(Last updated: 27 Apr 2011)

Business opportunities

Italy has a huge, sophisticated consumer market - almost any internationally competitive product has the possibility to succeed. The Italian industry is characterised by SMEs (over 80 per cent of companies) and family businesses with a strong regional focus.

Industry deregulation, privatisation, monetary union and a trend toward a single EU market are increasing competition and consolidation across most industries.

The key areas of opportunity for Australian exporters include:

• Environment and infrastructure development
• Alternative energy solutions
• ICT – banking services, mobile tech, broadband
• Marine – pleasure craft, equipment
• Media – programming, books
• Medical equipment
• Cosmetics
• Seafood
• Aboriginal art
• Plants and flowers
• Studying in Australia
• Pet products
• Skins and hides

Business etiquette

Business tips

Italians generally dress well at all times, but conservative attire is recommended for business meetings.

Good food and drink are always appreciated, but Italians generally drink alcohol only at mealtimes.

Traffic congestion can cause delays especially in larger cities.

Business visits in July and August are strongly discouraged as this is the Italian summer and most people and companies take their vacations at this time.

Italy is price-conscious and competitive, so do as much preparation as possible before visiting Italy and send detailed company information in advance.

Italian importers generally ask for a large amount of point of sale material and samples.

Quick responses and prompt follow-ups may not be forthcoming from Italian contacts, but are appreciated from Australian contacts.

Long credit payment terms are common (60 to 90 days, 120 for major department stores, large corporations and public sector organisations).

Prices should be quoted in Euro, cost, insurance and freight (CIF) Italian port, or alternatively in US dollars.

When writing figures, Italians invert commas and decimal points, eg. 1,5 per cent and ITL2.300.000.

Please also note: Bribery of foreign public officials is a crime. Australian individuals and companies can be prosecuted in Australia for bribing foreign officials when overseas. For more information, go to the Attorney General's Department on foreign bribery.

Tariffs and non-tariff barriers

Tariff

As a member of the EU, Italy is part of the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System. Preference is given to associate members of the Community, developing countries and EFTA members. Most duties are ad valorem, based on the GATT Valuation Code (Incoterms 2000). Common External Tariff (CET) applicable to other countries.

Other tariff information:

• EU rates apply to imports from all third countries.
• Compliance with EU and Italian standards is a key factor when doing business in this market.
• Customs and tariffs for manufactured goods are generally not subject significant barriers.
• Most tariff duties are ad valorem (per cent).
• EU quotas apply to some foodstuffs and agricultural products.

Customs authorities contact details:

Ministry of Finance - Custom Department
Via Carucci 71 00143
Rome
Tel: +0039 06 50241
Fax: +0039 06 5024 3208
Origin division
Dott. Bartolini: (0039) 06 5024 2078
Dott. De Lorenzo: (0039) 06 5024 2166

Minister for Foreign Trade
Viale Boston 2400144 Roma
Tel: +0039 06 59931

For information about Titolo all'Importazione
Dott. Porcelli: +0039 06 5024 2088
Dott. Roberti: +0039 06 5024 6048

Non-tariff barriers

Import retrictions

Import licences are required for a limited list of items and are are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade. The validity of licences is variable depending on many different factors. Entry may be possible if adherence to special conditions is observed.

There are a number of Italian regulations and European Union (EU) directives that prohibit certain foodstuffs, food colourings, drugs and narcotics, animal products, plants, seed grains, alcohol, cosmetics, and toiletries. Some items are restricted to government importing bodies. It is therefore recommended Australian exporters contact the Italian importer prior to shipment or use their freight forwarder to make the determination.

Quotas are established on an EU basis for a range of goods, eg. textiles, agri-foods and steel and iron industry products. A particular certificate, Titolo all'Importazione, must be requested from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Trade.

The allocation of foreign exchange is controlled by the Italian Exchange Office and foreign exchange transactions are effected through authorised banks.

