The PEC address (Posta Elettronica Certificata) is a certified electronic address that has the same legal
validity in Italy as a registered letter with return receipt. When two PEC addresses exchange messages,
confirmation of sending and delivery is automatically generated, providing legally binding proof of the
date, time and integrity of the message transmitted. The entire content – including attachments – is
protected against subsequent changes.
Companies, corporations, freelancers and numerous commercial activities are legally required to use a
PEC address. This must be entered in the commercial register. Since 2025, this obligation also applies
to the appointed administrators of Italian companies: each administrator must apply for a personal
PEC address and also register it with the commercial register.
PEC enables efficient, secure and legally recognised communication with authorities, business partners
and customers. It facilitates the management of deadlines, the documentation of deliveries and various
organisational processes.
Nevertheless, there are limitations: the PEC only has full legal effect within Italy and only if both
the sender and the recipient have a PEC address. Messages sent to ordinary email addresses lose their
certified status.
Despite its cost, PEC is a central tool of digital administration in Italy. Planned adjustments to the
European eIDAS standards are intended to further standardise and professionalise its use in the future.