed. The import duty and taxes are<br />
levied only on those goods that are re-exported and are f<strong>in</strong>ally sold <strong>in</strong> EU.<br />
To qualify for <strong>in</strong>ward process<strong>in</strong>g, an Italian (or EU) firm must satisfy customs that it is<br />
necessary to use imported goods <strong>in</strong>stead of EU goods; state an <strong>in</strong>tention to export products<br />
manufactured from the imported goods (or equivalent goods available <strong>in</strong> the EU); and assure<br />
that, upon re-exportation, the conditions set forth <strong>in</strong> the authorization are satisfied, the<br />
exported products are accounted for, and the entered goods are identifiable and relate to<br />
specific importations.<br />
In outward process<strong>in</strong>g, a firm <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> may export goods, for further manufacture or process<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
from the EU customs area and then re-import the f<strong>in</strong>al product. Duties and taxes are levied<br />
only on the <strong>in</strong>creased value added by the expatriate manufactur<strong>in</strong>g or process<strong>in</strong>g when the<br />
goods are returned to <strong>Italy</strong>, not on the total value of the product.<br />
Only firms located <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> or other EU countries are eligible to take advantage of this option,<br />
by ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g approval of the Customs authorities.<br />
16<br />
I.III PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED IMPORTS<br />
The Italian importer should determ<strong>in</strong>e if the items are subject to Italian and EU regulations. Of<br />
special note are certa<strong>in</strong> foodstuffs, food color<strong>in</strong>gs, drug and narcotics, animal products, plants,<br />
seed gra<strong>in</strong>s, alcohol, cosmetics and toiletries.<br />
The TARIC is designed to show various rules apply<strong>in</strong>g to specific products be<strong>in</strong>g imported<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the customs territory of the EU or, <strong>in</strong> some cases, when exported from it.<br />
To determ<strong>in</strong>e if a product is prohibited or subject to restriction, check column five of the<br />
TARIC for that product for the follow<strong>in</strong>g codes.
CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species<br />
PROHI Import Suspension<br />
RSTR Import Restriction<br />
For <strong>in</strong>formation on how to access the TARIC, see the Import Requirements and<br />
Documentation Section above.<br />
Key l<strong>in</strong>k: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/databases/taric/<strong>in</strong>dex_en.htm<br />
I.IV CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION<br />
Prior to sign<strong>in</strong>g a long-term contract or send<strong>in</strong>g a shipment of considerable value, it may be<br />
prudent for Thai exporter to first obta<strong>in</strong> an official rul<strong>in</strong>g on the customs classification, duty<br />
rate and taxes. Such requests should be sent to the M<strong>in</strong>istry of F<strong>in</strong>ance’s Customs<br />
Department, Rome, <strong>Italy</strong> http://www.agenziadogane.it. The request should describe the<br />
product, the material it is made from, and other details required by customs authorities to<br />
classify the product correctly. While customs will not provide a b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g decision, the advance<br />
rul<strong>in</strong>g will usually be accepted as long as the imported goods are found to correspond exactly<br />
to the description provided by the exporter.<br />
Regulation 648/2005 is the “Security Amendment” to the Customs Code (Regulation 2913/92)<br />
and outl<strong>in</strong>es the implement<strong>in</strong>g provisions for Authorized Economic Operators, risk<br />
management procedures, pre-departure declarations, and improved export controls.<br />
Tariff and Import Taxes: <strong>in</strong>formation on customs valuation is conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> Title II, Chapter<br />
Three, of Council Regulation (ECC) 2913/92, establish<strong>in</strong>g the Community Customs Code,<br />
titled, “Value of Goods for Customs Purposes” (Articles 28 through 36). The primary basis for<br />
determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g customs value set out <strong>in</strong> Articles 29 is:<br />
“the transaction value, that is, the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for<br />
export to the customs territory of the Community”<br />
Article 29 lists the follow<strong>in</strong>g conditions, which must be met <strong>in</strong> determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g custom value:<br />
• There are no restrictions as to the disposal or use of the goods by the buyer,<br />
other than restrictions which are imposed or required by a law or by the public<br />
authorities <strong>in</strong> the community, limit the geographical area <strong>in</strong> which goods may be<br />
resold, or do not substantially affect the value of the goods;<br />
• The sale or price is not subject to some conditional consideration for which a<br />
value cannot be determ<strong>in</strong>ed with respect to the goods be<strong>in</strong>g valued;<br />
• No part of the proceeds of any subsequent resale disposal or use the goods by<br />
the buyer will accrue directly or <strong>in</strong>directly to the seller, unless an appropriate<br />
adjustment can be made <strong>in</strong> accordance with article 32; and<br />
• The buyer and seller are not related, or, where the buyer and seller are related,<br />
that the transaction value is acceptable for customs purposes.<br />
The “price actually paid or payable” <strong>in</strong> Article 29 refers to the price for the imported goods.<br />
Thus the flow of dividends or other payments from the buyer to the seller that do not relate to<br />
the imported goods are not part of the custom value.<br />
Article 32 and 33 provide for adjustments to the value for customs purpose. Article 32 lists<br />
changes that are added to the customs value, such as, commissions and brokerage, cost of<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ers, pack<strong>in</strong>g, royalties and license fees, and value of goods and services supplied<br />
directly or <strong>in</strong>directly by the buyer <strong>in</strong> connection with the production and sale for export of the<br />
imported goods. Article 33 lists charges that are not <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the custom value, such as,<br />
17 17
charges for transport, charges <strong>in</strong>curred after importation, charges for <strong>in</strong>terest under a<br />
f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g arrangement for the purchase of the goods, charges for the right to reproduce<br />
imported goods <strong>in</strong> the Community, and buy<strong>in</strong>g commissions.<br />
Effective July 1, 1995, the Commission amended Article 147(1) of Regulation 2454/93 of the<br />
Customs Code which affects valuation on the case of successive sales. This amendment<br />
“defaults” valuation to the last sale, but allows the value of an earlier sale if it can be<br />
demonstrated that such a sale took place for export to the EU. The evidentiary requirements<br />
to support the bona fides of any earlier sales will be based upon commercial documents such<br />
as purchase orders, sales contracts, commercial <strong>in</strong>voices, and shipp<strong>in</strong>g documents.<br />
18<br />
Key l<strong>in</strong>k: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/<strong>in</strong>dex_en.htm<br />
For contact <strong>in</strong>formation at national customs authorities, please visit:<br />
http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/l<strong>in</strong>ks/customs/<strong>in</strong>dex_en.htm<br />
STANDARDS<br />
Products tested and certified <strong>in</strong> the Thai standards are likely to have be retested and recertified<br />
to EU requirements as a result of the EU’s different approach to the protection of the<br />
health and safety of the consumer and the environment. Where products are not regulated by<br />
specific EU technical legislation, they are always subject the EU’s General Product Safety<br />
Directive as well as to possible additional national requirements.<br />
European Union standards created under the New Approach are harmonized across the 25<br />
EU Member States and European Economic Area countries to allow for the free flow of foods.<br />
A feature of the New Approach is CE mark<strong>in</strong>g. While harmonized of EU legislation can facilitate<br />
access to the EU S<strong>in</strong>gle Market, manufactures should be aware that Regulations<br />
and technical standards might also function as barriers to trade if Thai standards are different<br />
from those of the European Union.<br />
The European Union is currently undertak<strong>in</strong>g a major revision of the New Approach, which<br />
will enhance some aspects, especially <strong>in</strong> the areas of market surveillance. To follow the<br />
revision, please visit:<br />
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newapproach/review_en.htm<br />
Agricultural Standards<br />
The establishment of harmonized EU rules and standards <strong>in</strong> the food sector has been<br />
ongo<strong>in</strong>g for several decades, but it took until January 2002 for he publication of a general<br />
food law establish<strong>in</strong>g the general pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of EU food law. This Regulation <strong>in</strong>troduced<br />
mandatory traceability throughout the feed and food cha<strong>in</strong> as of January 1, 2005.<br />
STANDARDS ORGANIZATIONS<br />
Thai firms export<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Italy</strong> must conform to EU standards and/or national Italian standards.<br />
<strong>Italy</strong> and other EU Member States are required to transpose EU Directives <strong>in</strong>to national law.<br />
The Directives def<strong>in</strong>e a schedule for adoption, publication and implementation of national<br />
provisions. Directives also recognize a transitional period dur<strong>in</strong>g which exit<strong>in</strong>g national<br />
provisions and new legislation will coexist. In such cases, the manufactures has a choice of<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g either of these provisions. Similarly, purely national standards must be replaced<br />
when agreement has been reached a harmonized European standard.<br />
In <strong>Italy</strong>, the national standards bodies are:
UNI-Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione (The Italian National Bureau of Standards), Via<br />
Battistotti Sassi 11b, 20133 Milan, +39 02 70024.1 http://www.uni.com/.it/<br />
CEI-Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano (Electtrical standards and certification)<br />
Via Saccardo 9 20134 Milan, +39 02 21006.1 http://www.ceiweb.it/<br />
EU standards sett<strong>in</strong>gs a process based on consensus <strong>in</strong>itiated by <strong>in</strong>dustry or mandated by<br />
the European Commission and carried out by <strong>in</strong>dependent standard bodies, act<strong>in</strong>g at the<br />
national, European or <strong>in</strong>ternational level. There is strong encouragement for nongovernmental<br />
organizations, such as environmental and consumer groups, to actively<br />
participate <strong>in</strong> European standardization.<br />
Manu standard <strong>in</strong> the EU are adopted from <strong>in</strong>ternational standards bodies such as the<br />
International Standard Organization (ISO). The draft<strong>in</strong>g of specific EU standards<br />
organizations:<br />
• CENELEC, European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization<br />
(http://www.cenelec.org/cenelec/homepage.htm)<br />
• ETSI, European Telecommunications Standards Institute (http://www.etsi.org/)<br />
• CEN, European Committee for Standardization, handl<strong>in</strong>g all other standards<br />
(http://www.cen.eu/cenorm/<strong>in</strong>dex.htm)<br />
Standards are created or modified by experts <strong>in</strong> Technical Committees or Work<strong>in</strong>g Groups.<br />
The members of CEN and CENELEC are the national standards bodies of the member states,<br />
which have ‘mirror committees” that monitor and participate <strong>in</strong> ongo<strong>in</strong>g European<br />
standardization. CEN and CENELEC standards are sold by the <strong>in</strong>dividual Member States<br />
standard bodies. ETSI is different <strong>in</strong> that it allows direct participation on its technical<br />
committees from non-EU companies that have <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>in</strong> Europe and gives away its<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual standards at no charge on its website. In addition to the three standards develop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
