Italy Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Italy customs guide supports individuals and families planning international relocation, import of household goods or door-to-door overseas moving. Italy follows European Union customs laws with additional requirements for personal effects, motor vehicles and pets.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients throughout Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Italy, offering export packing, sea/air freight, customs documentation and home delivery to Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, Turin, Bologna, Genoa and other regions.

1. Moving to Italy – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

Italy allows the duty-free entry of used personal effects if:

You are taking up residence in Italy
Goods have been owned and used abroad for at least 6 months
Items are for personal use and not resale
Your shipment arrives within 12 months of relocation

Important: New or unused goods may be taxed. Ensure invoices are available for customs review.

1.2 EU vs Non-EU Shipments

From EU countries: No customs clearance applies
From Canada or other non-EU countries: Full clearance and documentation required

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Passport copy
Italian residence permit, entry visa or proof of employment
Bill of lading / airway bill
Detailed inventory (preferably in Italian)
Proof of new residence (lease agreement or property deed)
Fiscal Code (Codice Fiscale)

2.2 Inventory Rules

Include item descriptions and values
List electronics with brand and serial numbers
Avoid vague terms such as “miscellaneous”
Separate new items for possible taxation

H-H Relocations Tip: Italian customs appreciates structured inventories. Listing goods by room accelerates clearance.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Italy

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicles imported into Italy must comply with European conformity and emissions standards. Duties and VAT may apply unless exemption requirements are satisfied.

Vehicle must be owned and used abroad for at least 6 months
Compliance checks and registration required before driving
Left-hand drive vehicles accepted (Italy is LHD)

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration and ownership certificate
Bill of lading / airway bill
Proof of residence in Italy
Insurance and conformity certificate

Important: Importation costs—taxes, inspections and registration fees—can exceed vehicle value. Evaluate before shipping.

4. Bringing Pets to Italy

Italy follows EU legislation for the importation of pets, especially dogs, cats and ferrets.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compliant microchip
Rabies vaccination under EU rules
Veterinary health certificate or EU Pet Passport
Tapeworm treatment depending on species

Pet Travel Tip: Pets arriving without completed EU documentation may face quarantine or refusal of entry.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Importing alcohol into Italy for personal use is subject to EU quantity limits. Goods above these allowances are subject to duty and VAT. Declare all alcohol to avoid penalties.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products require declaration and may incur duty depending on quantity and origin. Commercial quantities are not permitted in personal shipments.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Italy follows EU rules governing the importation of food, plants and animal-based goods:

Meat, dairy and animal-origin products from non-EU countries are heavily restricted
Plant-based items may require phytosanitary certificates
Non-compliant goods may be confiscated or destroyed

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Imports

Prescription medicines require supporting documents
Chemicals may require special permits
Weapons and ammunition require prior authorization

Important: Failing to declare controlled goods can result in fines, delays or confiscation.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Italy

Italy prohibits the import of the following goods:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, explosives and ammunition without permits
Pirated or counterfeit media and branded products
Hazardous materials and chemicals not approved for import
Endangered species and wildlife products without CITES authorization
Obscene or banned publications and content

Importing prohibited goods can result in fines, prosecution or seizure at the border.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Italy

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a smooth international move from Toronto to Italy, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare documents early, including residence details
Ensure inventories are itemized and translated where possible
Separate new items with receipts
Keep passports and originals with you—not in the shipment

7.2 Why choose an Italy relocation expert

Italy’s customs procedures are predictable when documentation is complete. Working with a professional international moving company ensures:

Accurate customs declarations and compliance
Reduced risk of inspections or clearance delays
Door-to-door logistics management
Support with EU import tax and conformity rules

Relocation Tip: Italy’s customs authority pays close attention to values declared for new items. Keep invoices handy.

8. Useful Official Links – Italy

Refer to the following government portals for current rules and requirements:

This guide offers general reference for relocating households to Italy. Final import decisions are made by Italian customs and regulatory authorities.