Importing Into 🇮🇹 Italy
De Minimis Threshold
US$165
€150 EUR
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
EU rules: €150 customs duty de minimis. VAT applies to all imports as of July 2021 (IVA in Italian). Standard IVA is 22%.
As of: 2021-07-01
VAT / GST on Imports
22%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Customs Import Declaration (AIDA system / EU SAD) |
| 02 | Commercial Invoice |
| 03 | Packing List |
| 04 | Airway Bill or Bill of Lading |
| 05 | EUR.1 or Invoice Declaration (for EU FTA preference) |
| 06 | Import Licence (agricultural, textiles, dual-use goods) |
| 07 | CITES permit (for protected species) |
| 08 | Cultural Heritage export certificate (from origin country, for antiques) |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Firearms and weapons (licence required under Italian Firearms Law)
- ⚠Medicines (AIFA — Italian Medicines Agency authorisation for commercial imports)
- ⚠Food products from outside EU (SPS checks by Italian border inspection posts)
- ⚠Cultural heritage goods (must be declared; export may require state authorisation under Cultural Heritage Code)
- ⚠Endangered species (CITES permit required)
- ⚠Plants and plant products from non-EU (phytosanitary certificate)
- ⚠Certain chemicals (REACH compliance)
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Narcotics and controlled substances
- ✗Counterfeit luxury goods (Italy is a major enforcer for fashion industry)
- ✗Pornographic material involving minors
- ✗Endangered species products without permits
- ✗Weapons without permits
Special Notes
- 01Italy is part of the EU customs union — no customs for goods from within the EU.
- 02IVA (VAT) is 22% standard, 10% reduced (restaurants, renovations, tourism), 5% and 4% further reduced rates.
- 03Italy is particularly strict about counterfeit goods — tourists have been fined for purchasing counterfeits on the street.
- 04Italian Cultural Heritage Code (D.Lgs. 42/2004) restricts export of antiques and art over 70 years old.
- 05The ADM uses the AIDA customs processing system.
- 06San Marino and Vatican City are special territories within Italy with different customs arrangements.
- 07Campione d'Italia (Italian territory surrounded by Switzerland) has special customs status.
Documented Import Rules
Vape / E-Cigarette
🇮🇹 Italy
Vape / E-Cigarette requires declaration / permit for personal import into Italy.
Alcohol / Spirits
🇮🇹 Italy
Alcohol / Spirits requires declaration / permit for personal import into Italy.
Tobacco Cigarettes
🇮🇹 Italy
Tobacco Cigarettes requires declaration / permit for personal import into Italy.
CBD Oil
🇮🇹 Italy
CBD Oil is generally prohibited for personal import into Italy.
Cannabis Seeds
🇮🇹 Italy
Cannabis Seeds is generally prohibited for personal import into Italy.
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade)
🇮🇹 Italy
Sterilised hemp seeds (food grade) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Italy.
Codeine (Medication)
🇮🇹 Italy
Codeine (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Italy.
Adderall (Medication)
🇮🇹 Italy
Adderall (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Italy.
Tramadol (Medication)
🇮🇹 Italy
Tramadol (Medication) requires declaration / permit for personal import into Italy.
Estimate duties and VAT for a specific shipment into Italy.
Calculate Duty →