As of today, the Green Pass, i.e. the COVID-19 certificate, is mandatory in Italy for all employees, including HGV drivers, who need to show it at the place of loading and unloading).
Despite requests for clarification from carrier organizations, the Italian government have only just addressed the issue of drivers from abroad who carry out international transport to and from Italy. It was only a few hours before the new obligation came into force that the government ministers provided a reply.
According to the announcement, those foreign lorry drivers who don’t have a Green Pass can drive to the place of loading and unloading, provided that the operations will be performed by other employees and the drivers don’t leave the vehicle.
Italian organisations have sharply criticized the move, as they believe the exemption provides a competitive advantage for foreign companies.
What is the Green Pass?
As a reminder, a Green Pass is a certification that its holder has been vaccinated against COVID-19, or is recovering from the infection, or have recently tested negative for the virus.
Any worker who fails to present a valid COVID-19 health certificate will be suspended without pay after five days, but cannot be sacked.
Those non-vaccinated could also be fined up to €1,500