Product certification, labelling and packaging

Labelling and marking

Basic labelling requirements in Italy:

• name of products (physical condition or specific treatment)
• name/address of manufacturer, packer, seller or importer in Local language
• country of origin
• ingredients in descending order of weight
• metric weight and volume
• additives by category name
• special storage conditions
• minimum shelf life date

See the Legislative Decree No. 109/92 for labelling rules. The decree agrees with European Community (EC) rules:

• There are no special regulations governing the use of hay, straw or second-hand materials used as packing for goods if imported from Australia. However, packing materials likely to carry disease should be avoided.
• Foodstuffs, and articles or substances coming into contact with foodstuffs, are subject to specific packing requirements. For more information about food import rules see the Legislative Decree No. 155/97 or contacted CONFETRA about its publication, Quaderno 107, printed in April 1999.
• Consignments of rags should be hydraulically packed.
• Goods and their containers must be marked with their country of origin. Marks which may be misleading as to the real country of origin are prohibited.
• Cases arriving by sea must be marked clearly and durably with their weights.
• Textiles and apparel must have labels indicating the name or registered mark of the manufacturer, importer or retailer and the fibre content (if more than one fibre is present, the names of the fibres must be listed with their percentages in descending order).
• A number of commodities, including foodstuffs, cosmetics, chemicals, veterinary pharmaceuticals and medicines, rubber and plastic products, scientific and musical instruments, television receivers and goods manufactured in precious metals require special marking and labelling. Importers should be contacted for specifics.
• Preserved foodstuffs are subject to specific and detailed regulations.
• Containers of processed fruit must show clearly and indelibly: the net weight in grams, the nature of the contents, the quantitative composition, the drained weight of fruit in grams, weight of syrup in grams, the name and address of manufacturer and a declaration that contents have been packed in conformity with existing regulations.
• Labelling on containers of corned beef must show, in Italian, the following details: the name of the product, the name of the firm or trade mark, the address of the main office, the address of the canning factory, a list of ingredients, components and additives in decreasing order of either weight or volume, and net weight.
• Fish and fish products must be labelled in Italian.
• Bovine, equine and swine carcasses, farmed and wild animals must be stamped with the official stamp of the Australian Health Authorities indicating the number of the establishment authorised to export to the EC.

CE Mark

As part of the unification program to establish common standards for all member countries, key product areas are being regulated by the EU Mandatory requirements to protect the health and safety of consumers, as well as the environment are constantly being developed and implemented.

To indicate conformance to the mandatory EU requirements, a CE mark must be placed on all regulated products by the manufacturer or a representative before they can be sold on the EU market. The applicable product testing and certification requirements for individual product categories are specified in the various EU directives.

The CE mark relates only to the mandatory health, safety, and environmental requirements established by the EU; it does not indicate conformity to European product standards. Thus, national marks of conformity with product standards remain compatible with the CE mark and both may be applied to the product.

It should be noted, however, that the CE mark does replace all national safety marks for the regulated products.

Special certificates

All certificates must be in the language of the country of destination. Fax copies of certificates are not acceptable.

Live plants, parts of plants, seed grains and seed potatoes require phytosanitary certificates issued by the approved authority in the country of origin. In Australia this is usually the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry-Australia or the relevant state department of agriculture.

Pome fruits must be accompanied by an International Model Phytosanitary Certificate.

Live animals, fish, shellfish, fresh or cold storage meat, lard, fresh or pickled or dried hides and skins, wool and hair require health certificates issued by the approved authority in the country of origin.

Bovine animals must be accompanied by a health certificate certifying that the animal is free of diseases (eg. bluetongue (sereotype disease), foot and mouth disease, cattle plague and pleuropneumonia).

Animals imported from countries which permit the use of oestrogens must be accompanied by health certificates stating that the livestock has not been treated with either natural or synthetic oestrogens.

Imports of fish must be accompanied by a certificate specifying the permitted mercury content.

A health certificate of origin in Italian and English is required for imports of beeswax and honey.

Beer and wine imports must be accompanied by a certificate of analysis issued by a recognised government laboratory. All spirits require the completion of Form C&E 94F. Initial shipments must be accompanied by a certificate of analysis.

There are Italian requirements for meat and poultry products. All required forms and supplementary statements must be dated and signed by a veterinarian. Meat products require export certificates and certificates of origin and health and in the case of red meat, including statements that the beef has come from animals raised on farms where there has been no occurrence of the disease, bovine spongiform encephalopath (BSE).

Methods of quoting and payment

Quotes should be in Euro or in US dollars (Incoterms 2000).