organizations, the European Commission plays an important role <strong>in</strong> standardization through<br />
its fund<strong>in</strong>g of the participation <strong>in</strong> the standardization process of small and medium sized<br />
companies and no-governmental organizations, such as environmental and consumer groups.<br />
The Commission also provides money to the standard bodies when it mandates standards<br />
development to the European Standards Organization for harmonized standards that will be<br />
l<strong>in</strong>ked to EU technical Regulations. In the last year, the Commission began list<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
mandates on l<strong>in</strong>e and they can be seen at<br />
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/standards_policy/mandates/.<br />
All the EU harmonized standards, which provide the basis for CE mark<strong>in</strong>g, can be found on<br />
http://www.newapproach.org/<br />
Due to the EU’s vigorous promotion of its regulatory and standards system as well as its<br />
generous fund<strong>in</strong>g for its bus<strong>in</strong>ess development, the EU’s standards regime is wide and deep<br />
– extend<strong>in</strong>g well beyond the EU’s political borders to <strong>in</strong>clude affiliate members (countries<br />
which are hopeful of becom<strong>in</strong>g full members <strong>in</strong> the future) such as Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia,<br />
FYR of Macedonia and Turkey. Another category, called “partner standardization bodies”<br />
<strong>in</strong>cludes the standards organizations of Bosnia and Herzegov<strong>in</strong>a, Egypt, Serbia and<br />
Montenegro, Russia, Tunisia, the Ukra<strong>in</strong>e and Australia, ahich are not likely to jo<strong>in</strong> the EU or<br />
CEN any time soon, but have an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> specific CEN technical committees.<br />
They agree to pay a fee for full participation <strong>in</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> technical committees and agree to<br />
implement the committee’s adopted standards as national standards. Many other countries<br />
are targets of the EU’s extensive technical assistance program, which is aimed at export<strong>in</strong>g<br />
EU standards and technical Regulations to develop<strong>in</strong>g countries, especially <strong>in</strong> the<br />
Mediterranean and Balkan countries, Africa, as well as smaller programs for Ch<strong>in</strong>a and Lat<strong>in</strong><br />
America.<br />
To know what CEN and CENELEC have <strong>in</strong> the pipel<strong>in</strong>e for future standardization, it is best to<br />
19 19
visit their websites. CEN’s “bus<strong>in</strong>ess doma<strong>in</strong>” page provides an overview by sector and/or<br />
technical committee whereas CENELEC offers the possibility to search its database. ETSI’s<br />
portal (http://portal.etsi.org/Portal_Common//home.asp) leads to ongo<strong>in</strong>g activities.<br />
With the need to adapt more quickly to market needs, European standards organizations<br />
have been look<strong>in</strong>g for “new deliverables” which are standard-like products delivered <strong>in</strong> a<br />
shorter timeframe. While few of these “new deliverables” have been l<strong>in</strong>ked to EU Regulations,<br />
expectations are that they will eventually serve as the basis for EU-wide standards.<br />
Key l<strong>in</strong>k: http://www.cenorm.be/cenorm/workarea/sectorfora/<strong>in</strong>dex.asp<br />
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT<br />
Conformity Assessment is a mandatory step for the manufacturer <strong>in</strong> the process of comply<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with specific EU legislation. The purpose of conformity assessment is to ensure consistency<br />
of compliance dur<strong>in</strong>g all stages of the production process to facilitate acceptance of the f<strong>in</strong>al<br />
product. EU product legislation gives manufactures some choice with regard to conformity<br />
assessment, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the level of risk <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the use of their product.<br />
These range from self-certification, type exam<strong>in</strong>ation and production quality control system, to<br />
full quality assurance system. You can f<strong>in</strong>d conformity assessment bodies <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
Member State country <strong>in</strong> this list by the European Commission.<br />
Key l<strong>in</strong>k: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newapproach/nando/<br />
To promote market acceptance of the f<strong>in</strong>al product, there are a number of voluntary<br />
conformity assessment programs. CEN’s certification systems are the Keymark, the CENCER<br />
mark, and the European Standard Agreement Group. CENELEC has its own <strong>in</strong>itiative. ETSI<br />
does not offer conformity assessment services.<br />
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION<br />
To sell products on the EU market of 25 Member States as well as Norway, Liechtenste<strong>in</strong> and<br />
<strong>Ice</strong>land, Thai exporters are required to apply CE mark<strong>in</strong>g whenever their product is covered<br />
by specific product legislation. CE mark<strong>in</strong>g product legislation offers manufacturers a number<br />
of choices and requires decisions to determ<strong>in</strong>e which safety/health concerns needs to be<br />
addressed, which conformity assessment module is best suited to the manufactur<strong>in</strong>g process,<br />
and whether or not to use EU-wide harmonized standards. There is no easy way for Thai<br />
exporters to understand and go through the process of CE mark<strong>in</strong>g, but hopefully this section<br />
provides some background and clarification.<br />
Products manufactured to standards adopted by CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, and published <strong>in</strong><br />
the Official Journal as harmonized standards, are presumed to conform to the requirements of<br />
EU Directives. The manufacturer then applies the CE mark<strong>in</strong>g and issues a declaration of<br />
conformity. With these, the product will be allowed to circulate freely with<strong>in</strong> the EU. A<br />
manufacturer can choose not to use the harmonized EU standards, but then must<br />
demonstrate that the product meets the essential safety and performance requirements.<br />
Trade barriers occur when design, rather than performance, standards are developed by the<br />
relevant European standardization organization, and when Thai companies do not have<br />
access to the standardization process through an European presence.<br />
The CE mark<strong>in</strong>g address itself primarily to the national control authorities of the Member<br />
States, and its use simplifies the task of essential market surveillance of regulated products.<br />
Although CE mark<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>in</strong>tended primarily for <strong>in</strong>spection purposes by Member State<br />
<strong>in</strong>spectors, the consumer may well perceive it as quality mark.<br />
The CE mark<strong>in</strong>g is not <strong>in</strong>tended to <strong>in</strong>clude detailed technical <strong>in</strong>formation on the product, but<br />
20
there must be enough <strong>in</strong>formation to enable the <strong>in</strong>spector to trace the product back to the<br />
manufacturer or the authorized representative established <strong>in</strong> the EU. This detailed <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
should not appear next to the CE mark<strong>in</strong>g, but rather on the declaration of conformity, the<br />
certificate of conformity (which the manufacturer or authorized agent must be able to provide<br />
at any time, together with the products technical file), or the documents accompany<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
product.<br />
ACCREDITATION<br />
Independent certification bodies, known as notified bodies, have been officially accredited by<br />
competent authorities to test and certify to EU requirements.<br />
Accreditation is handled at Member State level. “European Accreditation”<br />
(http://www.european-accreditation.org/default_flash.htm) is an organization represent<strong>in</strong>g<br />
nationally recognized accreditation bodies. Membership is open to nationally recognized<br />
accreditation bodies <strong>in</strong> countries <strong>in</strong> the European geographical area that can demonstrate that<br />
they operate an accreditation system compatible with EN45003 or ISO/IEC Guide 58.<br />
PUBLICATION OF TECHNICAL REGULATIONS<br />
The Official Journal is the official gazette of the European Union. It is published daily and<br />
consists of two series cover<strong>in</strong>g draft and adopted legislation as well as case law, questions<br />
from the European Parliament, studies by committees, and more (http://europa.eu.<strong>in</strong>t/eurlex/lex/JOIndex.doihmlang=en).<br />
It lists the standards reference numbers l<strong>in</strong>ked to legislation<br />
(http://www.newapproach.org/Directives/DirectivesList.asp).<br />
National technical Regulations are published on the Commission’s website<br />
http://ec.europa.eu/comm/enterprise/tris/ to allow other countries and <strong>in</strong>terested parties to<br />
comment.<br />
Member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) are required under the Agreement<br />
of the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) to report to the WTO all proposed<br />
technical Regulations that could affect trade with other member countries.<br />
I.V LABELLING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS<br />
Manufactures should be m<strong>in</strong>dful that, <strong>in</strong> addition to the EU’s mandatory and voluntary<br />
schemes, national voluntary label<strong>in</strong>g schemes might still apply. These schemes may be<br />
highly appreciated by consumers, and thus , become unavoidable for market<strong>in</strong>g purposes.<br />
Manufacturers are advised to take note that all labels require metric units although dual<br />
label<strong>in</strong>g is also acceptable until end of December 2009. The use of language on labels has<br />
been the subject of a Commission Communication, which encourages multil<strong>in</strong>gual <strong>in</strong>formation,<br />
while preserv<strong>in</strong>g the right of Member States to require the use of language of the country of<br />
consumption.<br />
The EU has mandated that certa<strong>in</strong> products be sold <strong>in</strong> standardized quantities. Council<br />
Directive 80/232/EC provides permissible ranges of nom<strong>in</strong>al quantities, conta<strong>in</strong>er capacities<br />
and volumes for a variety of products. Please note that this legislation is currently be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
reviewed <strong>in</strong> an effort to simply it.<br />
Key l<strong>in</strong>k:<br />
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.douri=CELEX:31980L0232:EN:HTML<br />
21 21
THE ECO-LABEL<br />
EU legislation <strong>in</strong> 1992, revised <strong>in</strong> 2000, dist<strong>in</strong>guishes environmentally friendly products and<br />
services through a voluntary label<strong>in</strong>g scheme called the Eco-label. Currently, the scheme<br />
applies to 7 product groups: clean<strong>in</strong>g products, appliance, paper products, cloth<strong>in</strong>g, lubricants,<br />
home and garden products and tourism services. The symbol, a green flower, is a voluntary<br />
mark. The Eco-label is awarded to producers who can show that their product is less harmful<br />
to the environment that such similar products.<br />
His “green label” also aims to encourage consumers to buy green products. However, the<br />
scheme does not establish ecological standards that all manufacturers are required to meet to<br />
place product on the market. Product without the EU Eco-label can still enter the EU as long<br />
they meet the exist<strong>in</strong>g health, safety, and environmental standards and Regulations.<br />
The EU Eco-label is a costly scheme (up to EUR 1,300 for registration and up to EUR<br />
25,000/year for the use of the label, with a reduction of 25 percent for SMEs) and has<br />
therefore not been widely used so far. However, the Eco-label can be a good market<strong>in</strong>g tool<br />
and, given the grow<strong>in</strong>g demand for green products <strong>in</strong> Europe, it is likely that the Eco-label will<br />
become more and more a reference for green consumers.<br />
Key<br />
l<strong>in</strong>ks:<br />
http://ec.europa/comm/environmental/ecolabel/<strong>in</strong>dex_en.htm<br />
http://www.eco-label.com<br />
In June 2005, the European Commission tabled a Communication designed to launch a<br />
