Italy´s New Class-Action Law

On December 21, 2007, the Italian Parliament passed the Budget Law 2008, which finally introduced into the Consumer Code a specific statutory provision (Article 140-bis) giving certain associations the capacity to sue collectively for tort liability, unfair trade practice, and anti-competitive behavior. The new law will become effective on July 1, 2008.

Under the new class-action law, bodies acting on behalf of consumers or investors will be able to obtain a declaratory judgment of the right to obtain compensation and the refund of sums due.

Standing to bring such a claim to protect consumers' interests has been granted to a few entities, namely: