Declaration of Conformity for Electrical Systems: When Is It Mandatory?

What Is the Declaration of Conformity for an Electrical System?

The declaration of conformity is the document through which a certified company attests that an electrical system has been installed in compliance with current technical regulations.

It is issued at the end of the works and certifies that the system complies with the project specifications, safety standards, and legal requirements.

It is important to distinguish between:

• Declaration of Conformity (Di.Co.), issued by the company that carried out the installation work.

• Declaration of Compliance (Di.Ri.), drafted by a qualified professional when the original declaration is unavailable, generally for older systems.

When Is the Declaration of Conformity Mandatory?

The declaration is mandatory in cases of:

• new installation of an electrical system;

• complete renovation or substantial modification of the system;

• renovation works involving the electrical system.

During a Property Sale

In real estate transactions, documentation related to technical systems plays a central role. Although it is not always a mandatory attachment to the notarial deed, its presence is often decisive in ensuring clarity and proper disclosure between the parties.

A system lacking documentation may raise concerns, lead to additional requests, or even trigger price negotiations.

In the Case of a Lease

In rental agreements as well, the property owner is required to deliver the property in suitable and fully functioning condition. Compliance of the systems is among the elements that impact the regularity and legal soundness of the contractual relationship.

Reference Regulations and Responsibilities

The applicable regulation is Ministerial Decree 37/2008, which governs the installation and certification of building systems within properties.

Responsibility for compliance lies with the property owner. It is therefore the seller who must verify that the required documentation is available or, if it is missing, take steps to regularise the situation before the sale.

Why It Matters for Sellers and Buyers

For the seller, having the declaration of conformity means:

• avoiding delays in negotiations;

• reducing the risk of disputes;

• increasing the perceived reliability of the property.

For the buyer, it provides transparency and a clearer understanding of the property's technical condition.

The availability of documentation can also positively affect the marketability of the property, helping to facilitate the process leading to completion of the sale.

What to Do If the Declaration of Conformity Is Missing

It is not uncommon, especially in older properties, for the declaration of conformity to be unavailable.

In such cases, it is possible to:

• Check whether a Declaration of Compliance (Di.Ri.) can be obtained
  A qualified professional can carry out a technical inspection and, if the system meets the required standards, issue a substitute certification.

• Assess any required upgrade work
  If the system is not compliant, it may be necessary to carry out work to bring it up to standard before proceeding with the sale. Taking action before negotiations begin can help avoid requests for price reductions.

• Gather any available technical documentation
  Project plans, invoices for previous work, maintenance records or partial certifications can help reconstruct the system’s history and facilitate verification.

• Taking preventive action helps avoid issues when a purchase offer is received.

Why Choose Engel & Völkers

Managing technical and administrative aspects is one of the most delicate stages of a property transaction. Relying on an experienced partner means receiving support in verifying and collecting the required documentation.

With a structured approach and careful attention to regulatory details, Engel & Völkers supports both sellers and buyers at every stage of the process, helping to make the transaction clearer and more straightforward.