Italy

Italy became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on September 30, 2008.

Smoke Free Places

The law prohibits smoking in most enclosed places, including indoor workplaces and indoor public places. However, the law allows designated smoking rooms if the designated smoking rooms comply with strict technical standards. For catering establishments (restaurants, bars, and nightclubs), smoking must be prohibited in at least half of the area of the establishment. Smoking is prohibited in public transportation, and in private vehicles if a child or a pregnant woman is present.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship

The law bans many forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, including TV, radio, internet, and most print media. However, the definition of “tobacco advertising” does not clearly cover all promotional activity and, therefore, some tobacco promotion may be allowed. Point of sale product display is allowed. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling

For smoked tobacco products, rotating pictorial health warnings must occupy 65 percent of both the front and back of the package. For smokeless tobacco products, a single text health warning must occupy 30 percent of the front and back of the package. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Cigarette Contents and Disclosures

The law regulates specified contents of cigarettes, including banning characterizing flavors, including menthol; and ingredients that facilitate nicotine uptake, create the impression of health benefits, or are associated with energy and vitality; among others. The law requires that manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities and the public information on the contents and emissions of their products.

Sales Restrictions

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products via small packets of cigarettes and waterpipe or rolling tobacco that contains fewer than 30 grams. The law restricts the sale of tobacco via vending machines and the internet. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to persons under the age of 18.

Roadmap to Tobacco Control Legislation

Law No. 584 of November 11, 1975, was the original piece of legislation regulating smoking in public places in Italy. Law No. 448 of December 28, 2001 amends the fines for smokers and business owners who violate of smoke free provisions. Law No. 584 was partially replaced by Law No. 3 of January 16, 2003. Article 51 of Law No. 3 currently regulates smoking in public places. However, Arts. 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Law No. 584 remain in force to extent they are consistent with Law No. 3. The penalty provision in Art. 7 of Law No. 584, as amended, remains in force pursuant to Art. 5 of Law No. 3. Law No. 311 of December 30, 2004 (Article 1.189) increases the penalties set out in Law No. 448 by 10 percent. Prime Ministerial Decree of December 23, 2003, implements Art. 51(2) of Law No. 3, which allows for designated smoking rooms, and sets out the requirements for designated smoking rooms. Law No. 128 of November 8, 2013 amends Art. 51 of Law No. 3 to ban smoking on outdoor premises of educational institutions. It also contains provisions regulating advertising of electronic cigarettes.

Legislative Decree No. 6 of January 12, 2016 implements EU Directive 2014/40/EU and regulates the packaging and labeling of tobacco products. It provides, among other things, the content and format for health warnings and messages.

Law No. 165 of April 10, 1962 (as amended through February 19, 2003) broadly bans advertising of smoked tobacco products. Ministerial Decree No. 425 of November 30, 1991 specifically bans televised advertising. Legislative Decree No. 300 of December 16, 2004 implements EU Directive 2003/33/CE, specifically prohibiting tobacco advertising in print media, radio, and internet, sponsorship of radio programs, and sponsorship of some events. Legislative Decree No. 208 of November 8, 2021 implements Directive (EU) 2018/1808, which amends the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (Directive 2010/13/EU). Relevant to tobacco products, Legislative Decree No. 208 prohibits advertising of tobacco and nicotine product advertising in audiovisual commercial communications, sponsorship of audiovisual media services, and paid placement. Circular No. 2003/25137 of May 26, 2003 and Circular No. 2003/56933 of December 24, 2003 regulate the use of vending machines to sell tobacco products.

Review Status

This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers or tobacco control experts.