Importing Personal Effects into Italy: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Italy Import Guide (PDF)

Removal goods – HHG/PE

• Italian and foreign citizens:
• Customs form Mod. F-01A (“istanza senza garanzia”) which implies the penal responsibility of the declarant/importer.
• Copy of the residence registration application, so-called “Avvio di procedimento di iscrizione anagrafica”, submitted and acknowledged by the Italian city hall.
• ATTENTION: a residence registration can only be applied if the applicant can provide the city hall with a lease contract signed and registered or with an ownership deed of the Italian house.
• If shipment is imported after 45 days from the release of the “Avvio di procedimento”, the customs authorities will require an official “certificate of residence”.
• In case the “avvio di procedimento di iscrizione anagrafica” didn’t become available on time, Italian customs can accept the evidence that the application has been submitted accompanied by the lease contract signed and registered with the local authorities or by the ownership certificate of the house.
• Evidence of the residence in the origin country for a period longer than 12 months
• (this can be provided through a consular declaration, where obtainable, or AIRE certification (for Italian returning residents) or an employer’s declaration, or lease contract or copies of utilities in the origin country for 13 months).
• Passport copy.
• Photocopy of the Italian fiscal code issued by the “agenzia delle entrate” https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/w eb/english/nse/individuals/taxidentification-number-for-foreign-citizens
• “Dichiarazione di libera importazione” (declaration to confirm that imported goods are not among the ones whose importation is forbidden).
• List of the household goods.
• Ocean freight / air freight amount paid (to be declared on the customs bill).
• EORI code required.

• As a rule, the Italian Customs authorities grant free entry to household goods and vehicles provided:
• They have been owned and used by the importer for at least 6 months prior to the relocation to Italy.
• The importer can prove to have lived in the country where the shipment is coming from for at least 12 months before returning to Italy.
• The importer can prove to have applied for the residence registration at the city hall (iscrizione anagrafica) before the arrival of the shipment
• .
• The importation takes place within 12 months from the date of the residence registration in Italy.
• If the importer is unable to register as resident before the arrival of the shipment on the Italian territory but were certain to be registered as resident within 6 months from the date of the importation, the shipment can be cleared with a special procedure named “daziato sospeso” or “Importazione con garanzia”, depositing the duties and taxes.
• The deposit will be returned after the submission of an official certificate of
• residence within 6 months from the importation date.
• This procedure will imply additional costs and a long waiting before the customs office returns the deposit.
• The customs form Mod.F-01B (“istanza con garanzia”) will need to be completed in this case.
• Non-EU Citizens will not be able to register as resident in Italy until they have progressed with the immigration process and applied for the “permesso di soggiorno”.
• Some customs offices require the declaration of the freight amount at time of the clearance and a copy of the freight invoice might need being submitted to the customs office. If shipment were dutiable, freight would be a component on which duties/taxes will be calculated, in addition to the customs value attributed to the goods. Contact your origin agent for potential support.

• It is highly recommended to obtain the green light from the Italian agent before forwarding a shipment to Italy.
• See section ‘Prohibited Items’.
• Electrical bicycles or electrical scooters can only be imported if they comply with EU requirements and have the “CE” logo.
• The Italian customs have increased the frequency of customs documental verifications (almost every shipment) and physical inspections. These customs controls can easily generate additional costs + demurrage/detention/storage charges will have to be expected.
• Absorbing poles/silica gel bags and any other product used to prevent humidity can only be used if the origin agent can prove the product does not contain harmful substances (sanitary authorities might require analysis certificates of the product)
• Phytosanitary controls have been recently implemented by the Customs and Phytosanitary authorities.
• Particular attention is given to shipments
• coming from China and the Republic of Belarus (Byelorussia).
• These inspections will generate additional costs + demurrage/detention/storage charges will have to be expected.
• Any wooden material (pallets, crates and bulkhead) will need to strictly adhere to FAO ISPM 15 requirements.
• It is recommended to provide certificates attesting the compliance with the requirements and even provide photos of the wooden material used in the shipment.
• If shipment included any goods shipped under IMO declaration, please expect additional costs at the Italian arrival port/airport
• Useful link: https://www.adm.gov.it/portale/en/circol are-1