debate on the best way ahead regard<strong>in</strong>g the eco-label<strong>in</strong>g of fisheries products. This <strong>in</strong>itiative<br />
follows the grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terest by environmental Non-Governmental Organizations and<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased public <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> food products associated with considerations related to<br />
environmental susta<strong>in</strong>ability. A number of eco-label<strong>in</strong>g schemes have already been<br />
established with regard to fisheries products and other <strong>in</strong>itiatives are be<strong>in</strong>g developed. It is not<br />
always easy to establish how reliable some eco-label<strong>in</strong>g claims are. International guidel<strong>in</strong>es<br />
on eco-label<strong>in</strong>g have recently been adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)<br />
(www.fao.org) and discussions on these issues and their potential effects on free trade areas<br />
are progress<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> other <strong>in</strong>ternational for a such as the World Trade Organization (WTO)<br />
(www.wto.org).<br />
Companies sell<strong>in</strong>g a broad a range of electrical goods <strong>in</strong> Europe are required to comply with<br />
the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) and s<strong>in</strong>ce July 2006 they<br />
need to conform to the Restriction of Use of certa<strong>in</strong> Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS).<br />
One of the requirements is that electrical goods be marked so that consumers do not put<br />
them <strong>in</strong> with municipal waste.<br />
Manufacturers and distributors should be aware of specific requirements regard<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
label<strong>in</strong>g and traceability of foodstuffs, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g seafood, which are covered by several EU<br />
regulations:<br />
• Regulation 178/2002/EC<br />
• Directive 2000/13/EC, last amended by Directive 2003/89/EC as regards<br />
<strong>in</strong>dication of the <strong>in</strong>gredients present <strong>in</strong> foodstuffs<br />
• Commission Directive 2005/26/EC<br />
• Council Regulation 104/2000/EC (seafood)<br />
• Commission Regulation 2065/2001/EC (seafood, only for retail channels)<br />
I.VI STANDARD TRADE AGREEMENTS<br />
<strong>Italy</strong> has been a member of the European Union (EU) s<strong>in</strong>ce its <strong>in</strong>ception. The EU is a union of<br />
22
twenty-five <strong>in</strong>dependent states based on the European Communities founded to enhance<br />
political, economic and social cooperation. The EU forms a large unified market hav<strong>in</strong>g free<br />
trade among the member states. It levies a common tariff on imported products com<strong>in</strong>g from<br />
non-EU countries such as the United States, Japan and Canada.<br />
The EU also has a common agricultural policy, jo<strong>in</strong>t transportation policy and free movement<br />
of goods and capital with<strong>in</strong> the member states. Other aspects of commercial activity are be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
harmonized, such as f<strong>in</strong>ancial markets, <strong>in</strong>surance regulation and pension programs.<br />
The EU grants tariff preferences to more than 100 develop<strong>in</strong>g countries and about 40<br />
overseas territories under the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Imports of<br />
nearly all semi-manufactured goods orig<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> these countries and territories enter the EU<br />
duty free. Annual duty-free quotas are established for those products, and a system with<br />
certificates of orig<strong>in</strong> has been established to ensure that third parties through the GSP<br />
countries do not divert goods. The GSP User’s Guide (yet to be updated with the recent<br />
changes) expla<strong>in</strong>s the ma<strong>in</strong> features of the GSP:<br />
http://europa.eu.<strong>in</strong>t/comm/trade/issues/global/gsp/gspguide.htm<br />
Free trade agreements have been developed between the European Union and the European<br />
Economic Area (EEA), which <strong>in</strong>cluded Norway, <strong>Ice</strong>land and Liechtenste<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Under the terms of these agreements, most <strong>in</strong>dustrial products and certa<strong>in</strong> processed<br />
agricultural products are exempt from import duties if exchanged with<strong>in</strong> this trad<strong>in</strong>g bloc. The<br />
result of the agreements reached between the EU members and the EEA members is an<br />
open trad<strong>in</strong>g area for most <strong>in</strong>dustrial products between 19 nations, encompass<strong>in</strong>g population<br />
of 380 million, soon to grow even larger as the EU expands.<br />
For a list of trade agreements with the EU and its Member States, as well as concise<br />
explanations, please see http://tcc.export.gov/Trade_Agreements/<strong>in</strong>dex.asp<br />
II. BUSINESS OPPORTUNIES IN ITALY<br />
Auto Components - Many of the <strong>opportunities</strong> <strong>in</strong> this sector relate directly to <strong>Italy</strong>’s major car<br />
manufacturer, Fiat Group, across the whole range of components as the company beg<strong>in</strong>s to<br />
recognize Thai capability. Apart from Fiat, the best prospects for overseas suppliers <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
components and accessories for 4WD vehicles and pick-ups, sport utility vehicles, alternative<br />
fuels (especially gas or organic) and fuel additives<br />
Cosmetics and Toiletries - Opportunities exist <strong>in</strong> the areas of hair care products, pre- and<br />
after-shave products, perfumes, eau de perfume, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne, lip care<br />
products, moisturizers and cleansers as well as personal hygiene (soaps, deodorants, etc)<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>Italy</strong> imports virtually all its raw materials, it is possible to supply Italian manufacturers<br />
with <strong>in</strong>gredients such as aloe vera, lavender, and essential oils. There are also good<br />
prospects for products that dist<strong>in</strong>guish themselves from what is already available on the<br />
Italian market, e.g. tea-tree and eucalyptus-based products. However, the packag<strong>in</strong>g must be<br />
of good quality and stylish design.<br />
Flowers and Plants - The ma<strong>in</strong> <strong>opportunities</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>'s flower and plant <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong>clude cut<br />
flowers and foliage for arrangement, <strong>in</strong>door and outdoor plants, shrubs and trees<br />
Food and Beverages - Thai fruit and vegetables exporters have excellent <strong>opportunities</strong> for<br />
supply<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Italy</strong> <strong>in</strong> the off-season. The best <strong>opportunities</strong> for Thai suppliers are <strong>in</strong> seafood,<br />
alternative meat varieties, exotic fruit, herbs and vegetables and organic and natural foods e.g.<br />
rice and cane sugar.<br />
23 23
Information and Communications Technology - Currently, the best prospects for IT <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong><br />
are E-government, E-security, E-learn<strong>in</strong>g and E-commerce (B2B and B2C).Another area<br />
offer<strong>in</strong>g good prospects for Thai companies is multimedia products and services. However,<br />
CD-ROMs need to be translated <strong>in</strong>to Italian and adapted to specific local needs. <strong>Italy</strong> has a<br />
shortfall of specialist ICT consultants, which means that there could be <strong>opportunities</strong> for Thai<br />
companies to provide night-and-day services from Thailand, or <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>.<br />
Good <strong>opportunities</strong> exist for exporters and service providers <strong>in</strong> the telecommunications sector<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude value-added services for mobile telephony, services for broadband technology and<br />
services for wireless fidelity (WiFi) technology.<br />
III. ITALIAN TRADE FAIR<br />
There are more than one thousand venues tak<strong>in</strong>g place <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>: 195 <strong>in</strong>ternational events, 422<br />
national and 113 at a regional level: all <strong>in</strong>formation about these venues can be found on<br />
AEFI's web site. Economic categories represented are 27 besides the trade fairs.<br />
These figures highlight the importance of the national trade fairs system.<br />
It is a system based upon the <strong>in</strong>dustrial structure of our country, which looks at the sector<br />
specialization and to the peculiarity of district as a start<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t for its development and for its<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational grandeur.<br />
In recent years the Italian trade fairs system has been <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> many changes: growth<br />
plans, juridical transformation of the trade fairs Bodies <strong>in</strong> Spa, decentralization of the<br />
competences regard<strong>in</strong>g trade fairs and exhibitions at a regional level.<br />
Gather<strong>in</strong>g articles, researches, studies, gather<strong>in</strong>gs specifically carried out give organizers and<br />
users of the Italian trade fairs system the chance to be constantly updated on the<br />
developments.<br />
BERGAMO FIERA NUOVA<br />
S.p.A.<br />
via Pasubio, 5<br />
24044 - Dalm<strong>in</strong>e (Bg)<br />
Tel. 035/6224202 Fax 035/6224200<br />
Email <strong>in</strong>fo@bergamofieranuova.it<br />
Web www.bergamofieranuova.it<br />
BOLOGNAFIERE S.p.A.<br />
Viale della Fiera 20<br />
40128 Bologna<br />
Tel. 051/282111 Fax 051/282332<br />
E-mail dir.gen@bolognafiere.it<br />
Web www.BolognaFiere.it<br />
BRIXIA EXPO<br />
Immobiliare Fiera di Brescia<br />
S.p.A.<br />
24
Via Caprera 5 - 25125 Brescia<br />
Tel. 030/3463470<br />
Fax 030/3463480<br />
E-mail brixiaexpo@immobiliarefiera.it<br />
Web www.brixiaexpo.it<br />
CARRARAFIERE S.r.l.<br />
Viale Galileo Galilei 133<br />
Mar<strong>in</strong>a di Carrara - 54033 Carrara<br />
Tel. 0585/787963<br />
Fax 0585/787602<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@carrarafiere.com<br />
Web www.carrarafiere.com<br />
CENTRO AFFARI E CONVEGNI<br />
Via Spallanzani 23 – 52100 Arezzo<br />
Tel. 0575/9361 Fax 0575/383028<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@cpsarezzo.it<br />
Webwww.centroaffariarezzo.it<br />
CESENA FIERA S.p.A.<br />
Via Dismano 3845<br />
47020 Pievesest<strong>in</strong>a di Cesena (FC)<br />
Tel. 0547/317435<br />
Fax 0547/318431<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@cesenafiera.com<br />
Web www.cesenafiera.com<br />
CREMONA FIERE S.p.A.<br />
P.zza Zelioli Lanz<strong>in</strong>i 1<br />
Località Cà Dé Somenzi<br />
26100 Cremona<br />
Tel. 0372/598011<br />
Fax 0372/453374<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@cremonafiere.it<br />
Web www.cremonafiere.it<br />
25 25
E. A. FIERA DEL LEVANTE<br />
Lungomare Starita 13 - 70123 Bari<br />
Tel. 080/5366111<br />
Fax 080/5366486<br />
E-mailmessaggi@fieradellevante.it<br />
Web www.fieradellevante.it<br />
E.A. FIERA DEL<br />
MEDITERRANEO<br />
Via Anwar Sadat 13<br />
90142 Palermo<br />
Tel. 091/5000111, Fax 091/5000148<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@fieramediterraneo.it<br />
Web www.fieramediterraneo.it<br />
E.A. FIERA DI FOGGIA<br />
Corso del Mezzogiorno<br />
71100 Foggia<br />
Tel. 0881/3051 Fax 0881/305305<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@fieradifoggia.it<br />
Web www.fieradifoggia.it<br />
E.A. FIERA DI MESSINA<br />
Viale della Libertà - 98100 Mess<strong>in</strong>a<br />
Tel. 090/364011 Fax 090/5728818<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@fieramess<strong>in</strong>a.it<br />
Web www.fieramess<strong>in</strong>a.it<br />
E.A. FIERA DI TRIESTE<br />
P.le De Gasperi 1 - 34139 Trieste<br />
Tel. 040/9494111 Fax 040/393062<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@fiera.trieste.it<br />
Web www.fiera.trieste.it<br />
26
E.A. PER LE FIERE DI<br />
VERONA<br />
Via del Lavoro 8 - 37100 Verona<br />
Tel. 045/8298111<br />
Fax 045/8298288<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@veronafiere.it<br />
Web www.veronafiere.it<br />
E.R.F.<br />
Ente Regionale Fieristico<br />
Largo Fiera della Pesca 11<br />
60125 Ancona<br />
Tel. 071/58971 Fax 071/5897213<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@erf.it<br />
Web www.erf.it<br />
FERRARA FIERE CONGRESSI<br />
S.r.l.<br />
Via della Fiera 11 - 44100 Ferrara<br />
Tel. 0532/900713<br />
Fax 0532/976997<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@ferrarafiere.it<br />
