Services for High-Performing and Resilient Supply Chains in Italy for Foreign Multinationals

Below is an overview of the possible services and activities that could be proposed in collaboration to a German leader interested in involving Italian small and medium-sized enterprises in its supply chain. The goal is to offer integrated and continuous support, which reduces risks and guarantees regulatory compliance and the solidity of Italian partners.

1. Analysis and preliminary selection (due diligence) of Italian suppliers

Economic and financial audit: analysis of balance sheet indicators, solvency, liquidity and profitability; verification of any pending charges or insolvency proceedings.
Reputational analysis: checks on protests, disputes, legal proceedings, reputational aspects and legal or administrative risks.
Tax and contribution verification: confirmation of the regular tax and social security position of the potential supplier, including checks on the payment of taxes and mandatory contributions.
Verification of regulatory compliance and certifications: verification of the existence of any certifications (e.g. ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, etc.), occupational safety requirements (Legislative Decree 81/2008) and environmental compliance.
Advantage for the German company: to have the certainty of relying on a stable and compliant supplier, reducing the risk of interruption or non-compliance.

2. Contractual and legal support

Drafting and revision of contracts: drafting or revision of supply contracts, distribution contracts, subcontracting contracts, with particular attention to Italian legal aspects and possible implications in Germany (delivery terms, penalty clauses, liability).
Confidentiality clauses and protection of intellectual property: definition and revision of NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) and agreements to protect the know-how and patents of the lead company.
Litigation support: mediation, negotiation and, if necessary, legal assistance in disputes relating to contract performance or other commercial disputes.
Advantage for the German company: being able to count on clear and solid contracts, drawn up or verified by Italian professionals in synergy with German consultants, minimizing misunderstandings and legal risks.

3. Tax, customs and social security management

VAT and excise duty consultancy: assistance in the correct application of intra-community VAT, excise duties and Intrastat obligations, to ensure compliance with Italian and European regulations.
International tax planning: assessment of transfer pricing aspects, any permanent establishments, withholding taxes, tax residency certificates, etc.
Customs procedures: Handling and advising on customs formalities, import/export declarations and any necessary licences (e.g. for restricted products).
Contribution and contractual labour checks: analysis of labour costs in supplier companies and assessment of any risks associated with contribution or contractual irregularities.
Advantage for the German company: to simplify and make cross-border trade more efficient, avoiding penalties or errors of conformity in relations with Italy.

4. Continuous monitoring of suppliers

Periodic reporting: preparation of monthly/quarterly/semi-annual reports on the financial health of the supplier, compliance with production and delivery schedules and the progress of orders.
Inspections and internal audits: targeted inspections at suppliers to verify compliance with safety at work, production processes, quality controls.
Verification of governance and organization models: consultancy for the implementation of organizational, management and control models pursuant to Legislative Decree 231/2001 (administrative liability of companies) and for the definition of internal compliance procedures.
Advantage for the German company: ensuring constant monitoring, detecting critical issues in advance and intervening early to avoid blockages in the supply chain or reputational damage.

5. Support in integration and collaboration processes

Assistance in the establishment of companies or branches in Italy: if the German company intends to set up structured partnerships or joint ventures, the Italian firm (in synergy with the German firm) can provide corporate and tax advice.
Support in the management of banking relationships: opening of current accounts in Italy, management of trade credit, sureties, bank guarantees, letters of credit.
Advice on incentives and facilitations: identification of regional, national or European calls and funding to support SMEs, tax breaks for innovation, digitization or internationalization.
Advantage for the German company: facilitate the creation of a more solid and structured presence in the Italian market, benefiting from possible tax and financing opportunities.

6. Compliance and Corporate Social Responsibility (ESG)

Regulatory sustainability audit: advice on environmental aspects, emission reduction and green certifications (e.g. ISO 14001, EMAS) for Italian suppliers.
Management of work and safety standards: verification of working conditions, ensuring compliance with Italian regulations and international standards (e.g. SA8000).
ESG Reporting: support in reporting and verifying ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) parameters that the German company can request from suppliers for the supply chain.
Advantage for the German company: to ensure that its supply chain is in line with ethical and environmental criteria, which are increasingly relevant in terms of reputation and compliance with global sustainability policies.

7. Intercultural training and counseling

Training sessions: training sessions for Italian suppliers (and German company staff) on tax, customs, contractual and compliance issues.
Linguistic and cultural mediation: facilitating communication and understanding of operational and managerial differences between German and Italian SMEs.
Continuous support: support channels in Italian and German to quickly solve doubts or daily problems.
Advantage for the German company: avoid misunderstandings due to language or cultural differences, promoting a more fluid and productive collaboration.

8. Crisis Management and Emergency Planning

Risk assessment: assessment of operational (production, logistics, quality) and legal (litigation, sanctions) risks of Italian suppliers.
Contingency plan: preparation of procedures to be implemented in the event of supplier insolvency, severe delays in deliveries, legal or reputational problems.
Support in switching to alternative suppliers: advice on the selection and rapid replacement of unsuitable suppliers.
Advantage for the German company: having a back-up strategy and a task force ready to act to minimize the impact of any crisis on the supply chain.

Conclusions

The integrated collaboration between an Italian and a German firm of lawyers and chartered accountants allows us to offer an all-round service to the German company, guaranteeing

Reliability: in-depth verification of the solidity and compliance of Italian suppliers.
Contracts and legal certainty: drafting of contracts and management of litigation with specialized and coordinated professionals.
Tax and customs optimization: advice on cross-border rules, effective planning to avoid unnecessary risks and costs.
Constant control and monitoring: periodic reports, compliance audits, management of criticalities.
Structuring and growth: support for business creation, incentive research, banking and financial management.
Sustainability and social responsibility: ensuring that suppliers comply with ESG standards and regulations regarding the health and safety of workers.
Training and reduction of language and cultural barriers: a fluid and continuous communication channel between Italy and Germany.
Risk management: well-defined contingency plans and crisis management procedures.

In this way, the German parent company can operate in Italy with complete peace of mind, counting on a reliable and compliant supply chain capable of contributing to the overall competitiveness of the group.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING THIS PROJECT OR HAVE MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES INTERESTED IN MANAGING THEIR ITALIAN SUPPLY CHAIN, WRITE TO ME IMMEDIATELY AT THESE EMAILS:

SEGRETERIA@BESIDEYOUGROUP.COM

F.MASTRANGELO@BESIDEYOUGROUP.COM

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