🇮🇹 Import Customs & Duties: Italy
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
22%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 4% for basic necessities, 5% for certain food, 10% for tourism and some food products.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-26% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) manages Italian customs under EU Customs Code. AIDA electronic declaration system. EU IOSS for low-value import VAT. Poste Italiane handles postal customs with a handling fee.
What to Actually Expect
Italian customs can be slower than northern European counterparts. Poste Italiane parcels may sit in customs for 3-7 days. Express couriers are faster (1-2 days). A handling fee of ~€5-8 charged by Poste for customs processing. Milan and Rome hubs are busiest.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EU-standard import licensing. Additional Italian requirements for food products (health certificates), wine and spirits, and cultural goods. CE marking required for applicable product categories.
Certificate of Origin
Italian Chambers of Commerce issue certificates. EU preferential certificates (EUR.1, EUR-MED) for FTA partners. REX system for registered exporters.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Italy:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $11 | $14 |
| $100 | $4 | $23 | $27 |
| $200 | $8 | $46 | $54 |
| $500 | $21 | $115 | $136 |
| $1000 | $42 | $229 | $271 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Italy?
Italy has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Italy?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Italy is 22%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rates: 4% for basic necessities, 5% for certain food, 10% for tourism and some food products.
How long does customs clearance take in Italy?
Typical customs clearance in Italy takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Italy?
To import into Italy, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Italy?
Italy prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.