Italy

Specific Information

Timing for non-EU citizens: 6 months from the date of establishing residency in Italy to import duty-free.

Timing for Italian/EU citizens: 1 year from the date of departure from the origin country.

Residence registration timing: The residence application (Avvio di procedimento) must be obtained before the shipment arrives at customs. If the shipment is imported more than 45 days after the Avvio di procedimento was issued, customs will require an official certificate of residence (certificato di residenza) or family status document (stato di famiglia).

New furniture: Requires authorization from customs to import. Subject to duties (variable depending on material) and 22% VAT.

False declarations: Items declared as used but found to be new will incur a fine in addition to full duties and taxes.

Anti-mould/moisture absorbing products (USMAF requirement): Since April 2009, all inbound shipments must include a USMAF declaration. If the shipment contains any products inhibiting mould or humidity (including moisture-absorbing bags/sachets/poles commonly used in containers during transit), they must be declared and accompanied by analysis certificates from an accredited UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory certifying the products do not contain dimethyl fumarate. A legalized Italian translation may be required. This is a critical and unique-to-Italy requirement.

Audio-visual items: All TVs, radios, stereos, video recorders, DVD players, and computers must be listed with serial numbers and trademarks. Only items bearing the "CE" (European conformity) mark may enter Italy. Items purchased before January 1, 1996 without CE marking may be admitted with proof of purchase. Customs may inspect these items. They should be packed near the container door for easy access.

Works of art and antiques: Require a detailed list (title/author/date/value) with two photos per piece. Legalization of the list by the Italian consulate at origin is advisable for returning Italian citizens. Proof of ownership for more than 6 months may be required. Fine art inspection will cause additional costs and delays. Inclusion of valuable artworks increases the likelihood of a physical inspection.

Customs inspections: Italian customs has increased the frequency of both document verifications (nearly every shipment) and physical inspections. These generate additional costs plus demurrage/detention/storage charges.

ISPM 15: All wooden packaging material (pallets, crates, bulkhead) must comply with FAO ISPM 15 requirements. Certificates attesting compliance and photos of wooden materials are recommended. Enhanced phytosanitary controls apply to shipments from China and Belarus.

Inheritance: Duty-free importation is possible if connected with a transfer of residence (standard TOR rules apply), or if the importer is the sole heir with legal documentation. Must occur within 2 years of becoming the official possessor. Some customs offices may not accept duty-free inheritance imports; consult the destination agent.

Strong recommendation: Always obtain the green light from the destination agent before forwarding any shipment to Italy.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Household goods used by the importer for more than 6 months may be imported duty-free. The importer must prove residence in the country of origin for at least 12 months (366 days per FIDI). Duty-free importation must occur within 12 months of the date of residence registration in Italy.

VAT: 22% on the CIF value for any goods not qualifying for duty-free entry.

Wedding trousseaux: May be imported duty-free for women (Italian or foreign) marrying an Italian citizen and establishing residence in Italy. Each wedding gift cannot exceed EUR 1,000. Vehicles are not considered part of the trousseau.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Copy of passport
• Copy of Italian Codice Fiscale
• Copy of residence registration application (Avvio di procedimento)
• Original bill of lading (OBL) with chassis number and all vehicle details
• Original vehicle title/registration in the owner's name, with legalized Italian translation done by the Italian consulate at origin (two originals required: one for customs, one for Motorizzazione)
• Copy of purchase invoice
• Proof of ownership and use abroad for more than 6 months
• Insurance valid for circulation in Italy
• Technical data sheet issued by the manufacturer, stating car features and declaration of conformity with EU requirements
• Consular declaration from the Italian embassy stating length of stay abroad (12+ months) and return date Additional for Returning Italian Citizens
• Vehicle must be listed with all specifications on the Italian inventory attached to the consular declaration Additional for Returning Italian Citizens
• Copy of diplomatic franchise/telepresso For Diplomats

Specific Information

Duty-free conditions: Vehicles owned and used by the importer for more than 6 months may be imported duty-free, provided the importer has resided in the origin country for more than 12 months. The vehicle must be imported within 6 months of arrival in Italy.

