The new regulations introduced in Italy in the tourism sector provide more stringent obligations for accommodation facilities and short-term rentals. The core of the new provisions is the introduction of the National Identification Code (CIN) , a central element to ensure greater transparency, security and combat illegal activity in the sector. In addition to the CIN, safety regulations have been strengthened for all accommodation facilities, with particular attention to short-term rentals. This article will explore the details regarding safety requirements, how to apply for the CIN, the risks and sanctions for those who do not comply and the established deadlines.
National Identification Code (CIN): What is it and why is it important?
The CIN is an alphanumeric code assigned to all accommodation facilities registered in the National Database of Accommodation Facilities ( BDSR ). The CIN is intended to uniquely identify each facility in a transparent manner, allowing authorities and consumers to verify its legitimacy. The obligation to obtain and display the CIN arises from the need to regulate the tourist rental market, which is often subject to abuse and unfair competition.
Facilities subject to this requirement include:
- Hotels
- Bed & Breakfast
- Bed and Breakfast
- Holiday homes and apartments for short term rentals
Safety requirements: greater attention to guest protection
Another key aspect of the new provisions concerns the strengthening of safety standards . Each facility must adapt to higher standards, both to ensure the safety of guests and to avoid any risk of sanctions. Obligations include the installation and maintenance of specific devices such as:
- Smoke, combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors : These must be installed in every room used by guests and must be in working order and checked periodically.
- Fire Extinguishers : All facilities must be equipped with easily accessible and adequately marked fire extinguishers on every floor within a radius of 200 m2, with instructions for use clearly visible. Fire extinguishers must not be less than 6 kg and must be checked and maintained in optimum condition.
In addition to these, regulations may require additional safety measures, such as gas detectors for facilities with gas kitchens or heating systems. The goal is to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of guests.
How to request the National Identification Code (CIN)
To obtain the CIN, the managers of accommodation facilities must follow a well-defined procedure. Registration in the National Database of Accommodation Facilities is a fundamental and mandatory step for all existing facilities and for those that intend to operate on the market. Here are the main steps to request the CIN:
- Registration on the Ministry of Tourism portal : The first step is to access the dedicated portal, made available by the Ministry of Tourism. Registration requires the entry of personal data and specific information about the accommodation facility.
- Providing the required data : After logging in, you must enter all the information relating to the property, such as the type, accommodation capacity and any services offered.
- Automatic assignment of CIN : Once registration is complete, the system will automatically assign the National Identification Code to the property. This code must then be reported on all promotion and sales channels used, including online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, and other short-term rental portals.
The CIN will therefore become mandatory for the promotion of all accommodation facilities. Platforms that do not display this code will be fined, which makes it essential for tenants to comply with this new obligation.
Risks and sanctions for those who do not comply
The new regulations provide severe sanctions for those who do not comply with the obligation to register and obtain the CIN , as well as for those who do not comply with the security requirements. In particular:
- Heavy fines : Fines for those who do not display the CIN can reach up to 10,000 euros . Failure to adhere to the system not only represents a significant economic risk, but could also lead to the temporary or permanent closure of the facility.
- Ban on promotion on portals : Online promotion and booking platforms will be required to display the CIN of each property. In the absence of this code, portals will not be able to publish the property's advert, effectively limiting its visibility and the possibility of obtaining bookings.
- Safety Risks : Penalties are not limited to the CIN. Facilities that do not comply with the new safety standards, for example, if they do not have adequate smoke detectors or fire extinguishers, risk additional fines and license suspension. These obligations are designed to protect the health and safety of guests, and any incidents caused by negligence in compliance could lead to serious legal consequences.
Deadlines for compliance
The deadlines for complying with these new regulations vary depending on the region and type of establishment, but a key date at national level has been set for November 2024. By this date, all accommodation establishments must be fully registered in the National Database and have their CIN. In addition, they must have implemented all the required safety measures, such as installing smoke detectors and having fire extinguishers.
Conclusions
The new provisions on safety and the National Identification Code represent an important step forward in the regulation of the Italian tourism sector. These rules aim to promote greater transparency, fight illegal activities and ensure a high level of safety for guests. Complying with these obligations is not only a matter of respecting the law, but also of protecting your business and your customers. Facilities that do not comply risk high fines, loss of visibility on the main booking platforms and, in the most serious cases, closure of the business.
For this reason, it is essential that all accommodation owners and managers immediately begin the registration process and implement the necessary safety measures, ensuring that their business is compliant within the established deadlines.
