Italy is a prestige source for U.S. imports—from Ferrari and Lamborghini to Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Fiat. Since April 2025, tariff treatment can significantly affect total cost depending on origin and HTS classification—not all vehicles are impacted the same way.
Accurate planning means itemizing tariffs/duties, compliance, and fees, plus specialized handling for exotics. This guide covers 25-year classics that qualify for established tariff exemptions and modern exotics that may need EPA/DOT work.
Base duty (most passenger cars): 2.5% (HTS 8703.x).
10% baseline tariff (2025 update): May apply in addition to the base duty, depending on origin and HTS classification.
Section 232 (finished vehicles): 25% for non-exempt countries. Applicability for EU/Italy-origin vehicles can vary with current policy—confirm at entry.
25-year exemption: Vehicles 25+ years old, when properly coded under HTSUS 9903.94.04, are exempt from the 25% Section 232 tariff and typically pay only the 2.5% base duty.
What this means: Depending on origin/content and HTS coding on CBP Form 7501, duty load could be 2.5%, 12.5% (2.5%+10%), or up to 37.5% (2.5%+10%+25%).
Ocean freight (Genoa/Livorno/Naples → New York): ~$2,750 with ~18-day transit (typical, not guaranteed).
Cost variability: Fuel surcharges, congestion, equipment availability, seasonality, and carrier adjustments can move rates materially.
Primary hubs: Genoa (largest; frequent U.S. services), Livorno (central Italy), Naples (south).
Additional options: Trieste, La Spezia, Savona depending on location/sailing schedules.
Mediterranean advantage: Efficient routing to U.S. East Coast with established schedules.
Containers: Highest protection; single-vehicle or consolidated (shared) options.
Exotic protocols (typical add-ons): climate control $1,500–$4,000, enhanced security/GPS, specialized loading, and optional white-glove services $4,500–$7,500.
Air freight (ultra-high value): $8,000–$25,000 with ~5–10 days transit; justified for seven-figure exotics or time-critical moves.
Fuel surcharges: Often add ~$200–$400.
Seasonality/holidays: August slowdowns in Italy can affect sailings.
Italian-origin vehicles follow the U.S. framework above; actual tariff outcome depends on origin, classification, and exemptions.
Base duty (passenger cars): 2.5% (HTS 8703.x).
10% baseline tariff: May apply in addition (origin/HTS dependent).
Section 232 (finished vehicles): 25% for non-exempt countries.
25-year exemption: HTS 9903.94.04 exempts qualifying classics from the 25% Section 232; the 2.5% base duty typically still applies.
Certain light-truck classifications (often HTS 8704) are subject to a 25% Chicken Tax. Whether additional tariffs (10% baseline and/or 25% Section 232) apply is not automatic and must be confirmed by HTS coding on CBP Form 7501.
Timeline: Section 232 for finished vehicles applies to entries on/after April 3, 2025; auto parts enforcement began May 3, 2025 (can influence retrofit costs).
Recordkeeping: Maintain full files for five years; ensure Form 7501 lists the base HTS and any exemption codes (e.g., 9903.94.04).
Avoid speculation: Do not rely on unimplemented “EU ceiling rates” or “U.S. content proration” to lower 232—treatment flows from HTS/RoO as shown on Form 7501.
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of the import entry’s value as determined for HMF purposes (valuation rules can differ—confirm with your broker).
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of entered value; min $31.67 / max $634.62.
Customs bond: Bond amount is typically 10% of value, while premium (your out-of-pocket) often runs ~$150–$500 for single entries (higher for complex/high-value cases).
Shipping (to NY): $2,750 (est.)
Duty (2.5%): $1,500 (Section 232 exempt via 9903.94.04)
HMF (~0.125%): ~$75.00
MPF (~0.3464%): ~$207.84
Bond (typical premium): ~$500
Total duties, fees & shipping (illustrative): ~$5,033 (excludes inland delivery)
Shipping (to NY): $2,750 (est.)
Scenario A (Base only): 2.5% = $5,450
Scenario B (Base + Baseline): 12.5% = $27,250
Scenario C (Base + Baseline + Section 232, non-exempt): 37.5% = $81,750
HMF/MPF/Bond (illustrative): HMF ~$272.50, MPF $634.62 (cap), Bond premium ~$500
A: ~$9,607
B: ~$31,407
C: ~$85,907
(Excludes compliance modifications, brokerage, and inland delivery.)
Total duties, fees & shipping:
Modern (<25 years): Requires U.S. compliance via Registered Importer (RI) or ICI.
Lighting: $2,500–$6,500
Emissions: $5,000–$15,000
Safety systems: $4,000–$12,000
Cluster/speedo: $800–$2,000
Typical RI total: $12,300–$35,500 (vehicle complexity and retrofit kit availability drive variance)
ICI path (when RI not available; common for exotics/limited production):
EPA: $25,000–$55,000
DOT testing (full crash is rare): $20,000–$50,000
Admin/certification: $10,000–$25,000
Typical ICI total: $55,000–$130,000 (viable mainly for very high-value cars)
25-year rule: Vehicles 25+ years old typically require no EPA/DOT modifications and, when coded under 9903.94.04, are exempt from Section 232 (2.5% base duty typically applies).
