The Italian Official Gazette No. 76 of April 2, 2024, has published the Regulation of March 4 dedicated to Simplified Logistic Zones (SLZs), which outlines the rules for their establishment and management. The regulation aims to promote the development of businesses already operating within these zones and to attract new investments through streamlined procedures and targeted incentives. The SLZs will initially have a maximum duration of seven years, with the possibility of renewal for up to another seven years.
Businesses settling in the SLZs will benefit from a facilitated regulatory regime, which includes, among other features, a single authorization procedure for economic, industrial, production, and logistical activities. This mechanism is expected to reduce the time and bureaucracy involved in launching new entrepreneurial initiatives or expanding existing ones, while ensuring compliance with current environmental regulations.
Other rules set forth by the Regulation include criteria for identifying and delineating areas, organizational and operational measures, as well as specific regulatory and procedural simplifications. A key component is the single authorization, which, if necessary, may allow changes to urban planning and land-use tools, except for the regional landscape plan.
Companies that decide to invest or expand their presence in the SLZs will benefit from significant reductions in the terms required to obtain authorizations, licenses, and permits, as well as particularly favorable conditions for their issuance. In case of expiration of these terms, they are deemed granted in favor. The SLZs will also offer the possibility to establish customs-free zones, further expanding opportunities for businesses to operate in an international context with customs and tax facilities. The definition of these free zones is managed by the Customs and Monopolies Agency, with a clear procedure for their approval.
