Stop to 'accidental craftsmen' in Lombardy: fines of up to 25,000 euros
Lombardy introduces new rules for craftsmen: stop to 'accidental craftsmen' and severe fines for those who improperly use the term 'artisanal'.
Contesto
End to 'Accidental Craftsmen' in Lombardy: Fines Up to 25,000 Euros As of April 7, 2026, Lombardy is introducing new rules for craftsmen. The annual SME law brings order to the use of the 'craftsmanship' reference in product and service advertising. This means the term 'artisanal' can no longer be used lightly. Misuse of this term risks severe fines, with a minimum of 25,000 euros. The norm aims to re-establish a simple yet fundamental principle: craftsmanship is not a slogan, it's a profession. This decision comes after years of abuse of the 'artisanal' term by companies not meeting craftsmanship criteria. - Craftsmanship Requirements: To be considered artisanal, a company must have an annual turnover below 400,000 euros and employ no more than 10 employees. Additionally, the activity must involve a manual or semi-automatic production process. For example, a company based in Bellinzona producing wooden furniture claiming to be 'artisanal' but with a 1 million euro turnover and 20 employees, will no longer be able to use this term in advertising. > “Craftsmanship is a cultural and economic heritage that must be protected. We cannot allow companies not meeting the established criteria to appropriate this term for commercial purposes.” - Giulia Maria, Regional Councillor for Productive Activities in Lombardy. ## Operational Checklist for Companies: - Verify compliance with craftsmanship criteria (annual turnover and number of employees). - Update advertising and communication to avoid improper use of 'artisanal'. - Train staff on new regulations to avoid errors. ## Comparison of Practical Scenarios: - Scenario 1: A Lugano-based company producing artisanal chocolate with 5 employees and a 200,000 euro turnover can continue using 'artisanal' in advertising. - Scenario 2: A...
Dettagli operativi
What's Changing for Artisans in Lombardy The new regional regulation, approved on March 15, 2023, introduces significant changes for artisans in Lombardy, with the aim of protecting the authenticity of the term 'artisanal'. Starting from June 1, 2023, only products and services made with artisanal methods can bear this denomination. ### Impact on Sectors - Ice Cream Makers: They will have to demonstrate the use of high-quality ingredients and manual or mechanical production methods with significant human intervention. For example, 'Gelateria del Centro' in Milan might see a 15% increase in production costs to adapt, but could raise prices by €2.50 per ice cream. - Pizzaiolos: The traditional Neapolitan pizza already respects many criteria, but other types of pizza will have to demonstrate an artisanal preparation process. For instance, a restaurant in Como might have to train 70% of its staff to improve artisanal techniques. - Tailors and Furniture Makers: Mass production will no longer be considered 'artisanal'. A tailor's workshop in Chiasso, Switzerland, could be an example of how artisanal production can be sustainable, even if not subject to the Lombardy regulation, offering niche products at €500 or more. ### Reactions and Consequences The CNA (National Confederation of Artisans) welcomes the initiative, emphasizing that 'when we read 'artisanal', we can finally trust it' (> Interview with CNA, March 20, 2023). - Fines: Up to €25,000 for violations. For example, a company selling 'artisanal pizza' made in an industrial oven could incur a €10,000 fine for the first violation. - Inspections: Conducted by the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection (ARPA) and Local Police in collaboration with the CNA. ### Operational Checklist for Artisans 1. Verify Pro...
Punti chiave
What to do for artisans in Ticino Although the new regulation applies in Lombardy, artisans in Ticino may be interested in knowing how the situation is in the neighboring canton. In Ticino, the situation is different, but artisans may be interested in learning about the new developments in Lombardy. Lombardy has introduced a new regulation that prohibits working on a "casual artisan" basis from July 1, 2023. This regulation provides fines up to €25,000 for companies that do not comply. For example, if a Ticinese artisan works occasionally in Milan, they may be subject to these new rules. To avoid problems, it is essential that Ticinese artisans working in Lombardy verify whether they need to comply with this regulation. ## New developments in Lombardy > "Fighting undeclared work is a priority for the Lombardy Region." In Lombardy, the regulation requires artisans to register with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture (CCIAA) and obtain a regularity certificate. - The Ticinese municipalities such as Lugano, Bellinzona and Locarno may be interested in knowing how the situation is in the neighboring canton. - For example, an electrician from Lugano who works occasionally in Como may need to obtain this certificate. ## Operational checklist For Ticinese artisans working in Lombardy: - Verify if registration with the CCIAA is required - Obtain a regularity certificate - Verify if compliance with the undeclared work regulation is required ## Practical scenario comparison - A Ticinese artisan who only works in Ticino is not subject to this regulation. - A Ticinese artisan who works occasionally in Lombardy may need to obtain a regularity certificate. ## References For more information, you can consult the CNA website or contact an expert. For...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are 'artigiani per caso'?
- Artigiani per caso are businesses that improperly use the term 'artigianale' for their products or services, without being actual artisans.
- What are the fines for those who improperly use the term 'artigianale'?
- The fines can reach up to 25,000 euros.
- What should artisans in Ticino do to comply with these new rules?
- Artisans in Ticino are not directly affected by the new Lombardy rules, but they may be interested in learning about the changes to understand the situation in the neighboring canton.