Diplomatic Removals

• Foreign diplomats:
• Original import authorization (named “telespresso”) issued by the Ministry of Foreign affairs which has to reach the customs office before the arrival of the shipment in Italy.
• Passport copy.
• Italian codice fiscale copy.
• Dichiarazione di libera importazione (declaration to confirm that the imported goods are not among the ones whose importation is forbidden).
• Italian Returning Diplomats:
• Shipments belonging to members of the Italian Diplomatic and Consular Corps, as well as civil servants and service personnel returning to Italy on completion of their mission abroad, are not usually travelling under a diplomatic status.
• They will need to provide:
• Customs form Mod. F-01A (“istanza senza garanzia”)
• Certificate of residence in Italy
• Dichiarazione di libera importazione
• Passport copy
• Copy of the Italian fiscal code
• Certificate from the administration to which they belong (i.e., Foreign Ministry or Ministry of Defence etc.) confirming period of their mission abroad and repatriation to Italy.
• EORI code required.

• Foreign diplomats and personnel coming to Italy to join an official international organization or, consulate/embassy will need to obtain the “diplomatic Franchise” (duty free import authorization) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome.
• The process can take several weeks to be completed, and it has to be initiated by the importer’s organization.
• Before being in the position to apply for this, the diplomat has to obtain a special ID and be accredited as a diplomat in Italy.
• Import of alcohol is allowed for diplomats but limited to annual quota agreed by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies in the country.

• Same remarks as per the previous section.
• It is highly recommended to obtain the green light from the destination agent before forwarding a shipment to Italy.

Wedding trousseaux

• List of the relocated items owned for more than 6 months
• List of the wedding gifts.
• Each wedding gift cannot cost more than EUR 1000 (excluding wine, alcohol, tobacco and any other forbidden item or items subject to an import license)
• Wedding certificate
• Certificate of residence in Italy of the married couple
• Evidence that the spouse has lived in the country where the shipment is originating from for more than 12 months.
• Customs form F-02A.
• EORI code required.

• The Italian Customs Office authorises a duty-free importation of used household goods, trousseaux and wedding presents belonging to Italian or foreign citizens, who, as a result of their marriage with a citizen living in Italy, are registering as resident in Italy.
• Wedding trousseaux are not admitted dutyfree into Italy. However, they can enter dutyfree as removals if they are used and if the importation is connected with a transfer of residence.

• Same remarks as per previous section “Italian and foreign citizens”.

Inheritance

• Translated and legalized copy of the will/notary act proving that the importer is the only heir having right on the imported goods.
• Customs form Mod. F-03
• Importer’s passports copy and Italian codice fiscale document
• Certificate of residence
• List of inherited goods
• EORI code required.

• Importation of used household goods and personal effects is authorised if the importation is connected with a transfer of residence (in this case the requirements previously described under “removal goods” apply) or when the importer can prove to be designated as the only heir having right on the imported household goods and to be resident in Italy.
• The importation must take place within 2 years from the date the heir becomes the official possessor of the goods.
• It is highly recommended to submit all documents to the Italian agent before shipping to verify whether the importation can be granted duty free.

• Same remarks as per previous section.

New furniture household items presents and souvenirs

• Original invoices.

• Presents and souvenirs are liable to payment of duty and VAT.

• In case of false declarations (items declared as used while they are brand new), a fine will be assessed by customs, in addition to the payment of duties and taxes.

Works of art & antiques

• Detailed list and accurate description (title/author/date/value/dimensions) of the art pieces and antiques is required.
• Proof of ownership for more than 6 months might be required.
• It is highly recommended to submit purchase invoices or any proof that certifies length of ownership. Two photos for each piece need to accompany the documentation.
• EORI code required.

