Code of Conduct for Labor Inspectors in Italy: This article explains the ethical and operational rules that labour inspectors must follow during workplace inspections in Italy. These rules are relevant not only for companies employing/hosting foreign workers on assignment, but also for businesses hosting foreign staff on short visits or business travel, where compliance with labour and immigration rules is essential. Understanding how inspections work helps companies manage compliance and interact correctly with inspectors.
Overview of Applicable Ethical and Operational Requirements
This document provides a combined overview of the INL Code of Conduct (2024) and the Operational Rules for labour inspections established under the Ministerial Decree of 15 January 2014 (Codice di comportamento ad uso degli ispettori del lavoro).
Ethical and behavioural rules are governed by the INL Code of Conduct (2024), which sets out the principles of impartiality, independence, confidentiality, transparency, and professional conduct applicable to all staff of the Italian National Labor Inspectorate (INL).
Operational inspection procedures remain governed by the Ministerial Decree of 15 January 2014, which provides the detailed rules on how labour inspections must be carried out (preparatory activities, access to the workplace, interviews, document review, minutes, and reporting). These operational rules have not been replaced by the 2024 Code of Conduct and remain fully in force.
Labor Inspectors must therefore comply with both sets of rules: ethical principles (2024) and operational procedures (2014)
General Principles (INL Code of Conduct 2024)
Labor Inspectors of the Italian National Labor Inspectorate (INL) perform their duties in compliance with the INL Code of Conduct (2024). These rules apply to all INL staff and define the ethical and professional standards expected during inspection activities.
1. Impartiality and independence
Inspectors act with impartiality, independence, and integrity. They avoid preferential treatment, personal interests, or external pressures.
2. Professional conduct
Inspectors maintain a respectful, neutral, and professional attitude. They avoid expressing political or ideological opinions that may affect impartiality.
3. Conflicts of interest
Inspectors must report any situation that may compromise impartiality, including potential conflicts. They abstain from inspections when required under the INL Code of Conduct, DPR 62/2013, or applicable law.
4. Confidentiality and data protection
All information collected during inspections is handled according to privacy laws and INL internal rules. Inspectors ensure confidentiality of documents, data, and sensitive information.
5. Transparency and accountability
Inspectors ensure clarity of communication, proper documentation, and compliance with INL transparency obligations.
6. Relations with media
Inspectors do not interact with media unless expressly authorized by INL.
7. Gifts and other benefits
Inspectors cannot request or accept gifts or benefits, except minimal‑value items (up to €150/year) offered occasionally within normal courtesy.
8. Associations and memberships
Inspectors must report memberships or affiliations that may conflict with their duties. This does not apply to trade unions or political parties.
9. External appointments
Inspectors cannot accept appointments or collaborations from parties inspected in the previous two years.
Operational Rules for Inspections
(Ministerial Decree 15 January 2014 – Codice di comportamento ad uso degli ispettori del lavoro)
1. Preparatory phase
Before visiting the company, inspectors collect information from official databases, including: workforce data; social security and insurance status; company registration and mandatory communications
This preparatory activity ensures an efficient and targeted inspection.
2. Access to the workplace
During the inspection, inspectors must:
- identify themselves and show their official ID card
- minimize interference with ongoing work activities
- request to speak with a company representative
- inform the company of their legal powers and possible sanctions for obstructing the inspection
- inform the company of its right to be assisted by a licensed labour consultant
3. Inspection activities
Inspections normally include:
- identification of all people present at the workplace
- collection of declarations
- review of documents available on site
- description of activities performed and working conditions
Inspectors may request additional documents not available during the visit. They may only collect copies of documents strictly necessary to prove violations and for potential judicial proceedings.
4. Declarations
Declarations must be collected during the first visit. Inspectors may also interview:
- union representatives (RSA/RSU)
- Equal Opportunities officers
- Health & Safety representatives (RLS)
- workers outside the workplace
- third parties with relevant knowledge
Rules for declarations:
- questions must be clear and understandable
- declarations must be written clearly in the minutes, read aloud, and signed
- company representatives cannot attend worker interviews
- refusals to answer or sign must be recorded
- no copies of declarations are given to workers or the company; copies must be requested from the INL office
5. Minutes of inspection
Inspectors prepare:
- First‑visit minutes: identifying all workers present, tasks performed, and working conditions
- Interim minutes: when inspections extend over multiple days
- Final minutes: containing all facts, evidence, and legal grounds, ensuring the company’s right to defence
All conclusions must be adequately motivated.
6. Criminal violations
If inspectors detect criminal violations, they must report them to the Public Prosecutor and provide all supporting evidence.
Sources
- Codice di condotta
- Codice di comportamento ad uso degli ispettori del lavoro (d.m. del 15 gennaio 2014)
- Codice di comportamento dei dipendenti dell’INL in vigore dal 1° aprile 2024
This document is an informational summary combining the INL Code of Conduct (2024) and the operational rules contained in the Ministerial Decree of 15 January 2014 (Codice di comportamento ad uso degli ispettori del lavoro). It does not constitute legal advice and cannot replace official legislation, ministerial decrees, or INL internal instructions. Government agencies may change policies, procedures, or requirements without notice.