Web www.ferrarafiere.it<br />
FIERA BOLZANO S.p.A.<br />
MESSE BOZEN AG<br />
Piazza Fiera 1 - MessePlatz 1<br />
39100 Bolzano<br />
Tel. 0471/516000<br />
Fax 0471/516111<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@fierabolzano.it<br />
Web www.fierabolzano.it<br />
FIERA DI FORLI S.p.A.<br />
Via Punta di Ferro 2<br />
47100 Forlì<br />
Tel. 0543/793511<br />
Fax 0543/724488<br />
E-mail staff@fieraforli.it<br />
Web www.fieraforli.it<br />
27 27
FIERA DI GENOVA S.p.A.<br />
P.le Kennedy 1 - 16129 Genova<br />
Tel. 010/53911 Fax 010/5391270<br />
E-mail fierage@fiera.ge.it<br />
Web www.fiera.ge.it<br />
FIERA DI ROMA S.p.A.<br />
Via dell'Arcadia 2 - c/o Palafiera<br />
00147 Roma<br />
Tel. 06/5178582 Fax 06/5178585<br />
E-mail direzione.fdr@fieradiroma.it<br />
Web www.fieradiroma.it<br />
FIERA DI VICENZA S.p.A.<br />
Via dell'Oreficeria 16<br />
36100 Vicenza<br />
Tel. 0444/969111<br />
Fax 0444/563954<br />
E-mailvicenzafiera@vicenzafiera.it<br />
Web www.vicenzafiera.it<br />
FIERA INT. DELLA SARDEGNA<br />
Via A. Diaz 221 - 09126 Cagliari<br />
Tel. 070/34961 Fax 070/3496310<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@fieradellasardegna.it<br />
Web www.fieradellasardegna.it<br />
FIERA MILANO S.p.A.<br />
Strada statale del Sempione, 28<br />
20017 Rho - (MI)<br />
Tel. 02/4997.1<br />
Fax 02/4997.7379<br />
Email fieramilano@fieramilano.it<br />
Web www.fieramilano.com<br />
28
FIERA MILLENARIA DI<br />
GONZAGA S.r.l.<br />
Via Fiera Millenaria, 13<br />
Gonzaga (MN)<br />
Tel. 0376/58098 Fax 0376/528153<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@fieramillenaria.it<br />
Web www.fieramillenaria.it<br />
FIERE DI PARMA S.p.A.<br />
Via F. Rizzi 67/A<br />
43031 Baganzola (PR)<br />
Tel. 0521/9961 Fax 0521/996319<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@fiereparma.it<br />
Web www.fiereparma.it<br />
FIERE DI PESARO S.r.l.<br />
Via delle Esposizioni 33<br />
61100 Pesaro<br />
Tel. 0721/40681 Fax 0721/25300<br />
Emailfierapesaro@fierapesaro.com<br />
Web www.fierapesaro.com<br />
FIRENZE FIERA S.p.A.<br />
Congress & Exhibition Center<br />
Via Leone X, 3 - 50129 Firenze<br />
Tel. 055/49721 Fax 055/4972206<br />
E-mail market<strong>in</strong>g1@firenzefiera.it<br />
Web www.firenzefiera.it<br />
LARIO FIERE<br />
Centro Espositivo e<br />
Congressuale<br />
Viale Rasegone 20<br />
22036 Erba (Co)<br />
Tel. 031/6371 Fax 031/637403<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@lariofiere.com<br />
Web www.lariofiere.com<br />
29 29
LINGOTTO FIERE PROMOTOR<br />
INTERNATIONAL S.p.A.<br />
Via Nizza 294 - 10126 Tor<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Tel. 011/6644208 Fax 011/6646648<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@l<strong>in</strong>gottofiere.it<br />
Web www.l<strong>in</strong>gottofiere.it<br />
LONGARONE FIERE S.r.l.<br />
Via del Parco 3<br />
32013 Longarone (Bl)<br />
Tel. 0437/577577 Fax 0437/770340<br />
E-mail fiera@longaronefiere.it<br />
Web www.longaronefiere.it<br />
MODENA ESPOSIZIONI S.r.l.<br />
Viale Virgilio 58/B - 41100 Modena<br />
Tel. 059/848380-848899-848673<br />
Fax 059/848790<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@modenafiere.it<br />
Web www.modenafiere.it<br />
MOSTRA D’OLTREMARE<br />
S.p.A.<br />
P.le V. Tecchio 52 - 80125 Napoli<br />
Tel. 081/7258000 Fax 081/7258009<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@mostradoltremare.it<br />
Web www.mostradoltremare.it<br />
PADOVA FIERE S.p.A.<br />
30<br />
Via N.Tommaseo 59<br />
35131 Padova<br />
Tel. 049/840111 Fax 049/840570<br />
E-mail mail@padovafiere.it<br />
Web www.padovafiere.it
RIVA DEL GARDA<br />
FIERECONGRESSI S.p.A.<br />
Loc.tà Parco Lido<br />
38066 Riva del Garda (TN)<br />
Tel. 0464/520000 Fax 0464/555255<br />
E-mail direzione@rivafc.it<br />
Web www.rivadelgardafierecongressi.it<br />
PIACENZA FIERE S.p.A.<br />
SS. 10 Loc. Le Mose<br />
29100 Piacenza<br />
Tel. 0523/602711 Fax 0523/602702<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@piacenzafiere.it<br />
Web www.piacenzafiere.it<br />
PORDENONE FIERE S.p.A.<br />
Viale Treviso 1 - 33170 Pordenone<br />
Tel. 0434/232111<br />
Fax 0434/570415<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fofiere@fierapordenone.it<br />
Web www.fierapordenone.it<br />
RIMINI FIERA S.p.A.<br />
Via Emilia 155 - 47900 Rim<strong>in</strong>i<br />
Tel. 0541/744111 Fax 0541/744200<br />
E-mail rim<strong>in</strong>ifiera@rim<strong>in</strong>ifiera.it<br />
Web www.rim<strong>in</strong>ifiera.it<br />
SIPER<br />
FIERE DI REGGIO EMILIA S.r.l.<br />
Via Filangeri 15<br />
42100 Reggio Emilia<br />
Tel. 0522/503511 Fax 0522/503555<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@fierereggioemilia.it<br />
Web www.fierereggioemilia.it<br />
31 31
UDINE E GORIZIA FIERE S.p.A.<br />
Via Cotonificio 96<br />
33030 Torreano di Martignacco(Ud)<br />
Tel. 0432/4951 Fax 0432/401378<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@ud<strong>in</strong>egoriziafiere.it<br />
Web www.ud<strong>in</strong>egoriziafiere.it<br />
UMBRIA FIERE S.p.A.<br />
Piazza Moncada 1- Centro Fieristico<br />
06083 Bastia Umbra (Pg)<br />
Tel. 075/8004005 Fax 075/8001389<br />
E-mail <strong>in</strong>fo@umbriafiere.it<br />
Web www.umbriafiere.it<br />
VILLA ERBA S.p.A.<br />
Largo L. Visconti 4<br />
22012 Cernobbio (Co)<br />
Tel. 031/3491 Fax 031/340540<br />
Emaildirezionegenerale@villaerba.it<br />
Web www.villaerba.it<br />
32
INVEST IN ITALY<br />
I. NEW BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT<br />
Foreign companies look<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> have the same k<strong>in</strong>ds of choices and guarantees<br />
for sett<strong>in</strong>g up bus<strong>in</strong>ess that other lead<strong>in</strong>g developed countries offer.<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g a thorough reform of Italian bus<strong>in</strong>ess law <strong>in</strong> early 2003, the legal framework for<br />
companies can now be considered one of the most modern and dynamic <strong>in</strong> Europe. The<br />
reform amended and supplemented portions of the Italian Civil Code (ICC) and modified<br />
<strong>Italy</strong>'s Unified Rules on f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>termediation (Law 58/1998, known as the 'TUF') which now<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude specific provisions for listed companies.<br />
The TUF has been significantly amended by means of law no. 262 dated December 28, 2005<br />
which provides rules aimed to safeguard sav<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Overall the 2003 reform successfully <strong>in</strong>troduced:<br />
• Changes to the structure of commercial companies (Jo<strong>in</strong>t Stock Company, Limited<br />
Liability company) which simplify and speed up the procedures for establish<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
• New f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>struments for companies to create special categories of shares<br />
• New rules provid<strong>in</strong>g greater flexibility and choice <strong>in</strong> corporate governance<br />
Corporate responsibility for groups clarify<strong>in</strong>g issues related to liability, transparency and<br />
publicity.<br />
II. BUSINESS SOLUTIONS<br />
Prospective foreign <strong>in</strong>vestors want<strong>in</strong>g to set up a bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> may either:<br />
• establish a representative office, Branch; or<br />
• <strong>in</strong>corporate a company with a more permanent presence.<br />
It may also set up a representative office to explore local market<strong>in</strong>g and bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
<strong>opportunities</strong> and later decide to <strong>in</strong>corporate a company.<br />
Foreign <strong>in</strong>vestors that prefer to establish a more stable organization may <strong>in</strong>corporate a<br />
company.<br />
The jo<strong>in</strong>t stock company (società per azioni) and limited liability company (società a<br />
responsabilità limitata) are the most common types.<br />
For both, liability for social obligations is limited to the company's corporate assets.<br />
33 33
III. REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE & BRANCH<br />
Foreign companies <strong>in</strong>tend<strong>in</strong>g to establish a representative office must comply with certa<strong>in</strong><br />
formalities at local Company Registries. The follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation should be filed: corporate<br />
details of the representative office, personal details of the <strong>in</strong>dividual(s) accountable for the<br />
representative office, together with the responsible Company Registry. Fail<strong>in</strong>g to comply, the<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual(s) accountable for the representative office are personally liable, without limitation,<br />
for the office's obligations<br />
III.I BRANCH OFFICE<br />
Foreign <strong>in</strong>vestors not <strong>in</strong>tend<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>corporate an Italian subsidiary may conduct their<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> through a branch office. It's considered as a permanent establishment and is<br />
consequently subject to corporate <strong>in</strong>come tax and must keep proper books and file its VAT<br />
returns as well as the annual f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g statement of the parent company <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g profit and<br />
loss accounts.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g documents are required to register a branch office <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>:<br />
• Certified copy of the deed of <strong>in</strong>corporation and by-laws of the parent company<br />
• Certificate of good stand<strong>in</strong>g of the parent company<br />
• Application for the VAT number of the branch and for the tax code number of the<br />
legal representative of the parent company and of the manager<br />
• Registration of the deed of deposit <strong>in</strong> an official foreign Companies' Register of<br />
chamber of Commerce.<br />
EVERYTHING FOR ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A BUSINESS AVAILABLE<br />
ON LINE<br />
In <strong>Italy</strong>, all bus<strong>in</strong>esses must be registered <strong>in</strong> a specific list (the “Registro delle Imprese”,<br />
Commercial Register) held by the local Chamber of Commerce.<br />
It is sufficient to sign an agreement with the Chamber of Commerce <strong>in</strong> order to absolve on l<strong>in</strong>e<br />
all the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative fulfillments through the “Telemaco” IT System. Registered users have<br />
access to software which allows rapid and simple preparation of requests for registration and<br />
modifications to the exist<strong>in</strong>g registrations with the Commercial Register. Telemaco also allows<br />
access to much of the <strong>in</strong>formation managed by the Chamber of Commerce. Further<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on the service is available from www.<strong>in</strong>focamere.it and<br />
www.cameradicommercio.it sites.<br />
The site of the M<strong>in</strong>istry for Productive Activity (www.m<strong>in</strong>dustria.it) offers research,<br />
documentation, statistical data and other <strong>in</strong>formation (for example, on localization contracts).<br />
Other <strong>in</strong>formation for bus<strong>in</strong>esses is available from www.sviluppoitalia.it, the website of<br />
Sviluppo Italia, the national agency for bus<strong>in</strong>ess development and the attraction of<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestments, which is also responsible for promot<strong>in</strong>g new <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>, with particular<br />
reference to the South and to under-used areas of Central and Northern <strong>Italy</strong> with strong<br />
development potential. The agency acts as a s<strong>in</strong>gle voice for the management and<br />
coord<strong>in</strong>ation of every stage of the process of establishment: from the identification of<br />
localization <strong>opportunities</strong> to the support for the implementation of the project, from assistance<br />
<strong>in</strong> relations with public adm<strong>in</strong>istration and Governmental <strong>in</strong>stitutions to the direct grant<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
concessions, up to and <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g after care services.<br />
A S<strong>in</strong>gle Office for Productive Activity (“Sportello Unico per le Attivita’ Produttive”-SUAP) has<br />
been activated <strong>in</strong> 69% of Italian municipalities, where those entrepreneurs who plan to start<br />
34
up a new bus<strong>in</strong>ess can request <strong>in</strong>formation and fulfill the necessary obligations, without<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g to contact separately all the government offices <strong>in</strong>volved. The S<strong>in</strong>gle Office simplifies<br />
