Italy

Car Shipping to Italy: Your Comprehensive Guide

Planning to ship your vehicle to Italy? Whether you’re moving permanently, temporarily importing, or transferring residence, navigating the process can seem complex. This guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to ensure a smooth and efficient car shipping experience to Italy from the UK.

Shipping Methods

We offer two primary methods for shipping your vehicle to Italy:

1. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping

• How it works: Your vehicle is driven onto a specialized vessel and secured for transit. This is generally the most cost-effective method for shipping operational vehicles.

• Vehicle Condition: The vehicle must be in fully operational condition and able to be driven onto the ship.

• Restrictions:

  • No personal belongings or other goods are permitted inside the vehicle during shipping.

  • While some shipping lines permit hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles are not allowed on RoRo services.

• Learn More: For more details on this service, please visit our RoRo Shipping page.

2. Container Shipping

• How it works: Your vehicle is loaded into a dedicated shipping container. This method offers more security and flexibility.

• Vehicle Condition: The vehicle does not need to be in working order for container shipping.

• Flexibility:

  • Personal belongings can be loaded into the container alongside your vehicle.

  • Both hybrid and electric vehicles can be shipped via container. Electric vehicles typically incur a hazard surcharge of £295.

• Learn More: Discover more about our container shipping options on our Container Shipping page.

Destination Rules and Regulations

Understanding the rules for different types of import is crucial.

Permanent Export / Transfer of Residence

If you are permanently exporting your car or moving to Italy as part of a transfer of residence, you will need to adhere to specific Italian customs regulations.

• Authority Website: For the most up-to-date information on customs regulations and import procedures for permanent export and transfer of residence, please refer to the Italian Customs Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli)

Temporary Import

Temporary import allows you to bring your vehicle into Italy for a limited period without paying full import duties and taxes, provided certain conditions are met. This is typically for tourism or specific events.

• Duration: The maximum period for temporary importation without duties is usually 6 months within a 12-month period.

• Requirements: The vehicle must be registered in another country and owned by you or a family member. You will need to provide proof of ownership and registration.

Required Documentation

Accurate paperwork is essential for a smooth process.

Documentation Required in the UK

1. Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C): Proof of your vehicle’s registration in the UK.

2. Proof of Ownership: Bill of Sale or similar document if you have recently purchased the vehicle.

3. Identification: Passport or driving license.

4. Shipping Booking Confirmation: Details of your chosen shipping service.

Documentation Required at the Destination 

1. Bill of Lading: Issued by the shipping company, this document serves as a receipt for your shipment and a contract of carriage.

2. Import Declaration Form: Completed by you or your customs agent in Italy.

3. Proof of Ownership: Original V5C and Bill of Sale.

4. Identification: Passport.

5. Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief Application (if applicable): If you are moving permanently, you may be eligible for ToR relief, exempting you from duties and taxes. You must apply for this in advance.

6. Temporary Importation Declaration (if applicable): For temporary imports.

7. Insurance Certificate: Proof of insurance valid in Italy.

Ports of Arrival in Italy

We can ship your vehicle to the following major Italian ports:

Inspections, Permits, and Fees

Inspections

• Pre-shipment Inspection: While not always mandatory, a condition report is highly recommended, especially for comprehensive insurance. This report documents the vehicle’s condition before shipping.

  • Cost: Free if we collect your vehicle. £35 if you deliver the vehicle to us.

• Destination Port Inspections: Italian customs may conduct inspections to verify the vehicle’s details and compliance with regulations.

Permits

• MOT Certificate: For vehicles being collected on trade plates by a driver, a valid UK MOT certificate is required.

• International Driving Permit (IDP): While not always mandatory for car shipping itself, an IDP may be required for driving in Italy, depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Check with the relevant Italian authorities or your embassy.

Duty, Tax, and Costs

The cost of shipping your vehicle to Italy is influenced by several factors.

Duty and Tax

• Permanent Export/Transfer of Residence: If you are moving permanently to Italy, you may be eligible for exemption from import duties and VAT under the Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme. You must apply for this relief before importing your vehicle. The Italian Customs Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) website provides details on eligibility and the application process.

• Temporary Import: For temporary imports, duties and taxes are usually suspended, but you will need to complete the relevant temporary importation documentation.

• Standard Import: If not eligible for ToR relief or temporary import, standard Italian import duties and VAT will apply. These are calculated based on the vehicle’s value, age, and engine size.

Cost Breakdown

The total cost of shipping your car to Italy includes several components:

• Shipping Fee: Based on the chosen method (RoRo or container), vehicle size, and destination port.

• Port Fees: Charges levied by both the UK and Italian ports for handling and berthing.

• Documentation Fees: Costs associated with preparing and processing shipping and customs paperwork.

• Insurance: Varies based on coverage level.

• Cleaning: Some ports may require vehicles to be cleaned to a certain standard before loading.

• Customs Clearance: Fees for customs agents in Italy, if used.

• Collection/Delivery: If you opt for our collection service from your UK address.

• Hazard Surcharge: Applicable for electric vehicles shipped via container.

Please note: All prices will be provided in a separate, detailed quote upon request, consolidating all applicable charges in one place.

Vehicle Collection in the UK

We offer flexible collection options for your vehicle within the UK:

• Transporter: Your vehicle can be collected by our professional transporters and delivered to the port.

• Trade Plate Driver: If your vehicle is fully operational, it can be driven to the port by one of our experienced drivers using trade plates.

Insurance and Risk Coverage

We offer comprehensive insurance options to protect your vehicle during transit.

• Total Loss Cover (1% of vehicle value + shipping cost): Covers total loss due to fire or water damage.

• Comprehensive Cover (1.5% of vehicle value + shipping cost): Covers cosmetic damage in addition to total loss.

  • Eligibility: The vehicle must not be older than 10 years for this cover.

  • Condition Report: A condition report is mandatory for comprehensive cover. This is provided free of charge if we collect your vehicle. If you deliver the vehicle to us, a fee of £35 will apply for the condition report.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

To ensure a safe and compliant shipment, the following items are generally not allowed to be shipped within or alongside your vehicle:

• Personal Belongings/Goods: In RoRo services, no items are permitted inside the vehicle. For container services, while personal effects can be included, items that are illegal, dangerous, or have high value should not be shipped.

• Hazardous Materials: Flammable substances, explosives, corrosives, or any other hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.

• Perishable Goods: Food, plants, and other items that could spoil.

• Firearms and Ammunition: Unless properly declared and permitted by law.

• Illegal Substances: Drugs or other illicit items.

• High-Value Items: Such as jewelry or important documents, which should be transported separately by the owner.

Restrictions:

• Fuel: Vehicles must have a minimal amount of fuel (typically just enough to drive onto the ship).

• Batteries: For electric vehicles, specific regulations regarding battery state of charge may apply.

For a personalized quote and to discuss your specific shipping needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you with a seamless car shipping experience to Italy.

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