• Fine art inspection might be required, and this will imply additional costs as well as a delay in the customs process.
• In general inclusion of valuable artworks can generate a physical inspection.
• Duties and taxes might be payable.
• Additional declarations to be provided - forms can be supplied by your local destination agent.

• It is highly recommended to consult your destination agent before packing and shipping.

Precious metal objects

• Objects made by silver (i.e. photo frames, cutlery, trays etc.) within a normal move of household goods are allowed duty free on the same basis and under the same conditions as furniture and other articles.

• For other precious metal objects, please contact your local destination agent for verification.
• No specific prescriptions for the importation of silverware within a household goods removal.

Plants and vegetable products

• Phytosanitary certificate required.

• Normal house plants are admitted duty free as part of a removal provided a certificate of
• freedom from disease is available from the authorities of the country of origin of the removal (Phytosanitary certificate) otherwise importation prohibited.

• Among some European countries (i.e. Italy/Switzerland), there is a special
• agreement that allows free circulation of plants with the exception of some species.
• It is highly recommended not to include plants and vegetable products in household good shipments.

Domestic animals

• Original international vaccination book.
• Rabies Vaccination and Certificate:
• All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the vet. The rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old at the time of the final health exam.
• EU Health Certificate:
• Standard Health Certificate to be filled in by an accredited veterinarian which must be signed in a different colour than that of the certificate’s printing (normally blue ink). This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the checks at the EU point of entry.
• USDA Endorsements for the below referenced forms which must be sent to the local USDA for their stamp of approval:
• Microchip Implantation Record.
• Rabies certificate.
• Vet letter.
• EU Vet Health Certificate.
• International Health Certificate:
• Needs to be completed by the vet within 10 days of departure.
• EU passport for pets travelling within Europe.

• All original documents listed have to travel with the pet.
• The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered.

• Full vaccinations are recommended for all pets, namely:
• Dogs:
• Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordatella.
• Cats:
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).
• These should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than 2 weeks before export date for maximum effectiveness. Please double check the requirements with your agent at destination to make sure they have not been amended in the meantime.

Forbidden items

• Animal skins
• Animal furs
• Narcotics
• Drugs
• Tobacco
• Electrical bicycles or scooters, if they do not comply with EU rules and they do not have the “CE” logo.
• Batteries might still not be accepted by the shipping lines and in any case, they need to be removed and packed separately.
• Batteries are forbidden in air shipments.
• Stuffed animals / Animal trophies
• Cites permit required
• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Swords (even decorative)
• Hunting knives
• Weapons or parts of weapons
• Ivory
• If a piano with ivory keys is included, a CITES permit will need to be obtained.
• Pornography
• plants
• Wood might require CITES permit
• Food
• Wine, alcohol
• Any hazardous material.

• Importation is prohibited in a household good shipment.
• Tobacco in any form, spirits, wine, food or firearms, ammunitions, weapons or parts thereof (including swords, hunting knives...), cannot be included in the shipment.

Firearms, ammunition, weapons

• A special permit for their importation must be obtained from the Police Office (Questura Centrale) and from Explosives Department Office.

• Firearms and ammunitions cannot be imported as household goods.
• Importer will need to take his own arrangements.

• Importation is prohibited in a household good shipment.

Wine, beverages, alcohol and food

• These are not to be included in the shipment with household goods.
• Import of alcohol is allowed for diplomats but limited to annual quota agreed by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies in the country.

• These are subject to sanitary inspections and need to be accompanied by sanitary analysis as well as customer’s declarations.
• Taxes and duties to be paid.
• Shipment of these items is highly discouraged.

Products against mould / humidity or moisture absorbing bags

• Importers might be required to certify whether their shipments do or do not include products against the mould and humidity or moisture absorbing bags.
• This requirement, implemented in 2009, still exists but no declarations have been required lately in this respect.
• Nevertheless, if used, it is still recommended that the shipping agent verifies the composition of the product with the manufacturer, to make sure it does not contain Dimethyl Fumarate or other harmful substances.
• Sanitary authorities still have the right to verify, though they had not been doing this on household good shipments lately.