procedures and reduces the time and costs <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess start up. More <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed from the websites of <strong>in</strong>dividual municipalities (a list of which can be found at<br />
www.f<strong>in</strong>anze.gov.it ) and on www.formez.it<br />
IV. TYPES OF COMPANIES<br />
IV.I Jo<strong>in</strong>t Stock Options (Societa’ per Azioni – SpA.)<br />
An S.p.A. has autonomous legal personality and is therefore a separate entity from its<br />
shareholders. It has its own assets and resources, on which its creditors must rely completely<br />
for redress. The participation of stockholders is represented by shares of stock.<br />
Incorporation<br />
One may establish an S.p.A. either by execut<strong>in</strong>g a contract or by the unilateral act of a s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
shareholder. An S.p.A. can also be participated by partnerships (provided they are not<br />
<strong>in</strong>formal partnerships) or by other S.p.A.s. The m<strong>in</strong>imum equity capital required is 120,000<br />
Euro. There is no limit on the company's lifetime.<br />
Incorporation Procedure<br />
A summary of the ma<strong>in</strong> steps:<br />
• execut<strong>in</strong>g contract (or unilateral act) with articles of association and bylaws, <strong>in</strong> the<br />
form of a notarial public deed<br />
• full underwrit<strong>in</strong>g of the equity capital<br />
• bank deposit of one fourth of the f<strong>in</strong>ancial contribution or the entire contribution <strong>in</strong><br />
case of unilateral formation<br />
• check<strong>in</strong>g for special legal requirements, e.g., government authorization for activities<br />
envisaged by the company<br />
• check<strong>in</strong>g with the Notary Public about the essential conditions required, by law, to<br />
form the company<br />
• fil<strong>in</strong>g by the Notary Public of all documentation with the Company Registry with<strong>in</strong> 20<br />
days of the sign<strong>in</strong>g of the articles of association.<br />
Contributions<br />
Contributions can be <strong>in</strong> money, <strong>in</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d and/or by assignment of credits, of which, the latter<br />
two must be paid <strong>in</strong> full when underwrit<strong>in</strong>g the correspond<strong>in</strong>g shares. A designated expert of<br />
the competent territorial court estimates the contributions and renders sworn statements<br />
regard<strong>in</strong>g their value.<br />
Shareholders Agreements<br />
These b<strong>in</strong>d signatory shareholders only, and may cover:<br />
• vot<strong>in</strong>g trusts concern<strong>in</strong>g the exercise of vot<strong>in</strong>g rights <strong>in</strong> the company or its<br />
subsidiaries<br />
• sell<strong>in</strong>g syndicates limit<strong>in</strong>g the transfer of shares <strong>in</strong> the company or <strong>in</strong> its subsidiaries<br />
• agreements for exercis<strong>in</strong>g a dom<strong>in</strong>ant <strong>in</strong>fluence over the company or its subsidiaries.<br />
The maximum duration of shareholders agreements is five years renewable. If the duration is<br />
unlimited, participants may withdraw giv<strong>in</strong>g six-months prior notice.<br />
35 35
36<br />
IV.II Limited Liability Company (Societa’ a Responsabilita’ Limitata – Srl)<br />
Quotas represent the extent of member participation. The SRL is accountable with its own<br />
assets for the obligations it undertakes.<br />
The m<strong>in</strong>imum capital required is 10,000 Euro.<br />
Incorporation<br />
The SRL can have unlimited duration. Contributions <strong>in</strong>clude money and, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />
articles of association, any items of economic value <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g services supplied by quota<br />
holders, if adequately guaranteed.<br />
Upon formation, each quota holder shall pay <strong>in</strong> one fourth of his/her money contribution and<br />
the full premium.<br />
The articles of association and the bylaws shall be <strong>in</strong> the form of notarial deeds.<br />
Limited liability company with sole quota holder<br />
A sole quota holder SRL requires a unilateral deed, full payment of the capital contribution,<br />
and certa<strong>in</strong> disclosure requirements.<br />
Should a sole quota holder acquire an exist<strong>in</strong>g, non-sole quota holder SRL, he/she shall<br />
disclose publicly the changes of quota holders and cover outstand<strong>in</strong>g contributions.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>solvency, sole quota holders are liable without limitation if contributions rema<strong>in</strong><br />
unpaid or disclosure requirements about them are <strong>in</strong>complete.<br />
Fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The SRL may receive f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g from quota holders. Reimbursement ranks after repay<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
company's creditors. Any reimbursement made with<strong>in</strong> the year preced<strong>in</strong>g a bankruptcy<br />
declaration must be returned. Issu<strong>in</strong>g bonds is allowable under the articles of association if<br />
subscribed to only by professionals <strong>in</strong>vestors.<br />
IV.III Other types of company<br />
General partnerships (società <strong>in</strong> nome collettivo)<br />
All members of the SNC are jo<strong>in</strong>tly and severally liable for the obligations assumed by the<br />
company. Nonetheless, creditors of the SNC cannot claim payments from the members until<br />
after all remedies aga<strong>in</strong>st the SNC have been exhausted.<br />
The SNC, although it is not a legal person (it is not <strong>in</strong>corporated), can to certa<strong>in</strong> extents be<br />
regarded as an autonomous entity dist<strong>in</strong>guished from its members.<br />
Limited partnerships (società <strong>in</strong> accomandita semplice) both hav<strong>in</strong>g unlimited liability for the<br />
partners.<br />
General members are jo<strong>in</strong>tly and severally liable without limits for the obligations of the<br />
partnership whilst silent partners are only liable to the extent of their contributions.<br />
The bus<strong>in</strong>ess name must consist of at least the name of a general partner, and a mention of<br />
the limited partnership status. The rules govern<strong>in</strong>g the general partnership are applicable to<br />
the limited partnership <strong>in</strong>sofar as they are compatible with this model. The article of<br />
association must <strong>in</strong>clude the names of the general members as well as those of the silent<br />
partners.<br />
Partnership limited by shares (società <strong>in</strong> accomandita per azioni)<br />
There are two categories of members: general partners, who are liable jo<strong>in</strong>tly and severally<br />
liable without limitation for the partnership obligations, and special partners who are liable<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the limit of subscribed capital. Creditors of the SAPA cannot claim payments from the<br />
general partners until after all remedies aga<strong>in</strong>st the company have been exhausted.
Participations are represented by shares. General partners are directors by operation of law<br />
and are subject to the same duties as the directors of an S.p.A.. Rules concern<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Shareholder Meet<strong>in</strong>g and the Board of Statutory Auditors of the S.p.A. are also applicable, to<br />
the extent compatible, to the SAPA.<br />
V. GROUPS OF COMPANIES<br />
After the 2003 reform of bus<strong>in</strong>ess law <strong>in</strong> the Italian Civil Code (ICC) the concept of the 'group'<br />
and its ties to companies changed considerably.<br />
A Group is not an autonomous legal entity.<br />
Direction of the companies <strong>in</strong> a Group may follow a common economic strategy but are<br />
dist<strong>in</strong>ct from each other as well as the Group. Each company is subject to the laws for the<br />
model under which it is <strong>in</strong>corporated.<br />
Parent company resolutions do not, therefore, directly affect subsidiaries or controlled<br />
companies even if <strong>in</strong>tended for direction and coord<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
Nevertheless, the group's <strong>in</strong>terests can be pursued through acts, which may <strong>in</strong>itially affect the<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest of the subsidiary. The f<strong>in</strong>al result of the group's act, however, must eventually favor<br />
the <strong>in</strong>dividual subsidiary.<br />
Duties of Parent Companies<br />
Parent companies must disclose publicly f<strong>in</strong>ancial <strong>in</strong>formation and other sensitive data<br />
regard<strong>in</strong>g subsidiaries, controlled companies and affiliated entities.<br />
Parent companies are liable towards shareholders and creditors of their subsidiaries and<br />
controlled companies if such companies are mismanaged.<br />
Duties of Subsidiaries<br />
Subsidiaries and controlled companies must make public their l<strong>in</strong>ks with the group's other<br />
companies and the parent company's powers of direction and coord<strong>in</strong>ation, as recorded at<br />
the Company Registry.<br />
They must also expla<strong>in</strong> the reason<strong>in</strong>g beh<strong>in</strong>d any of their decisions derived from their<br />
dependence on a group. Shareholders of subsidiaries or controlled companies may withdraw<br />
from the company under specific circumstances.<br />
VI. LITIGATION-CORPORATE PROCEEDINGS<br />
Dispute Resolution<br />
The 2003 reform of the Italian Civil Code (ICC) amended comprehensively dispute resolution<br />
mechanisms for corporate disputes.<br />
Out of Court Conciliation Procedure<br />
This procedure is chaired by a private or public entity registered with the M<strong>in</strong>istry of Justice. It<br />
does not prevent the parties hav<strong>in</strong>g recourse to ord<strong>in</strong>ary courts. Should the court believe the<br />
relevant bylaws to be broken, it may suspend the trial and fix a term for fil<strong>in</strong>g the conciliation<br />
request.<br />
Special Judiciary Proceed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
There are two special procedures, ord<strong>in</strong>ary and summary, for corporate disputes with<strong>in</strong> the<br />
ord<strong>in</strong>ary judicial procedure. The competent court has jurisdiction to deal with these specific<br />
procedures.<br />
37 37
Arbitration<br />
The ICC reform amended arbitration clauses <strong>in</strong> company bylaws deal<strong>in</strong>g exclusively with<br />
corporate matters. Disputes over the courts' mandatory <strong>in</strong>terventions dur<strong>in</strong>g the lifetime of a<br />
company and public <strong>in</strong>terest pursued by companies are excluded from arbitration.<br />
The reform also amended the terms for appo<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g arbitrators, precautionary measures,<br />
<strong>in</strong>cidental questions, <strong>in</strong>tervention of third parties, and appeal<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
arbitration.<br />
There is also a simplified arbitration procedure for disputes aris<strong>in</strong>g among the manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
members of SRLs and partnerships about the company's management.<br />
VII. BANKRUPTCY<br />
Failure by a company to meet its obligations may result <strong>in</strong> bankruptcy proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
The 'Italian Bankruptcy Law' provides pre-liquidation, rehabilitation, or moratorium procedures<br />
aimed, provid<strong>in</strong>g certa<strong>in</strong> conditions are met, at avoid<strong>in</strong>g bankruptcy.<br />
The bankruptcy procedure<br />
There are two pre-requisites for bankruptcy proceed<strong>in</strong>gs:<br />
• It <strong>in</strong>volves a commercial entrepreneur, whether an <strong>in</strong>dividual or a company; and<br />
• It must be <strong>in</strong> a state of <strong>in</strong>solvency.<br />
Insolvency occurs when a bus<strong>in</strong>ess cannot pay its due debts by ord<strong>in</strong>ary means, and the<br />
situation is permanent and not a temporary difficulty.<br />
Bankruptcy proceed<strong>in</strong>gs are unavoidably collective because they concern all a debtor’s<br />
assets, and the <strong>in</strong>terests of all the creditors. Equality of treatment applies to creditors, subject<br />
only to cases of legal priority.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the bankruptcy procedure certa<strong>in</strong> categories of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess’s acts or contracts may<br />