Show or Display: May ease compliance for certain rare models, but doesn’t automatically change duty; duties hinge on origin/HTS coding.
Eligibility depends on build date (month/day), not just model year. As each 2000-built car hits its 25-year production anniversary in 2025, it qualifies for the exemption. Examples:
2000 Ferrari 360 Modena
1999–2000 Lamborghini Diablo VT
1999–2000 Maserati 3200 GT
2000 Fiat Barchetta
2000 Alfa Romeo GTV/Spider (Type 916)
(Note: Alfa Romeo 156 GTA launched after 2000 and is not a 2000-eligible example.)
Classics & exotics (25+ years): Ferrari 308/328/348/F355, Lamborghini Countach/Diablo, Alfa GTV/Spider, Maserati Biturbo/Ghibli—benefit from exemption and broader collector demand.
Modern exotics: Ferrari 488/F8, Lamborghini Huracán/Aventador, Maserati MC20—plan for RI/ICI costs plus duty scenarios; imports can be economically challenging unless rarity/value justifies it.
Mass-market classics: Fiat 124 Spider, Alfa Spider, Lancia Delta Integrale—often more approachable on purchase price and logistics.
Customs brokerage: $500–$1,200 (higher for complex/high-value entries).
Pre-purchase inspections (Italy): $400–$900 (authenticity/condition).
Collection to port (IT): $350–$900; specialized enclosed transport more.
U.S. delivery: Typically $900–$1,300 (distance/equipment dependent).
State registration/taxes: Registration $100–$800 plus state/local sales tax; some states require extra inspections.
Transport coverage: International coverage typically 0.5–2% of value; very high-value exotics may warrant 2–3% with enhanced terms.
Protection in the U.S.: Exotics often require specialist programs; premiums vary widely by value/garaging/usage.
Purchase: €75,000 ($82,000)
IT collection: $600 (est.)
Ocean freight (Genoa→NY): $2,750 (est.)
Duty (2.5%): $2,050 (Section 232 exempt via 9903.94.04)
Processing fees (HMF/MPF): ~$325
Customs brokerage: $800
U.S. delivery: $1,200
Estimated total (before state tax): ~$89,725 (illustrative)
Purchase: €180,000 ($196,000)
IT collection: $800 (est.)
Ocean freight (Genoa→NY): $2,750 (est.)
Duty scenarios:
Base only 2.5% = $4,900
Base + baseline 12.5% = $24,500
Base + baseline + Section 232 (non-exempt) 37.5% = $73,500
Processing fees: ~$750
Compliance (ICI est. for exotic): $75,000 (RI may be infeasible for some specs)
Customs brokerage: $1,200
U.S. delivery: $1,500
Estimated total: Varies widely by tariff scenario and compliance pathway.
For detailed cost calculations specific to your Italian vehicle import considering 25-year exemptions and exotic vehicle factors, use our car import calculator to receive personalized estimates.
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For comprehensive information about importing vehicles from other countries and comparing costs across different automotive markets, visit our complete country-by-country import cost guide.
Totals depend on the duty scenario plus compliance and logistics:
Classic example (1998 Ferrari F355 — 25-year exemption): about $89,725 all-in (purchase, ~$2,750 ocean, 2.5% duty, typical fees, domestic delivery).
Modern exotic example (2017 Lamborghini Huracán, $196k purchase): roughly $283k – $352k depending on duty scenario (includes ~$2,750 ocean, typical fees, ~$75k compliance, brokerage, and delivery):
2.5% duty: ~$283k
12.5% duty: ~$303k
Up to 37.5% duty (non-exempt Section 232): ~$351k
(Your earlier “$331,900+” figure is a mid/high case; the true worst case can exceed $350k.)
Yes—dramatically. Vehicles 25+ years old, when coded under HTSUS 9903.94.04, are exempt from the 25% Section 232 tariff and typically pay only the 2.5% base duty, while also avoiding EPA/DOT mods (often $12,300–$35,500). Savings versus a modern equivalent can be tens of thousands in duties plus compliance.
Classics (25+ yrs): Ferrari 308/328/348/F355, Lamborghini Countach/Diablo, Alfa GTV/Spider, Fiat 124 Spider—benefit from exemptions and often appreciate.
Modern exotics: Can be viable only when rarity/value justifies high compliance costs and potentially higher duty scenarios.
Typical Genoa/Livorno/Naples → New York transit is ~18 days at ~$2,750 (not guaranteed).
Climate-controlled containers: usually $1,500–$4,000 extra for high-value exotics.
Air freight (ultra-luxury): 5–10 days, about $8,000–$25,000.
Importing vehicles from Italy to the United States in 2025 offers extraordinary opportunities for classic Italian sports cars and exotics through the 25-year import rule, providing access to legendary Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati models at dramatically lower costs than modern imports. Understanding complete cost structures including shipping, transformative 25-year exemption benefits, and exotic vehicle handling requirements enables informed decision-making.
Contact our Italian import specialists today to discuss your specific Italian vehicle requirements and receive detailed cost breakdowns considering 25-year exemptions, exotic handling protocols, and compliance pathways.