Car Shipping from The UK to Italy Via RORO & Container Services

• Other Cities ▼
  • Livorno
  • Civitavecchia
  • Palermo
  • Savona

Ship Cars Ltd ships vehicles from the UK to five Italian ports via weekly RoRo and container services. Fastest port is Livorno at 12-30 days (from £734); Rome’s gateway Civitavecchia at 19-27 days (from £693); Salerno, Palermo, and Savona all from £793–£935. Post-Brexit: UK-origin vehicles are duty-free under the TCA, but Italian IVA (22%) applies unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief. Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is required for Italian registration.

What Post-Brexit Import Duty Applies When Shipping a Car to Italy?

Since the UK left the EU in January 2021, UK-registered vehicles are treated as non-EU imports when entering Italy. The following taxes apply unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief:

• Customs Duty: Typically 6.5% of the vehicle’s CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)

• Italian VAT (IVA): 22% on the customs value plus duty

• UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA): If your vehicle was manufactured in the UK or EU, you may qualify for zero customs duty under the TCA, provided you can prove the vehicle’s origin (the V5C is the primary evidence). This applies to most UK-registered cars. However, VAT (22%) still applies unless you qualify for ToR.

• Registration Tax (IPT): Approximately €150–€300 payable at the time of Italian vehicle registration at the Motorizzazione Civile — separate from customs duty

Example calculation (non-ToR, standard import):

Vehicle CIF value: £10,000 (approximately €11,700)

• Customs duty (0% under TCA for UK-origin vehicle): £0

• IVA (22% on €11,700): approximately £2,200

• IPT at registration: approximately £200

• Total additional cost: approximately £2,400

Note: if the vehicle is NOT of UK or EU origin (e.g. a Japanese car imported via UK), 6.5% customs duty also applies.

Transfer of Residence (ToR) exemption:

If you are permanently relocating to Italy and have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months, you may qualify for full exemption from customs duty and IVA. Apply to the Italian Customs Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) at agenziadogane.gov.it before shipping. Approval must be obtained before the vehicle arrives in Italy.

Verify current duty rates and ToR eligibility with the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli before importing.

Shipping Methods Ship Cars Ltd Offers

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

At Ship Cars Ltd, we offer a range of vehicle shipping options, from Roll on Roll Off (RoRo) which is highly cost effective and Container shipping including Full Container Load (FCL) when shipping luxury, electric or hybrid cars.  

• How To Choose Right Car Shipping Method For Your Needs

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 

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 For Your Car Shipping

In the UK (Origin):

1. V5C logbook (original — do not leave inside vehicle)

2. Passport copy — photo page of vehicle owner

3. Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement under 3 months old

4. Purchase invoice or proof of ownership — evidence of value for ABF

5. Commercial cleaning receipt — dated proof of biosecurity cleaning (required for DAFF)

6. Completed Ship Cars Ltd booking form

7. Vehicle Condition Report (free if we collect; £35 if self-delivered)

Ship Cars Ltd manages the UK export customs declaration on your behalf.

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.

• You May Read In Details Car Shipping Documentations Required

Ports of Arrival in Italy

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

•       Pre-shipping Checklist for cars leaving the UK. 

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.

Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for Italian Registration

A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by the vehicle manufacturer is required to register a UK car in Italy through the standard Motorizzazione Civile process. The CoC confirms the vehicle meets EU type approval standards, which most UK cars do as they were manufactured to EU standards before Brexit.

How to obtain: Contact your vehicle manufacturer’s Italian subsidiary or the manufacturer directly. BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen Group, Ford, and most major manufacturers issue CoCs for Italian registration. Allow 2–6 weeks to receive the document.

Without a CoC, the Motorizzazione Civile will require additional homologation testing, which is significantly more expensive and time-consuming.

Cost Breakdown For Car Shipping

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: £295 hazard surcharge amount.

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.

What is included in our service? better understanding of price break down would help you get to the better decision.

How to Ship Your Car To Italy with Ship Cars Ltd

1. Get a Quote: Contact our team with your vehicle details for a firm, all-inclusive quote.

2. Book Your Shipment: Confirm your booking and choose your insurance and collection preferences.

3. Prepare Paperwork: We will guide you through the simple documentation process.

4. Vehicle Collection/Delivery: We collect your vehicle or you deliver it to our designated point.

5. Shipping & Tracking: We manage the entire shipping process and provide you with updates.

6. Arrival in Italy: Your vehicle arrives at the Italian port, ready for you to collect.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping to Italy

Q: How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Italy?

Shipping a car from the UK to Italy via RoRo starts from £690 to Livorno (13 days transit) and £695 to Civitavecchia (14 days transit, Rome’s port). Salerno, Savona, and Palermo are also served, from £795 to £820. These prices cover UK port to Italian port sea freight only. Post-Brexit Italian IVA (22%), Certificate of Conformity, registration costs, and clearing agent fees are payable separately in Italy unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief.

Q: How long does car shipping from the UK to Italy take?

Transit depends on your chosen Italian port. Livorno (Tuscany) is the fastest at approximately 12-30 days. Civitavecchia (Rome), Salerno, and Palermo take approximately 19-30 days. Savona (Liguria) takes approximately 21-30 days. All ports are served by weekly sailings.

Q: Do I pay import duty when shipping my car from the UK to Italy post-Brexit?

If your vehicle is of UK or EU origin (most UK-registered cars qualify), zero customs duty applies under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). However, Italian IVA at 22% still applies on the vehicle’s customs value unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief. Apply to the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli before shipping if relocating permanently.

Q: Which Italian port should I choose for car shipping from the UK?

Livorno is best for Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and northern Italy. Civitavecchia is best for Rome and Lazio. Salerno is best for Naples and southern Italy. Palermo serves Sicily. Savona serves Liguria and Piedmont (near Genoa). Ship Cars Ltd will recommend the most practical port for your Italian destination when you request a quote.

Q: Do I need a Certificate of Conformity to register my UK car in Italy?

Yes. A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the vehicle manufacturer is required for standard registration at the Motorizzazione Civile. It confirms the vehicle meets EU type approval standards. Obtain it from your manufacturer’s Italian subsidiary — allow 2–6 weeks. Without it, more complex and expensive homologation testing is required.

Ship Your Car To Italy With Ship Cars Ltd

Shipping your car to Italy doesn’t have to be complicated. With Ship Cars Ltd, you benefit from a reliable, insured, and transparent service tailored for the UK-to-Italy route. Contact us today to start planning your vehicle’s journey.

For a personalized quote and to discuss your specific shipping needs, please do not hesitate to contact us our team members. We are here to help you with a seamless car shipping experience to Italy.  Contact us today for further information or visit our sailing schedule and get an instant quote to schedule your car shipping with us.

We also provide an efficient, seamless and smooth car shipping to:

Savona

Livorno

Civitavecchia

Palermo

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