Customary terms of sale in Italy are as follows:

• A letter of credit.
• Cash, ie. payment before, on or after delivery. A discount on the amount of the invoice could be allowed on cash sales.
• Net, ie. payment in full at the end of the specified period (one, two, three or four months) from date of invoice. The length of the period depends on the commodity involved and the credit standing of purchaser.
• A period of up to two years is often allowed for payment for capital goods, store equipment, and trucks.

Documentary requirements

Commercial invoice

No prescribed form, and a minimum of three copies is required. The invoice must indicate:

• date of emission
• the shipper's name and address
• the consignee's name and address
• the terms of payment
• country of origin
• a precise description of goods
• marks
• quantities
• class and contents of packages
• gross and net weights
• the full value (no deductions of any kind are permitted)

The name of the vessel, the port of loading, the HS classification of goods and manual signature in ink are not compulsory.

Bill of lading/airway bill

To Order bills are acceptable. The bill of lading must include:

• a brief description of the goods
• the name of the shipper
• the carrying vessel
• the country of origin
• the ports of shipment and discharge
• details of any identifying marks on the goods
• the name of the person to be notified when the goods arrive

Depending on the terms of the export transaction, the importer may require a set of Bills of Lading in order to clear the goods when they reach the discharge (destination) port.

Packing list

Not obligatory but facilitates clearance when different types of goods are packed within the same container.

Certificate of origin

No special origin certificate is required because there is no bilateral agreement between Australia and the European Community fixing a reduced duty for Australian products entering Italy.

The usual origin certificate required for products entering the EU and issued by the local Chamber of Commerce is sufficient for entry to Italy and to guarantee the goods come from Australia.

Public health requirements

Almost all products are now regulated by the harmonised agreement for EU member countries. In particular, fish products, shellfish and other molluscs, milk and milk products, casings and other animal products (if used for human consumption).

Other information:

• Animals imported from countries which permit the use of oestrogen must be accompanied by health certificates stating that the livestock has not been treated with either natural or synthetic oestrogen.
• For the temporary admittance of horses coming from Queensland, Australia, a certificate issued by a local veterinary authority is required. This certificate must contain a guarantee that horses have been immunised against Japanese Encephalitis B in the previous 60 days but not less than 30 days before admittance.
• The import of cats coming from Australia is prohibited.
• Flying foxes, Pteroptus, from Malaysia and Australia may be imported only with a certificate from the European Community.
• Animal feed, including canned meat and canned fish, is subject to detailed regulations.
• Most foodstuffs are subject to strict regulations controlling quality, handling, labelling and the use of chemical additives or colouring. Failure to comply with these requirements may cause such consignments to be refused entry.
• Stone fruit, table grapes, pineapples and pome fruit can be imported from Australia throughout the whole year.
• Frozen peeled shellfish can be imported if they come from authorised EC fishery establishments.
• Resins and additives used in the preparation of containers for foodstuffs or substances for personal use are subject to prescribed tolerances.
• Many plants, all animals and plant and animal products require health certification issued by an approved authority in the country of origin (see 'Special certificates').
• Beer and wine imports must be accompanied by a certificate of analysis issued by a recognised government laboratory.
• Pharmaceuticals and a range of medical and surgical appliances require prior registration with the Ministry of Health. Medical, electrical and electronic apparatus must comply with the Italian Electrotechnical Committee standards and must have an EU mark in respect of electrical and electromagnetic safety standards.
• Registration must be obtained through an Italian based representative and the procedure, which is costly, normally involves a minimum of three years.
• Toys and related articles must comply with safety standards published by the European Standards Committee.

Insurance

Normal commercial practice. Exporters must refer to Incoterms 2000 (the more common are FOB, CIF, DDU, CPT, DDP).

Certificate of insurance

One original and one copy are required.

Weights and measures

Italy uses the metric system of weights and measures, which is called the International System of Units (SI). The European Community has established standardized packaging units for numerous products.

Labelling must be in metric units for all imported products to be sold in Italy.

The Australian exporter would be well advised to first check with the Italian importer to ensure that the package size and labelling complies with all requirements prior to shipment.

Taxation

Italian citizens and businesses are among Europe’s most highly taxed, which often discourages new business start-ups. A Valued Added Tax (in Italian the abbreviation is ‘IVA’) assessed on the duty-paid value, is levied on most goods, both imported and domestic. The most common rates are 20 per cent and 10 per cent (the latter is most commonly used for services, eg. restaurants, hotels, catering and for some categories of foods and animals) with a lower rate for basic necessities.