be subject to claw back actions, provided that certa<strong>in</strong> requirements are met.<br />
Such requirements have been recently amended follow<strong>in</strong>g the com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to force of Law<br />
Decree no. 35 dated March 14 2005 converted by Law no. 80 dated May 14 2005 which has<br />
widened number of acts which may not be subject of claw back actions.<br />
On January 9 2006 the Italian Government has enacted a legislative decree aimed to reform<br />
the regulation applicable to bankruptcy procedures. Such decree whose provisions shall<br />
entirely come <strong>in</strong>to force <strong>in</strong> June 2006 provides for the follow<strong>in</strong>g changes:<br />
38<br />
• the acceleration of bankruptcy legal proceed<strong>in</strong>gs;<br />
• to enlarge the competences of the creditors committee;<br />
• to amend the personal consequences of the bankruptcy;<br />
• to amend the effects of the revocation;<br />
• to reduce the term of exercise of claw back action; to modify the consequences of<br />
bankruptcy on the exist<strong>in</strong>g legal relationships <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g on the assets dest<strong>in</strong>ed to a<br />
specific project;<br />
• to modify the regulation of the provisional carry out of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess of the bankrupt<br />
company;<br />
• to modify the debts assessment procedure, reduc<strong>in</strong>g the tim<strong>in</strong>g and simplify<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
regulation applicable to the claims fil<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
• the preparation by the receiver of a restructur<strong>in</strong>g plan conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the tim<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
modalities envisaged for the liquidation of the assets;<br />
• to modify the allocation of the assets reduc<strong>in</strong>g the tim<strong>in</strong>g of the procedure and
simplify<strong>in</strong>g the fulfilments associated thereof;<br />
• to amend the rules applicable to bankrupt composition (concordato fallimentare)<br />
reduc<strong>in</strong>g the tim<strong>in</strong>g and envisag<strong>in</strong>g the subdivision of the creditors <strong>in</strong>to classes;<br />
• to <strong>in</strong>troduce the debts discharge;<br />
• to abrogate the summary bankruptcy procedure and moratorium (amm<strong>in</strong>istrazione<br />
controllata).<br />
Pre-liquidation procedures<br />
Italian bankruptcy Law provides three special <strong>in</strong>struments for pre-liquidation, rehabilitation,<br />
and moratorium procedures, which enable a debtor to avoid a bankruptcy declaration:<br />
• Composition or deed of arrangement (Concordato preventivo): Available to<br />
companies and <strong>in</strong>dividuals <strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess and supervised by the courts. The debtor<br />
enters <strong>in</strong>to a deed of arrangement with its creditors for settl<strong>in</strong>g its outstand<strong>in</strong>g debts<br />
through available assets.<br />
• Moratorium (Amm<strong>in</strong>istrazione controllata): Available to companies <strong>in</strong> temporary<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ancial difficulties, when a moratorium is likely to enable it to reorganize its bus<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
Supervised by the courts, a moratorium may last a maximum two years. The courts<br />
may term<strong>in</strong>ate it at any time should the commissioner appo<strong>in</strong>ted by the Court report<br />
that the procedure no longer protects the <strong>in</strong>terests of the creditors.<br />
• Arrangement for debt restructur<strong>in</strong>g (Accordi di ristrutturazione dei debiti): Available<br />
to <strong>in</strong>dividuals and companies it is constituted by an arrangement reached between<br />
the debtor and creditors represent<strong>in</strong>g at least 60% of the receivables towards the<br />
debtor.<br />
The agreement should be filed with the competent companies' register and must be<br />
homologated by the Court.<br />
Special procedures apply to particular types of companies:<br />
• Compulsory adm<strong>in</strong>istrative liquidation (Liquidazione coatta amm<strong>in</strong>istrativa)<br />
This procedure applies to certa<strong>in</strong> types of bus<strong>in</strong>esses depend<strong>in</strong>g on both the sector<br />
and number of employees, eg, <strong>in</strong>surance companies, credit <strong>in</strong>stitutions and cooperative<br />
societies.<br />
• Extraord<strong>in</strong>ary adm<strong>in</strong>istration (Amm<strong>in</strong>istrazione straord<strong>in</strong>aria)<br />
This particular <strong>in</strong>solvency procedure applies to <strong>in</strong>dustrial and commercial enterprises<br />
with 200 employees or more and whose debts amount to no less than two-thirds both<br />
of the assets and of <strong>in</strong>come derived from the latest f<strong>in</strong>ancial year.<br />
VIII. INTELLECTUAL AND PROPERTY RIGHTS<br />
A SECURE SETTING FOR INNOAVATION<br />
Foreign companies <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Italian market can rely on the same legal protection of<br />
<strong>in</strong>tellectual property rights (IPR) granted to Italian companies. These rights extend to all<br />
the key areas - patents, trademarks, copyright, and designs - that companies are used to<br />
enjoy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> their home countries.<br />
The foundations of this legal certa<strong>in</strong>ty rest on <strong>Italy</strong>'s membership of and respect for all the<br />
lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ternational agreements on IPR.<br />
39 39
As a founder member of the European Union, <strong>Italy</strong> is at the forefront of European IPR<br />
developments and has some of the most modern and up-to-date <strong>in</strong>tellectual property<br />
practices <strong>in</strong> the world.<br />
Recent <strong>in</strong>novations <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g new measures to combat counterfeit<strong>in</strong>g, protection for<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternet-related <strong>in</strong>tellectual property, merg<strong>in</strong>g and simplify<strong>in</strong>g patent and trademark rules, and<br />
the advent of onl<strong>in</strong>e fil<strong>in</strong>g options for claims.<br />
PATENT LAW<br />
Under the Italian system, one may patent new products or processes <strong>in</strong> any technological<br />
field.<br />
One may not, however, patent methods for human or animal therapy, plant varieties, or<br />
essentially biological methods for produc<strong>in</strong>g plants or breed<strong>in</strong>g animals.<br />
To be patented, any filed <strong>in</strong>vention must have the follow<strong>in</strong>g features:<br />
• An <strong>in</strong>dustrial application: <strong>in</strong> one or more sectors<br />
• A novelty: the fil<strong>in</strong>g party must not disclose any <strong>in</strong>formation before the fil<strong>in</strong>g date of<br />
the patent application<br />
• An <strong>in</strong>ventive step: the <strong>in</strong>vention must represent a technological advance that would<br />
be non-obvious to an expert <strong>in</strong> the relevant field of <strong>in</strong>dustry. The fil<strong>in</strong>g of an Italian<br />
patent can represent the basis for a claim <strong>in</strong> any member country of the<br />
Paris Convention: http://www.bitlaw.com/source/treaties/paris.html<br />
TRADEMARK LAW<br />
<strong>Italy</strong>'s trademark system grants trademark owners the exclusive right to use new, lawful and<br />
dist<strong>in</strong>ctive signs capable of graphical representation.<br />
This <strong>in</strong>cludes the right to request custom seizure of any counterfeited good, as set down<br />
<strong>in</strong> the TRIPs Agreement.<br />
Under Italian law, three-dimensional signs, graphically represented sounds, color<br />
comb<strong>in</strong>ations and orig<strong>in</strong>al shades of colors are also enforceable marks.<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g symbols to <strong>in</strong>dicate that the trademark has been filed or is registered is not mandatory<br />
under Italian law.<br />
A trademark enjoys protection once filed with the Italian Patent and Trademark Office.<br />
Protection is also granted to non-registered trademarks, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Paris Convention<br />
(http://www.bitlaw.com/source/treaties/paris.html) on unfair competition.<br />
Trademarks are valid for ten years from the fil<strong>in</strong>g date, renewable for an unlimited number<br />
of subsequent ten-year periods.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>ternational classification of goods and services <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> is based on the Nice Agreement<br />
system (http://www.epa.ee/eng/treaties/nice.htm).<br />
One may transfer or license a trademark for all or part of the goods and/or services related to<br />
it.<br />
40
COPYRIGHT LAW<br />
<strong>Italy</strong>'s copyright law is based on the pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of the Berne Convention<br />
(http://www.wipo.<strong>in</strong>t/treaties/en/ip/berne/trtdocs_wo001.html) for the protection of literary and<br />
artistic works.<br />
An author's orig<strong>in</strong>al work is protected by copyright from the moment it is created. No<br />
application or other formalities are required to enjoy <strong>in</strong>tellectual property protection.<br />
Copyright protected works of authorship <strong>in</strong>clude literary works, motion pictures, musical works,<br />
sound record<strong>in</strong>gs, software, data bases, architectural works, and draw<strong>in</strong>gs amongst others.<br />
Protection lasts for the lifetime of the author plus a further seventy years; different<br />
terms apply to secondary works of authorship.<br />
DESIGN PROTECTION<br />
A Design qualifies for protection if it is:<br />
• A novelty: no such design was available to the public before fil<strong>in</strong>g the application<br />
• An <strong>in</strong>dividual character: the overall impression it gives to an <strong>in</strong>formed user must<br />
differ from that of any other design publicly available before the application was filed.<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g registration, the design is protected for one or more periods of five years from<br />
the fil<strong>in</strong>g date, renewable for a total of up to twenty five years The registration of a design<br />
gives the holder the exclusive right of use (ie, to make, offer, put on the market, import,<br />
export) and of prevent<strong>in</strong>g any third party from us<strong>in</strong>g it without their consent.<br />
41 41
RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN ITALY’S INTELECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS<br />
In recent years, <strong>Italy</strong> has further <strong>in</strong>creased the protection of <strong>in</strong>tellectual property rights.<br />
New provisions<br />
Sett<strong>in</strong>g up of 12 Intellectual Property<br />
Tribunals<br />
Adoption of EC Directive 29/2001 on<br />
the harmonization of certa<strong>in</strong> aspects<br />
of copyright and related rights <strong>in</strong> the<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation society (the "Information<br />
Society Directive")<br />
Sett<strong>in</strong>g up of the "Alto Comissariato<br />
per la lotta alla contraffazione"<br />
"Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>"<br />
Under Law Decree No. 168 of June 27, 2003, the Italian Government<br />
has established 12 Intellectual Property Tribunals (‘Sezioni<br />
Specializzate <strong>in</strong> material di Proprietà Intellettuale') <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
major Italian cities: Bari, Bologna, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Milan,<br />
Naples, Palermo, Rome, Tur<strong>in</strong>, Trieste, Venice.<br />
<strong>Italy</strong> was one of the first EU countries to amend its domestic copyright<br />
laws to keep pace with the provisions of the recent Information<br />
Society Directive, embody<strong>in</strong>g the provisions of the WIPO Copyright<br />
Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty of 1996.<br />
Law Decree No. 68 of April 9, 2003 brought the changes <strong>in</strong>to effect.<br />
Law Decree March 14, 2005 converted by Law no. 80 dated 14 May<br />
2005 established an Anti-counterfeit<strong>in</strong>g committee to co-ord<strong>in</strong>ate the<br />
fight aga<strong>in</strong>st piracy and counterfeited goods.<br />
Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative sanctions for <strong>in</strong>dividuals who put <strong>in</strong>to the market<br />
counterfeited goods have been <strong>in</strong>creased by from Euro 1,032 up to<br />
