Italian businesses playing recorded music pay SIAE for authors' rights and SCF for the producers' related rights. Paying SIAE does not cover SCF.
| Who | What for | |
|---|---|---|
| SIAE | Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori | Authors' rights; collects SCF for some user categories |
| LEA | LEA, Liberi Editori e Autori | Alternative authors' society; role for background music not researched |
| SCF | SCF Consorzio Fonografici | Producers' related rights (and performers via mandates) |
SIAE grants a permit or subscription for background music. SCF licenses public diffusion of phonograms and music videos in bars, restaurants, shops and similar places; it says it represents over 85% of Italian producers. For some user categories SIAE collects SCF fees on SCF's mandate.
SIAE's own background music tariff page could not be retrieved for this guide.
SCF charges annually by area in m2 and means of diffusion (radio, multimedia, TV, flat audio, flat audio and video), with 50% more if non original copies are used (USB, burned CDs, mp3), seasonal reductions and surcharges for outdoor areas. Prices are net of VAT and any SIAE administration fees.
2026 SCF example: a bar or restaurant of 1 to 75 m2 playing radio pays EUR 17.03 a year, net of VAT and SIAE fees. The SIAE authors' fee comes on top. Members of trade associations with SCF agreements get discounts.
SCF's FAQ says platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube cannot be used in a shop, because subscriptions usually allow only personal use and prohibit public playback.
Producers' related rights (article 73 of Law 633/1941) are separate from SIAE's authors' rights, so paying SIAE does not cover SCF. SCF's FAQ says that if a music provider's service includes the related rights, a separate SCF licence may not be needed, but the provider must issue a written certification. It also warns that royalty free music is not always free.
No statutory mandatory collective management or presumption in favour of SIAE or SCF was verified, so that part is unclear.
SCF first asks for payment and may then sue. Checks can happen during inspections, for example by the Guardia di Finanza, and illegal diffusion may bring administrative or criminal sanctions; amounts are not stated.
Dr.DIO Studio makes its own electronic and ambient music, no Dr.DIO track is registered with any collecting society, and the Business plan ($14.99 a month per venue, 14 days free) gives the venue a direct public playback license and a certificate for Dr.DIO music.
SCF says a separate SCF licence may not be needed when the provider covers the related rights and certifies this in writing; the Dr.DIO certificate is meant to serve as that written statement for Dr.DIO music. The SIAE position for music outside its repertoire was not verified, so ask SIAE in writing.
Any other music in the venue, such as radio, TV, live music or other playlists, still needs the usual licences.
This page explains the general rules as published by the societies and laws listed above, checked in October 2026. It is not legal advice; fees and rules change, so confirm with the society before you decide.
SCF starts at EUR 17.03 a year for 1 to 75 m2 with radio (2026), net of VAT. SIAE's own tariff could not be retrieved for this guide.
SCF charges by area and means of diffusion; a bar of 1 to 75 m2 with radio pays EUR 17.03 a year in 2026, plus 50% if non original copies are used.
SIAE's background music tariff page could not be retrieved for this guide; ask SIAE directly.
No. SCF says Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube cannot be used in a shop.
Only if the provider's service includes the related rights and the provider certifies this in writing. SCF warns royalty free music is not always free.
Yes. SCF's producers' rights are separate from SIAE's authors' rights.