• This mainly applies to the “anti-mould” bags/sachets/absorbing poles that are placed in containers/lift vans by the movers to inhibit mould during transit.

• It is responsibility of the origin agent to provide the required analysis certification in case this were required by the sanitary authorities

Exporting Personal Effects from Italy: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Italy Export Guide (PDF)

Normal used household goods

• Copy of shipper’s passport.
• Copy of shipper’s “Codice fiscale” number – if shipper has an Italian VAT number, this should also be provided, even if it has already been “shut down”.
• List of the items contained in the shipment and proforma invoice with a customs value (these are usually elaborated by the mover).
• Copy of certificate of residence cancellation, if available.
• Export declaration named “dichiarazione di libera esportazione".
• Dichiarazione sostitutiva dell’atto di notorietà ” (statutory declaration) confirming the reason for the move.
• Declaration for electrical items (currently required only for ocean shipments).
• Many shipping lines require customer's contact phone number and email address at origin and/or destination.
• Shipper’s EORI code.

• If shipment had to include items older than 50 years or paintings or artworks of high artistic value, additional paperwork, formalities or authorizations (i.e., issued by Fine Art authorities) might be required. Please check with your FIDI Italian agents for more details submitting the specific case.

• Forms might vary according to the customs office and some offices might require additional forms.
• Some customs offices require a declaration for dangerous – restricted goods (for ocean and air shipments) from the customer or the mover.
• For the exportation of new goods accompanied by VAT exempted invoices in the name of the exporter with the final destination address abroad, the exporter will need to require the supplier to issue an export declaration named "dichiarazione di libera esportazione" on their letterhead + inventory with number of items and weight.
• Purchase invoices including VAT cannot be submitted to the customs office and therefore exporter cannot expect to be returned the VAT from the shop/supplier.
• It can be difficult to ship new goods (accompanied by VAT exempted invoices) with used household goods in an air shipment or a LCL shipment. Importation of new goods will still need to be authorized by the destination agent.

Vehicles

• Certificate of ownership (Certificato di proprietà digitale CDPD).
• The exporter will need to provide an attestation on a form provided by the shipping line confirming that the tank is empty, and the battery has been disconnected.
• An additional declaration will also be required to confirm the vehicle does not fall under IMO category.
• Power of attorney
• Copy of owner’s passport
• Copy of owner’s “Codice fiscale” number – if shipper has an Italian VAT number, this should also be provided.
• Copy of certificate of residence cancellation, if available.
• Export declaration named “dichiarazione di libera esportazione".
• Dichiarazione sostitutiva atto di notorietà (not every customs office would require it).
• Many shipping lines require customer's contact phone number and email address at origin and/or destination.
• Shipper’s EORI Code.

• Vehicles can be exported only if they are cancelled from the P.R.A. (Public Vehicle Register) and from the Italian vehicle archive with the return of the plates and the logbook (“Carta di circolazione”).
• One of the required conditions to obtain the cancellations is that the vehicle has been reviewed not more than 6 months prior to the cancellation request and that the technical review inspection has been successful.
• The exporter will be given a document named “foglio di via”, temporary plates, and the voided “carta di circolazione” which will have to be submitted to the customs office.
• Vehicles will need to be prepared for shipping as follows:
• fuel tank to be completely emptied
• battery to be disconnected

• Please be advised that the inclusion of vehicles in the shipments increase the risk of customs inspection.
• Not all shipping lines accept inclusion of vehicles, and they would require documents to be submitted before accepting any.
• Approvals from the shipping line / customs at destination might also be needed.
• It is recommended to contact your Italian agent for further details as though the deregistration rule was implemented a few years ago, some customs offices are not even aware.