Non-qualifying vehicles: Subject to 10% customs duty on CIF value plus 22% VAT.

Italian registration: From the date of customs clearance, the owner has 6 months to obtain Italian plates through the Dipartimento della Motorizzazione Civile.

EU conformity: Vehicles must meet Italian/EU requirements to be registered and driven. Non-conforming vehicles must be converted, but conversion is not always possible. Check with the manufacturer before shipping whether the vehicle can be converted in Italy. If it cannot be converted, it cannot be registered or driven.

Resale restriction: Vehicles imported duty-free cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of for 1 year from the date of importation.

Title requirements (US-origin vehicles): The title must be legalized by the Italian consulate. In the US, this may also require certification by the Secretary of State or Public Notary. If the original title was withdrawn at origin, the Italian consulate must certify that the copy is a true and accurate copy.

Battery: Vehicles must travel with the battery disconnected, taped back, and properly secured.

Diplomats: Must arrive in Italy at least 40 days before the vehicle import to obtain necessary documents for duty-free clearance.

Inclusion of vehicles increases the risk of physical inspection.

Pets

• EU Pet Passport (EU-resident pets) or non-commercial EU Health Certificate (non-resident pets visiting from part 1 listed countries) From Another EU Member State or Part 1 Listed Third Country
• ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip From Another EU Member State or Part 1 Listed Third Country
• Current rabies vaccination (21-day wait after primary vaccination) From Another EU Member State or Part 1 Listed Third Country
• Non-commercial EU Health Certificate (issued within 10 days of entry, endorsed by government veterinary authority) From a Part 2 Listed or Unlisted Country
• ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip From a Part 2 Listed or Unlisted Country
• Current rabies vaccination From a Part 2 Listed or Unlisted Country
• Rabies titer test from an approved laboratory (unlisted countries only, or if pet has entered an unlisted country within 4 months) From a Part 2 Listed or Unlisted Country
• Original international vaccination book Additional Documents per FIDI
• For US-origin pets: USDA endorsement of the microchip implantation record, rabies certificate, veterinary letter, and EU Health Certificate Additional Documents per FIDI
• EU Health Certificate must be signed by the veterinarian in a different colour ink than the certificate's printing (normally blue ink) Additional Documents per FIDI

Italy is an EU Member State. Requirements follow the EU pet travel framework.

Quarantine: No quarantine if all requirements are met. Non-compliant pets face quarantine (if available), return to origin, or euthanasia.

Microchip: 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip required. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. Tattoos accepted only if applied before July 3, 2011 with continuously current rabies vaccinations. By January 1, 2028, all microchips must be ISO compliant (new EU regulation).

Rabies vaccination: Required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age. Must be administered after microchip implantation. From EU/listed countries: 21-day wait after primary vaccination. From unlisted countries: 30-day wait before titer test.

Rabies titer test: Required only from unlisted countries or if the pet has entered an unlisted country within 4 months. Must be administered no sooner than 30 days after vaccination. Must be taken more than 90 days before the EU Health Certificate date (new April 2026 regulation). Valid for life if vaccinations are kept continuously current.

Parasite treatments: Not required for entry into Italy, but recommended.

Import permit: Not required for accompanied pets. Unaccompanied pets may need one.

Minimum age: Puppies and kittens must be vaccinated at 12 weeks, then wait 21 days (from EU/listed countries). Minimum entry age is approximately 15 weeks from listed countries.

Additional vaccinations recommended: Dogs: DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) and Bordetella. Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia). Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper for commercial transport.

No import permit required for accompanied dogs, cats, and ferrets. Unaccompanied pets may need an import permit.

Italy is NOT on the CDC high-risk rabies country list.

April 2026 EU regulatory changes: Same as other EU Member States. Key changes include revised non-commercial transport definitions, 5-pet-per-vehicle limit for ground entry, new health certificate validity rules, and 90-day titer test timing requirement.

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