Euro 20,000.<br />
The 2004 Fiscal Law also recognized a new form of collective label to<br />
dist<strong>in</strong>guish and <strong>in</strong>crease demand for Italian-produced goods worldwide.<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g the "Made <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>" label on non-Italian orig<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g goods<br />
and services is punishable by law. A National Fund of 35 million<br />
Euros <strong>in</strong> 2004, 55 million <strong>in</strong> 2005, and 35 million <strong>in</strong> 2006 is available<br />
to encourage Italian companies to adopt the label.<br />
Further, <strong>in</strong> May 2002 the Italian Parliament granted the Government law-mak<strong>in</strong>g powers to<br />
reorganize and update the current patent and trademark rules <strong>in</strong>to a "s<strong>in</strong>gle law" (Testo<br />
Unico).<br />
On February 10, 2005 the Government has enacted Legislative Decree no.30/2005 (the<br />
"Industrial Property Code") which provides for the follow<strong>in</strong>g major changes to the previous<br />
regulation:<br />
• the reorganisation <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>gle law of the regulation applicable to trademarks, patents<br />
and designs;<br />
• the <strong>in</strong>troduction of a wider def<strong>in</strong>ition of <strong>in</strong>dustrial property;<br />
• a reform of the regulation applicable to <strong>in</strong>ventions created by employees and<br />
physicians <strong>in</strong> research<br />
• the reorganization and the enlargement of the tasks entrusted with the Italian Patent<br />
and Trademark Office (PTO);<br />
• a better def<strong>in</strong>ition of the competences of the 12 Intellectual Property Tribunals and<br />
the application to legal proceed<strong>in</strong>gs relat<strong>in</strong>g to Industrial Property rights of dispute<br />
resolution mechanisms and special procedures for corporate disputes approved <strong>in</strong><br />
2003;<br />
• stronger crim<strong>in</strong>al sanctions for serious <strong>in</strong>fr<strong>in</strong>gements of Industrial Property rights; and<br />
• new actions aimed to fight aga<strong>in</strong>st piracy and counterfeit<strong>in</strong>g goods.<br />
The Industrial Property Code is already <strong>in</strong> force with the exception of the regulation applicable<br />
to legal proceed<strong>in</strong>gs which will come <strong>in</strong>to force <strong>in</strong> September 2005.<br />
42
The Industrial Property Code provides for a new def<strong>in</strong>ition of <strong>in</strong>dustrial property which<br />
expressly <strong>in</strong>cludes also designations of orig<strong>in</strong> (denom<strong>in</strong>azioni d'orig<strong>in</strong>e) geographical<br />
<strong>in</strong>dications (<strong>in</strong>dicazioni geografiche) and company confidential <strong>in</strong>formation. Company<br />
confidential <strong>in</strong>formation are deemed those <strong>in</strong>formation which are secret with<strong>in</strong> the mean<strong>in</strong>g<br />
they are not <strong>in</strong> their configuration known or easily accessible by experts <strong>in</strong> the same field of<br />
activity, have an economical value due to their secrecy, are subject to adequate control<br />
procedures aimed to keep such <strong>in</strong>formation as secret or which relate to tests conducted on<br />
products before their market<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
With reference to <strong>in</strong>ventions created by employees <strong>in</strong> accordance with the Industrial Property<br />
Code they belong to the employer so long as they relate to the tasks def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the<br />
employment contract and specific compensation is paid to the employee. If a specific<br />
compensation for the <strong>in</strong>vention is not envisaged by the employment contract and the<br />
<strong>in</strong>vention is created <strong>in</strong> the performance of the employment relationship the <strong>in</strong>vention, if<br />
patented, belongs to the employer but a fair compensation must be paid to the employee. If<br />
the above conditions are not met and the <strong>in</strong>vention relates to the field of activity of the<br />
employer, the <strong>in</strong>vention belongs to the employee but the employer is granted with an option<br />
right to use on an exclusive or not exclusive basis or to purchase the <strong>in</strong>vention.<br />
In case an agreement is not reached between the employer and the employee on the amount<br />
of the fair compensation or of the consideration for the <strong>in</strong>vention, the assessment thereof is<br />
made by an arbitrators panel.<br />
Crim<strong>in</strong>al sanctions related to the <strong>in</strong>fr<strong>in</strong>gement of Industrial Property Rights are stricter.<br />
Furthermore, <strong>in</strong> determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the amount of damages aris<strong>in</strong>g from a counterfeit<strong>in</strong>g, the courts<br />
shall be entitled to consider also the proceeds obta<strong>in</strong>ed by the counterfeiter and the royalties<br />
he should have paid to be granted a license to use the Industrial Property Right <strong>in</strong>fr<strong>in</strong>ged.<br />
Furthermore a new def<strong>in</strong>ition of piracy has been <strong>in</strong>troduced. Based on such new def<strong>in</strong>ition<br />
piracy acts on Industrial Property Rights are deemed those acts which are carried out with<br />
fraud and <strong>in</strong> a systematic way.<br />
New legislation await<strong>in</strong>g the Italian Parliament's approval <strong>in</strong> 2005, provides stronger<br />
protection for <strong>in</strong>ternet doma<strong>in</strong> names (already protected under current trademark laws).<br />
The PTO will offer on-l<strong>in</strong>e users access to a new data base of Italian patents and trademarks<br />
on file.<br />
IX. INCENTIVES<br />
At la glance<br />
Incentives are subsidies disbursed by EU, national and local bodies. Their purpose is to<br />
support entrepreneurial development, bus<strong>in</strong>ess creation, strengthen exist<strong>in</strong>g or recentlystarted<br />
<strong>in</strong>itiatives, provide bus<strong>in</strong>ess-support services, and promote and <strong>in</strong>tegrate research,<br />
<strong>in</strong>novation and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Many <strong>in</strong>centive <strong>opportunities</strong> are based on national laws to support <strong>in</strong>vestments that<br />
encourage:<br />
- creation of new and exist<strong>in</strong>g production plants (eg, Law 488/1992);<br />
43 43
- <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong> re-launch<strong>in</strong>g and production areas (eg, Law 181/89);<br />
- local development (eg, Location Agreement);<br />
- creation of special bus<strong>in</strong>ess typologies (eg, Decree 185/00);<br />
- women entrepreneurship (Law 215/92)<br />
- research and technological <strong>in</strong>novation (Law 140/1997 and the PIA Innovazione 1 );<br />
- agro-<strong>in</strong>dustry development (Law 266/97);<br />
- new <strong>in</strong>vestments and new employment (Law 388/00, art. 7, 8).<br />
Other <strong>opportunities</strong> arise from EU national programm<strong>in</strong>g documents, such as Regional<br />
Operational Programs 2 and S<strong>in</strong>gle Programm<strong>in</strong>g Documents 3 . These often specify <strong>in</strong>vestment<br />
priorities <strong>in</strong> fields like research and technological <strong>in</strong>novation, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, development of local<br />
entrepreneurship, and bus<strong>in</strong>ess creation.<br />
More <strong>in</strong>fo: http://europa.eu/<strong>in</strong>dex_en.htm<br />
1 Pacchetto Integrato di Agevolazioni<br />
2 Programmi Operativi Regionali (POR)<br />
3 Documento Unico di Programmazione (DOCUP)<br />
44
LIVING AND WORKING IN ITALY<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> stay up to 90 days<br />
<strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> trips generally require a visa.<br />
However, citizens of certa<strong>in</strong> countries like the United States, Canada, Argent<strong>in</strong>a, Brazil and<br />
Japan, do not require a visa for bus<strong>in</strong>ess stay of up to 90 days.<br />
EU citizens do not require visas.<br />
Work Permits and Residence<br />
1. Non EU Nationals<br />
Entry for Employment (over 90 days): Application Procedure<br />
A written job offer or an employment contract is not sufficient for work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>.<br />
A work permit (autorizzazione di lavoro) is compulsory for non-EU nationals either hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a job offer <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>, or will<strong>in</strong>g to work <strong>in</strong> the country, temporarily or permanently.<br />
The prospective employer is responsible for obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g such permit by apply<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
prov<strong>in</strong>cial labour office (Ufficio prov<strong>in</strong>ciale del lavoro) for prelim<strong>in</strong>ary clearance. If granted, the<br />
prospective employer must then obta<strong>in</strong> the approval of the regional and central authorities.<br />
When receiv<strong>in</strong>g the work permit, the prospective employee must apply for an entry visa<br />
at the Central Police Station. With this (generally granted with<strong>in</strong> 20 days) and the work<br />
permit, he can then apply for an Italian visa (at the Italian Embassy / Consulate <strong>in</strong> his home<br />
country) usually issued with<strong>in</strong> 30 days.<br />
With<strong>in</strong> eight days of enter<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Italy</strong>, the applicant and his/her family must visit the local police<br />
station to obta<strong>in</strong> an Italian stay permit (Permesso di soggiorno).<br />
For further <strong>in</strong>formation:<br />
2. EU Nationals<br />
Only a stay permit is required.<br />
Documents required: valid passport, health <strong>in</strong>surance certificate, employment contract,<br />
proof of abode (eg, rent agreement).<br />
Residence <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>:<br />
After obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a stay permit, one should register at the local Population Registration Office<br />
(Anagrafe).<br />
Documents required: stay permit, valid passport<br />
Release tim<strong>in</strong>g/delivery tim<strong>in</strong>g: 2 months<br />
Tax-code Number (codice fiscale):<br />
All citizens, whether Italians or foreigners have to get a tax-code number, even if not subject<br />
to Italian taxes.<br />
One needs such code a (codice fiscale, obta<strong>in</strong>able from the Prov<strong>in</strong>cial Tax Office) to open a<br />
bank account, to register a vehicle, or to sign any official contract.<br />
Documents required: valid ID or passport, stay permit.<br />
Release tim<strong>in</strong>g/delivery tim<strong>in</strong>g: immediate<br />
Bank<strong>in</strong>g and Bank Accounts<br />
Open<strong>in</strong>g an Account: resident foreigners can freely open a normal account. Non-residents<br />
(visitors present <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> for less than six months per year) can generally open a special<br />
foreign account.<br />
45 45
Open<strong>in</strong>g an account requires a valid codice fiscale. Some banks may ask for a residence<br />
certificate, but this is not a legal requirement.<br />
Documents required: codice fiscale, valid passport.<br />
Transfers to or from other countries, by residents or non-residents, of cash or securities <strong>in</strong><br />
domestic or foreign currencies and amount<strong>in</strong>g to more than 12,500 Euro must be declared to<br />
the UIC (Ufficio Italiano dei Cambi - Italian Exchange Controls Office).<br />
Cash Cards: Bancomat cards are very popular and widely accepted. These Italian cards<br />
can be used <strong>in</strong> automatic teller mach<strong>in</strong>es (ATM) throughout the country as well as at most<br />
shops, restaurants or similar commercial sites.<br />
Chequ<strong>in</strong>g Accounts are <strong>in</strong>terest-bear<strong>in</strong>g. For calculat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terest the date on the cheque<br />
rather than the date of the transaction applies. Services charges <strong>in</strong>clude a conventional<br />
charge, the so-called "giorni di valuta" charge (mean<strong>in</strong>g that after an agreed number of days<br />
the bank is supposed to receive the accrued <strong>in</strong>terests).<br />
This conventional charge may vary from bank to bank (i.e., usually one day for cash, three<br />
days for an <strong>in</strong>-town cheque, and between 8 and 20 days for an out-of-town cheque).<br />