Restricted or forbidden items

• The following list represents several items that are considered to pose significant hazards, security or customs issues. It is indicative only:
• Handguns / any weapon or part of it / shot guns / hunting rifles/ ammunitions
• Hover boards
• Swords/sabres (including decorative ones) – hunting knives
• Explosives & flammables
• Paint/varnish
• Matches, lighters, and lighter fluids
• Oils and lubricants
• Lithium and any type of battery (including the ones for laptops, cameras, mobile phones etc..) unless shipped following IMO procedures and approved by the shipping line.
• If a battery cannot be removed from the appliance, the appliance cannot be shipped unless authorized by the shipping line.
• A small quantity of nonlithium batteries can be included in the sea shipment.
• Car / motorbike / bicycle / scooter lithium batteries and even batteries in toys like baby cars / motorbikes cannot be included.
• Fridges or any other appliance with gas
• Diving equipment (air tanks) – fire extinguishers
• Corrosives (acids, photographic acids used in developing film, water purifying agents)
• Compressed air / spray bottles / aerosol cans
• Perfumes / deodorants (cannot be included in air shipments)
• Pornography
• Illegal drugs
• Perishables
• Bleach / hazardous materials
• Propane tanks
• Animal skins / animal trophies
• Wood subject to CITES authorization
• Tusks / ivory
• Liquids
• Print cartridges / toner (cannot be
• included in air shipments)
• Medicine / prescription drugs
• Subject to approval (depending on destination country and shipping line/consolidator used):
• Wine
• Alcohol and any beverage
• Non-perishable food / spices
• Furs, skins
• Non dangerous liquids in air shipments
• Cosmetics, toiletries

• Security measures and controls on goods are very strict in Italy, and the inclusion of forbidden items can lead to delays and additional costs.

Domestic pets

• ISO-compliant microchip.
• Certificate of good health issued by an accredited veterinarian is always required, regardless of the destination.
• For travel within the EU, this certificate can be issued directly by a private veterinarian and recorded in the pet’s passport.
• For travel to non-EU countries, the certificate must be obtained through the local health authority (ASL).
• The timeframe for obtaining the certificate varies depending on the destination. For EU countries, it is always valid for 10 days.

• The rabies vaccination must be administered after the microchip has been implanted (or at the earliest, on the same day), and at least 30 days before the export date.
• Additional requirements or pre-export veterinary treatments may also apply, depending on the destination country.

Italy Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Italy Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Italy's document requirements vary by nationality and status. The process is notably bureaucratic, with multiple Italian-language forms.

Note on consular declarations: Some Italian consulates/embassies, particularly in the USA, are no longer willing to provide consular declarations. In that case, the returning citizen must provide evidence of their period of stay abroad through: the AIRE registry (Anagrafe Italiani Residenti all'Estero) with a historical residence certificate from an Italian city hall, or a declaration from the employer, or copies of utilities/lease contracts.

Same as foreign citizens, plus:

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 ). 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

Special Categories

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air and sea shipments.

Critical: obtain the green light from the destination agent before forwarding any shipment to Italy. This cannot be overstated. Shipments arriving without complete documentation face significant delays, demurrage/detention/storage charges, and potential duty assessments.

Residence registration: Must be completed before the shipment arrives at customs. The owner must re-apply for residence upon returning to Italy.

Consular documents: Should be obtained as early as possible for Italian citizens. Some consulates no longer issue the Dichiarazione Consolare di Rimpatrio; alternative proof of residence abroad must be arranged in advance.

USMAF declaration: Must be provided with the bill of lading by the origin agent. This is not optional.

ISPM 15: Strict compliance required. Certificates and photos of wooden packaging recommended.

Customs forms: Some customs offices require additional forms, and forms may vary by arrival port. Confirm requirements with the destination agent.

Diplomatic shipments: The diplomatic franchise must be obtained through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome before the shipment arrives. The diplomat must first obtain a special ID and be accredited. The process takes several weeks. Transportation should be held until the destination agent confirms readiness.

Italian returning diplomats and consular staff: Returning Italian diplomatic/consular corps members and civil servants are NOT typically covered by diplomatic status for customs purposes. They should follow the "Italian returning citizen" procedures.