Importing a car from the USA to Italy involves navigating complex European Union regulations, Italian customs requirements, and vehicle registration procedures. At West Coast Shipping, we've facilitated thousands of vehicle imports to Italian ports including Genoa, Livorno, and Palermo, ensuring full compliance with both US export and Italian import regulations. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to legally import your vehicle to Italy.
Successfully importing a car from the USA to Italy requires strict adherence to Italian customs regulations and European Union standards. Understanding these requirements prevents costly delays and ensures compliance throughout the import process.
Original vehicle title with clear ownership (no liens or lien release letter required)
Bill of sale with purchase details and signatures
Valid passport or identification
Commercial invoice for customs valuation purposes
EPA emissions compliance certificate
DOT safety standards certification
Certificate of Origin (for certain exemptions)
As detailed in our complete guide to shipping cars to Italy, proper documentation is crucial for smooth customs clearance and avoiding vehicle impoundment.
Vehicles must typically meet Euro 6 emissions standards, though exceptions and homologation options are available for older or classic cars. American cars not originally designed for European markets may require modifications or homologation—a conformity assessment by Italy's Motorizzazione Civile.
All imported vehicles must pass Italian safety standard tests before registration. The Ufficio Provinciale della Motorizzazione Civile conducts these inspections to verify compliance with national requirements.
Import Duty: 10% of assessed vehicle value
VAT (Value Added Tax): 22% on vehicle value plus duty
Registration Tax: Variable based on engine size and emissions
For example, a $30,000 vehicle would incur:
Import duty: $3,000 (10%)
VAT: $7,260 (22% on $33,000)
Total taxes: $10,260
Italian Citizens:
Duty-free import if owned the vehicle for more than one year
Applies to both customs duty and VAT
Returning citizens who lived abroad for 18+ months qualify
Non-Italian EU Citizens:
One vehicle duty-free import with Certificate of Origin
Must prove ownership and use for minimum one year
Classic cars over 30 years old may qualify for reduced VAT (approximately 7%)
Tourists:
Temporary import for up to 6 months without paying duties
Vehicle must retain foreign plates
Must export or register after 6-month period
For current tax rates and exemptions, see our Italy car shipping cost analysis.
Livorno: Italy's primary automotive import hub with excellent highway connections to Northern and Central Italy. Ideal for vehicles destined for Tuscany, Florence, or Rome.
Genoa: Italy's largest port offering comprehensive services with strong rail connections throughout Europe, perfect for Northern Italy deliveries.
Palermo: Direct access to Sicily, though with limited sailing frequency and extended customs procedures.
Most secure option for high-value vehicles
Protection from weather and handling damage
Suitable for non-running vehicles
Available in 20ft and 40ft containers
Cost-effective for operational vehicles
Fixed departure and arrival schedules
Vehicle must be operational and empty
Direct drive-on/drive-off service
Fastest option (3-10 days transit)
Premium service for high-value vehicles
Significantly higher cost than sea freight
Our Italy shipping services provide detailed information on available routes and methods.
Foreign nationals who become Italian residents must register their vehicles within twelve months of establishing residency. The complete process typically takes 5-10 months from start to finish.
Enter Italy with foreign plates and documentation
Maintain foreign insurance and registration
Begin gathering required documentation
Contact Ufficio Provinciale della Motorizzazione Civile
Schedule and complete safety standard test
Obtain safety certificate confirming compliance
Translate all foreign documents through official Italian authorities
Submit documentation for review and approval
Provide any additional requested documentation
Complete process at Pubblico Registro Automobilistico (PRA)
Pay Bollo (car tax)
Obtain Italian insurance coverage
Receive Italian license plates
Italian residence certificate
Valid passport and driver's license
Personal identity documentation with certified Italian translation
Tax code (codice fiscale)
Original vehicle title/ownership certificate
Certified sales declaration (if applicable)
Technical inspection certificate translated to Italian
Certificate of conformity (certificato di conformità)
Cancellation certificate from country of origin
NP2D form for Public Register registration
Photocopy of Italian registration certificate
Chamber of Commerce certificate (for business entities)
Residence permit documentation (for non-EU citizens)
At West Coast Shipping, we handle every aspect of your Italy import:
Pre-Shipping:
Document preparation and review
Vehicle inspection and condition reporting
Customs clearance coordination
Shipping:
Secure container or RoRo transport
Real-time tracking and updates
Protection through cargo damage coverage
Post-Arrival:
Italian customs clearance assistance
Delivery to final destination
Registration support coordination
Classic Car Imports:
Italian import laws allow classic cars over 30 years old to qualify for reduced VAT rates. Our specialized classic car handling ensures proper documentation and protection during transport.
High-Value Vehicle Protection:
We strongly recommend our Cargo Damage Protection for valuable vehicles, as standard liability is capped at $500 under maritime law. Our comprehensive coverage protects your investment from pickup in the USA through delivery in Italy.
East Coast to Italy: 35-45 days ocean transit
West Coast to Italy: 45-55 days via Mediterranean routing
Air Freight: 3-10 days for premium service
Shipping Costs:
Container shipping: $2,500-$4,500
RoRo shipping: $1,800-$3,200
Air freight: $8,000-$15,000
Import Costs:
Standard duties/taxes: 32% of vehicle value
Classic car reduced rate: ~17% of vehicle value
Duty-free exemptions: Registration fees only
Additional Costs:
Document translation: €200-€500
Registration process: €300-€800
Insurance: €800-€2,500 annually
For detailed cost breakdowns, visit our Italy shipping cost calculator.
Can I drive my US car in Italy before registration?
Yes, you can drive with foreign plates for up to 12 months while completing the registration process, provided you have valid insurance and documentation.
Do I need special modifications for US cars in Italy?
Most vehicles require homologation testing. Some may need modifications to meet Euro 6 emissions standards or Italian safety requirements.
What happens if I don't register within 12 months?
Failure to register can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and complications with future imports or residency applications.
Can I import a financed vehicle?
Yes, but you need written permission from the lienholder and may require a lien release letter for customs clearance.