Transferr<strong>in</strong>g Cheques: it is allowed to give uncrossed cheques to someone else to deposit<br />
<strong>in</strong> one's own bank account by endors<strong>in</strong>g it on the reverse. Writ<strong>in</strong>g "non transferibile",<br />
(mean<strong>in</strong>g not transferrable), ensures aga<strong>in</strong>st the cheque be<strong>in</strong>g cashed by anyone else.<br />
Level of Protection: all Italian banks belong to an official deposit guarantee scheme.<br />
Branches of banks established <strong>in</strong> the EU can jo<strong>in</strong> an Italian deposit guarantee scheme on top<br />
of the protection offered under their home country guarantee scheme.<br />
Branches of banks from outside the EU and licensed to operate <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> must jo<strong>in</strong> an<br />
Italian deposit guarantee scheme unless they are members of an equivalent foreign<br />
scheme.<br />
For further <strong>in</strong>formation: www.uic.it<br />
Social security<br />
National Health Service: <strong>Italy</strong>'s national health service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale)<br />
operates through local health authorities and provides low-cost or free health care to all EU<br />
citizens.<br />
A recent law transferred several important adm<strong>in</strong>istrative and organizational responsibilities<br />
from the central government to the 20 regions.<br />
EU Citizens <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> can take advantage of mutual health agreements. Before arriv<strong>in</strong>g, one<br />
should apply for a temporary certificate of entitlement to treatment (form E111).<br />
Non-EU Citizens visit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Italy</strong> require private <strong>in</strong>surance cover (either Italian or foreign). With<strong>in</strong><br />
8 days of arrival the local police station must approve the health policy, which is valid for the<br />
duration of the entry permit (visto d'<strong>in</strong>gresso).<br />
Gett<strong>in</strong>g Insured: foreign workers (EU and non-EU alike) must visit the nearest local health<br />
authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) to register with a family doctor affiliated with the health<br />
convention. Once registered, one is entitled to a health number and health card (tessera<br />
sanitaria).<br />
Drugs and Medic<strong>in</strong>e: if required, the family doctor may issue a prescription (ricetta) for drugs<br />
or medic<strong>in</strong>e. Where applicable, one may qualify for a state-subsidy (known as a 'ticket')<br />
46
educ<strong>in</strong>g the overall cost.<br />
Schools<br />
Arriv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>, foreign families have a broad choice of schools, both Italian and <strong>in</strong>ternational.<br />
The Italian school system is divided <strong>in</strong>to three ma<strong>in</strong> stages:<br />
• compulsory elementary school for 6 to 10-year olds<br />
• compulsory middle school from 11 to 13<br />
• high school from 14 to 19.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>ternational schools present <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> are ma<strong>in</strong>ly American and British.<br />
English-taught Education <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>: there are several <strong>in</strong>dependent, private schools offer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
courses and classes taught <strong>in</strong> English. Some of these provide classes from k<strong>in</strong>dergarten<br />
through high school, while others offer curricula at the elementary or high school levels.<br />
There are many <strong>in</strong>ternational schools <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> that follow the British education system. About<br />
30 of them are members of the European Council of International Schools.<br />
American College, University and Research Programs: over 90 American <strong>in</strong>stitutions are<br />
present <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> (36 are based <strong>in</strong> Rome, and 30 <strong>in</strong> Florence).<br />
Most of these <strong>in</strong>stitutions are members of the Association of American College and University<br />
Programs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> (AACUPI).<br />
Other <strong>in</strong>ternational schools, located <strong>in</strong> many of <strong>Italy</strong>'s ma<strong>in</strong> cities, <strong>in</strong>clude French, Spanish,<br />
German and Japanese curricula.<br />
International Baccalaureate: Most <strong>in</strong>ternational schools <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> offer this preparatory college<br />
program, or foundation course, dur<strong>in</strong>g the last two years of high school.<br />
It is recognized by over 600 universities around the world.<br />
Driver’s Licenses<br />
Non-residents <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong> with a stay permit can drive on their foreign license or on an<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational license until they become an Italian resident.<br />
After one year of residency, non-EU citizens must acquire an Italian license, while those with<br />
an EU license can cont<strong>in</strong>ue to use it.<br />
Conversion: Non-EU residents with a driver's license issued by a country with a mutual<br />
recognition agreement with the Italian Motor Vehicles Authority, may convert their license <strong>in</strong>to<br />
an Italian one without hav<strong>in</strong>g to take a new driv<strong>in</strong>g test.<br />
One may request an Italian license after one year of residency <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong><br />
47 47
USEFUL LINK AND CONTACTS<br />
In Thailand:<br />
OSMEP<br />
Office of SME's Promotion<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry of Industry Royal Thai Government<br />
21 TST Tower, floor 17th, Viphadi-Rangsit Rd.<br />
Chomphon, Jatujak, Bangkok, Thailand 10900<br />
tel. 662 278 8800<br />
fax. 662 273 8851<br />
Email: <strong>in</strong>fo@sme.go.th<br />
Website: www.sme.go.th<br />
DEP<br />
Department of Export Promotion<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry of Commerce Royal Thai Government<br />
22/77 Rachadapisek Road,Chatuchak,<br />
Bangkok 10900,Thailand<br />
Tel. (66 2)511-5066-77<br />
Fax. (66 2)512-2670<br />
Email: iticdep@depthai.go.th<br />
Website: www.depthai.go.thai<br />
Royal Thai M<strong>in</strong>istry of the Foreign Affairs<br />
Sri Ayudhya Road<br />
Address : Sri Ayudhya Rd.,<br />
Bangkok 10400. Tel. (662) 643-5000<br />
Website: www.mfa.go.th<br />
Embassy of <strong>Italy</strong> <strong>in</strong> Thailand<br />
Commercial Office<br />
40th CRC Tower, All Seasons Place,<br />
87 Wireless Road, Lump<strong>in</strong>i, Phatumwan<br />
Bangkok 10330<br />
Tel: +66/022504970-3<br />
Fax: +66/022504985<br />
E-mail: ambasciata.bangkok@esteri.it<br />
48
Italian Trade Commission-Bangkok Office<br />
14 th floor, Bubhajit Build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
20 North Sathorn Rd., Silom Bangrak,<br />
Bangkok 10500<br />
Tel. +662 6338491, +6338355<br />
Fax. +662 6338494<br />
Email: bangkok@ice.it<br />
Website:www.ice.it<br />
www.italtrade.com<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>italy.com<br />
49 49
Thai Italian Chamber of Commerce<br />
16 th floor (Room 1601 B)<br />
1126/2 Vanit Buil<strong>in</strong>g 2,<br />
New Petchuberi Road,<br />
Bangkok 10400<br />
Tel. +662 2539909, +662 2558695<br />
Fax. +662 2539896<br />
Email: <strong>in</strong>fo@thaitch.org<br />
Website: www.thaitch.org<br />
In <strong>Italy</strong>:<br />
Royal Thai Embassy <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong><br />
Via Nomentana 132,<br />
00162 Roma,<br />
Tel. +39(06)8622-051<br />
Fax. +39(06)8622-0555<br />
Email: thai.em.rome@w<strong>in</strong>d.it.net<br />
Website: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1229.phpdepid=211<br />
Italian M<strong>in</strong>istry of the Foreign Affairs<br />
Piazzale della Farnes<strong>in</strong>a, 1<br />
00194 Rome<br />
Tel: 0039 - 06.36911<br />
Website: http://www.esteri.it<br />
Italian M<strong>in</strong>istry for the International Trade<br />
Viale Boston, 25 - 00144 Roma<br />
tel.+39 06 59931<br />
Email: <strong>in</strong>fo@m<strong>in</strong>comes.it<br />
Website: www.m<strong>in</strong>comes.it<br />
World Trade Organization<br />
Centre William Rappard,<br />
Rue de Lausanne 154,<br />
CH-1211 Geneva 21,<br />
Switzerland.<br />
Website: www.wto.org<br />
50
The European Union<br />
Tel + 32-2-299.96.96<br />
Email form: http://europedirect-cc.cec.eu.<strong>in</strong>t/websubmit/lang=en<br />
Website: www.ec.europa.eu<br />
Delegation of the European Commission <strong>in</strong> Thailand<br />
Kian Gwan II, 18th Floor,<br />
140/1 Wireless Road,<br />
Bangkok 10330<br />
Tel. 02 305 2645<br />
Fax. 02 305 2791<br />
Email. Delegation-thailand-bic@ec.europa.eu<br />
Website: www.deltha.ec.europa.eu/bic<br />
EC Delegation <strong>in</strong> Thailand<br />
Website: www.deltha.ec.europa.eu<br />
Other EU websites:<br />
Trade<br />
DG Trade: www.ec.europa.eu/trade<br />
Expand<strong>in</strong>g Exporters Help Desk: www.exporthelp.europa.eu<br />
Customs duties and procedures<br />
Tarrifs: www.ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/en/tarhome.htm<br />
GSP: www.ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/global/gsp Rules of orig<strong>in</strong>:<br />
www.ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/customs_duties/rules_orig<strong>in</strong>/<strong>in</strong><br />
dex_en.htm<br />
EU law<br />
Official Journal & Legislation: www.eur-lex.europa.eu<br />
Summaries of EU legislation: www.europa.eu/scadplus/scad_en.htm<br />
Enviroment<br />
Waste management: www.ec.europa/environment/waste<br />
Eco-label<strong>in</strong>g: www.ec.europa.eu/enviroment/ecolabel<br />
Product safety and standards<br />
CE mark<strong>in</strong>g: www.newapproach.org<br />
Chemical Policies<br />
REACH: www.ec.europa.eu/enterprise/reach<br />
Intellectual Property<br />
IPR Help Desk: www.ipr-helpdesk.org<br />
Community Trade Mark: www.oami.eu.<strong>in</strong>t/en/mark<br />
Community Design: www.oami.eu.<strong>in</strong>t/en/design<br />
51 51
EU Economic Cooperation <strong>in</strong> Asia<br />
Asia Invest: www.ec.europa.eu/comm/europeaid/projects/asia<strong>in</strong>vest/html2002/ma<strong>in</strong>.htm<br />
AEFI<br />
Associazione Esposizioni e Fiere Italiane<br />
Italian Trade Fairs & Exhibitions Association<br />
General Secretariat<br />
Via Emilia, 155<br />
47900 Rim<strong>in</strong>i, <strong>Italy</strong><br />
Tel. +39 0541 744 229<br />
Fax. +39 0541 744 512<br />
Email: <strong>in</strong>fo@aefi.it<br />
Website: www.aefi.it<br />
Fiera Milano S.p.A.<br />
Milan Exhibition Center<br />
Phone: +39 02 4997.1<br />
Fax: +39 02 4997.7379<br />
email: fieramilano@fieramilano.it<br />
Website: www.fieramilano.it<br />
Exhibitors trade services:<br />
Phone: +39 02 4997.7238<br />
Fax: +39 02 4997.7349<br />
email: venser@fieramilano.it<br />
Foreign Office Network:<br />
Phone: +39 02 4997.7175<br />
Fax: +39 02 4997.7192<br />
email: re@fieramilano.it<br />
Fiera Roma S.p.A.<br />
www.fieraroma.it<br />
52
SOURCES:<br />
Website: www.ice.it<br />
www.italtrade.com<br />
www.<strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>italy.com<br />
www.thaitch.org<br />
www.ambbangkok.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Bangkok<br />
www.economist.com<br />
www.worldbank.com<br />
www.cia.gov<br />
www.simest.it<br />
www.sace.it<br />
www.distretti.org<br />
www.unioncamere.it<br />
Papers:<br />
• Sett<strong>in</strong>g up a bus<strong>in</strong>ess,<br />
http://www.<strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>italy.com/context_<strong>in</strong>vestmentguide01.jspID_LIN<br />
K=10&area=17<br />
• Regional Focus,<br />
http://www.<strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>italy.com/context_regfoc02.jspID_LINK=444&ar<br />
ea=44®ionalfocus<br />
• Italian districts map<br />
http://www.distretti.org/Distretti/mappe/Industrial-Districts.jpg<br />
• Brochure: Italian Trade Fairs, a passport to the world,<br />
Published by ICE/Italtrade, 2006<br />
• <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> Guide: Tailandia, guida per le imprese italiane<br />
Published by Italian Embassy of <strong>Italy</strong>, 2006<br />
• Rapporto ICE, l’Italia nell’economia Internationale 2006-2007<br />
Published by ICE, 2007<br />
• Focus on <strong>Italy</strong> n.15<br />
Published by the British Chamber of Commerce for <strong>Italy</strong>, 2006<br />
• Do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Bus<strong>in</strong>ess</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Italy</strong>: A Country Commercial<br />
Guide for U.S. companies<br />
Published by U.S. Embassy, Rome, 2007<br />
• The New Italian Custom Adm<strong>in</strong>istration,<br />
Agenzia delle Dogane, 2007<br />
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