Ateco Code: Legal Sex Work
- ROME (AP) — Italy's national statistics agency, Istat, has introduced a new economic classification, ATECO 2025, that includes a code for "provision of prostitution services" and "organization of...
- The specific code, 96.99.92, falls under "services for the NCA person (not classified elsewhere)," and is intended to be used when registering economic activities of this nature.The new...
- The inclusion of prostitution, which is not inherently illegal in Italy, within "meeting services and similar events" has drawn criticism.
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italy’s Istat Adds Prostitution Services to Economic Classification, Sparks Controversy
ROME (AP) — Italy’s national statistics agency, Istat, has introduced a new economic classification, ATECO 2025, that includes a code for “provision of prostitution services” and “organization of sexual services,” sparking debate and raising legal concerns.
ATECO Code 96.99.92
The specific code, 96.99.92, falls under “services for the NCA person (not classified elsewhere),” and is intended to be used when registering economic activities of this nature.The new classification, effective since April 1, updates the previous 2022 version.
“Meeting Services” and Legal Concerns
The inclusion of prostitution, which is not inherently illegal in Italy, within “meeting services and similar events” has drawn criticism. This category also encompasses the organization of prostitution events and management of prostitution premises, activities that are illegal under Italian law and subject to penalties including imprisonment.
Alberto Arrigoni, a tax regulations expert and accountant in Milan, described the move as a “scandalous short circuit.” He argued that classifying the exploitation of prostitution,a serious crime,within an official Istat classification effectively “institutionalizes the protector.”
Istat Defends Classification, Cites European Standards
Istat defended the new classification, stating that it aligns with the european Nace Rev.2.1 standard introduced in 2023. This European standard includes activities such as “social activities, provision or arrangement of sexual services, organisation of prostitution events or operation of prostitution establishments” under code 96.99 (“other service activities for the NCA person”).
Istat clarified that the European classification aims for extensive data collection and comparability across EU countries, irrespective of their regulatory regimes concerning prostitution. The agency emphasized that in Italy, ATECO 2025 “will only concern resident economic operators who carry out legal activities, as in the case of code 96.99.92 in which they fall, such as marriage and speed dating agencies.” The agency added that estimates of illegal activities will be conducted separately within national accounts using indirect methods.
Political Repercussions
The inclusion of prostitution services in the ATECO classification has triggered political reactions. The Five Star Movement and Forza Italia have announced they will raise parliamentary questions regarding the matter. The Green and Left Alliance (AVS) criticized the move, with group leader Luana Zanella stating, “The right also collects prostitution.” Codacons, an Italian consumer association, noted that the paid sex sector generates an estimated 4.7 billion euros annually in unreported revenue.
Italy’s Istat Adds Prostitution Services to Economic Classification, Sparks Controversy
This article explores the controversy surrounding the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) decision to include prostitution services in its new economic classification, ATECO 2025.This change has triggered debate and raised legal and political concerns.
What is ATECO 2025?
ATECO 2025 is a new economic classification system introduced by Istat, Italy’s national statistics agency. It includes a specific code, 96.99.92, which falls under “services for the NCA person (not classified elsewhere).”
What Services are Included under Code 96.99.92?
Code 96.99.92 encompasses “provision of prostitution services” and “institution of sexual services.” It’s intended to be used for registering economic activities of this nature. This classification is effective since April 1,2024,and is an update to the previous 2022 version.
why Has This Classification Sparked Controversy?
The inclusion of prostitution services in ATECO 2025 has ignited notable debate due to the following reasons:
- Legal Concerns: While prostitution itself is not inherently illegal in Italy, the classification includes activities like organizing prostitution events and managing prostitution premises, which are illegal under Italian law.
- Ethical Concerns: Critics argue that classifying the exploitation of prostitution within an official system could be seen as “institutionalizing the protector.”
Are Prostitution Services Legal in Italy?
Prostitution is not explicitly illegal in Italy. However, activities related to the exploitation of prostitution, such as running brothels or organizing prostitution events, are illegal and subject to penalties including imprisonment.
Istat’s Defense of the Classification
Istat defends the inclusion of prostitution services by stating that it aligns with the European Nace Rev.2.1 standard, introduced in 2023.This European standard aims for extensive data collection and comparability across EU countries, regardless of their different regulations regarding prostitution.
What is NACE Rev.2.1?
NACE Rev.2.1 is a European standard for classifying economic activities. It includes activities like “social activities, provision or arrangement of sexual services, organisation of prostitution events or operation of prostitution establishments” under code 96.99 (“other service activities for the NCA person”).
How Does Istat Plan to Handle Illegal activities?
Istat clarifies that ATECO 2025 is meant for legal economic operators only. Estimates of illegal activities will be conducted separately within national accounts using indirect methods. This means that although the classification includes prostitution-related codes, Istat aims to collect data on the legal aspects of related activities. The agency states that it will estimate revenue from illegal activities through separate, indirect methods.
What Are the Political Reactions to the Classification?
The inclusion of prostitution services in the ATECO classification has triggered political responses:
- Parliamentary Questions: The Five Star Movement and Forza Italia have announced they will raise parliamentary questions.
- Criticism: the green and Left Alliance (AVS) has criticized the move, with group leader Luana Zanella expressing concerns.
- Economic Impact Concerns: codacons, an Italian consumer association, noted the paid sex sector generates approximately €4.7 billion annually in unreported revenue.
summary of Key Points
Here’s a concise summary of the key aspects of the controversy:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| ATECO 2025 | New economic classification by Istat. |
| Code 96.99.92 | Specifically includes “provision of prostitution services” and “organization of sexual services.” |
| Legal Concerns | Raises questions regarding illegal activities related to prostitution. |
| Istat’s Justification | Compliance with European standards (NACE Rev.2.1) for comprehensive data collection. |
| Political Reactions | Parliamentary inquiries and criticism from various political groups. |