Belluno, November 6, 2024 – There is a real risk that some construction sites may experience slowdowns. The mechanism of the credit-based license is still not well-known or fully adopted, particularly by smaller companies. In our opinion, further efforts towards simplification are necessary.
So states Paolo De Cian, President of Ance Belluno, one month after the implementation of the points-based license system and just days after it became mandatory on November 1.
Since the beginning of the month, this license has been required to operate on construction sites; this means that companies required to comply must either have it or have submitted a request through the National Labor Inspectorate (INL) portal using Spid or Cie.
This is a duplication of existing requirements, which inevitably burdens small businesses that often lack a structured administrative office or, in the worst cases, have no one handling administrative tasks, De Cian emphasizes that this issue affects many subcontractor companies. Throughout October, even in our area, many primary contractors received self-certifications from their subcontractors rather than actual licenses or requests submitted via the INL portal. The regulation remains relatively unknown and suffers from the fact that, as is often the case, it was implemented overnight. We are concerned that in the coming days, the Inspectorate may be overwhelmed with requests, that the portal may encounter technical issues, and that, consequently, construction activities may be slowed or halted. This is a serious risk that must be prevented. The sector’s operations must be guaranteed. Additionally, there is the issue related to the DURF (single tax compliance document), necessary for the license application, with no clear guidance on how companies not required to obtain it or those awaiting it should proceed.
De Cian recalls that Ance would have preferred the introduction of a preventive qualification system rather than a regulation like this, which intervenes only after the fact, through inspections or once an accident has already occurred.
Despite everything, compared to the initial version of the regulation, the Ministry has taken on board several requests from the Association, De Cian adds. For this reason, we hope for further simplification measures and a return to constructive dialogue.
The regulation stipulates that clients and project managers are required to verify the credit-based license of companies operating on the construction site, under penalty of an administrative fine ranging from €711.92 to €2562.91. Soon, the ability to check will also be extended to main contractors. However, it is advisable that they begin protecting themselves now by verifying their subcontractors’ licenses. Controls are fair, but even here, it would be better to move away from a punitive approach. Workplace safety is primarily a cultural issue, and Ance is constantly engaged in training, updating, and informational initiatives where entrepreneurs and workers are called to work side by side, concludes De Cian.