A reduced rate of four per cent applies to necessities (such as basic foods, fertilisers, cereals for zootechnical use, orthopaedic devices, newspapers and books). Raw materials, such as cotton and minerals, are exempt.

Italy has a very complex taxation system, with a plethora of direct and indirect taxes including:

• registration tax
• land registration taxes
• stamp tax
• stock transfer tax
• gift tax
• municipal tax on productive activities (ICIAP)
• municipal tax on buildings (ICI)

Frontier surtax, equivalent to the internal manufacturing tax, is levied on a number of products, including alcoholic beverages, tobacco and tobacco products, sugar, some products containing sugar, cocoa beans and their products.

Italy imposes variable levies (on grain products) and quotas (on meat, cheese, bananas) as required by the European Union. In general, if an Australian food product is imported into one EU member state it can be transshipped to Italy, provided it has a label written in Italian, and provided the product does not present a public or animal/plant health risk.

However, if the product is directly imported into Italy it must meet all Italian food safety and quality standards, as well as Italian labelling and packaging regulations. Many of these standards and regulations have been harmonised within the EU. For example, the EU has adopted a number of regulations covering production standards, analytical characteristics, product specifications, allowable additives, and labelling. Specific EU regulations exist for cocoa and chocolate products, sugars, fruit juices, fruit jams and jellies, milk and casein products.

Setting up in Italy

Establishing a presence in Italy

As the world’s seventh largest economy and a major industrialised nation with a population of around 60 million people, Italy offers considerable market opportunities for Australian businesses wishing to expand their presence globally and tap new markets and customers.

Italy also provides an excellent base from which to access other Mediterranean markets, as well as further business opportunities in the wider European region.

Bovis Lend Lease established their Italian headquarters in Milan, from which they also service business opportunities in neighbouring countries such as Malta. Their direct presence in Italy has enabled them to secure some highly coveted projects, such as the €3.5 billion Area Falck urban renewal north of Milan and the Armani hotel development in Milan, as well as participate in projects such as the Turin Winter Olympics. Their presence here ensures they are eligible to bid on key public projects from which non-European entities may otherwise be excluded and they also utilise their base here to promote Australia’s leadership in environmental sustainability.

Cochlear has been present in Italy for five years, capturing 65 per cent of the market in their first year of operation. They have since expanded from six staff members to 28.

Po Valley Energy’s Italian headquarters allow them to develop local gas licenses and production facilities; the company owns a number of gas fields and has also commissioned several gas plants in northern Italy.

Transport technology company ERG established an office in Rome to deliver a contract for the management of the electronic ticketing system for the Rome Metro; their in-market presence has also enabled them to subsequently bid for other key local projects.

Architectural and design firm Woodhead decided to expand into Europe via a joint venture with the Italian firm Interplan 2, creating a new business entity (Woodhead Interplan Srl) that is registered in Italy and therefore eligible to bid for any European Union project, including NATO defence projects.

Given the language and cultural differences, the importance of ongoing relationships and the value of a direct presence in negotiating local regulations and customs, establishing a local presence in Italy can offer many advantages to Australian companies wishing to expand their business into Italy and Europe.

Italians highly value innovation and 'best of class' products and solutions and Italy is a world leader in a large variety of industry sectors; opportunities therefore exist for tapping into these supply chains and offering innovative, world class solutions and technology. Italians often prefer to deal with the local representatives of overseas suppliers, so a local presence will help provide easier access to these opportunities.

How Austrade can assist

Whether your plans are to open a marketing office, establish a joint venture, set up a manufacturing plant, or grow your business from an established offshore investment, Austrade’s knowledge of commercial practices and in-market contacts in business and government can assist you in achieving your business objectives.

We can provide a range of support for Australian companies wishing to establish a direct presence in Italy, including:

• Provision of information about industry trends
• Assistance in the development of investment strategies
• Introductions to potential international partners
• Referrals to service providers such as lawyers, accountants and investment promotion agencies who can provide specialist advice
• Facilitation of access to government departments
• Ongoing support, including help in identifying market opportunities, tendering for projects and promoting your business in the market

If you are interested in expanding your business into Italy, please contact Austrade Milan on milan@austrade.gov.au.