If you’re planning to ship a car to Italy, whether for a short stay or a permanent move, it’s important to understand your transport options, customs rules, and vehicle age restrictions. Italy is a popular destination for expats, collectors, and holidaymakers, but getting your car there involves a few key steps and choices.
Transport Options to Italy
You can ship a car to Italy via air freight, sea freight, or road transport, depending on your priorities and budget.
Air freight is the quickest but also the most expensive method. It’s ideal for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles, such as luxury cars, classic models, or vehicles needed urgently for exhibitions or film work. Cars are securely crated and flown into major Italian airports like Rome Fiumicino or Milan Malpensa.
Sea freight is the most common and cost-effective way to ship a car to Italy. You can choose between Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) services or container shipping. RORO is perfect for standard vehicles, while container shipping offers extra protection, particularly for prestige or vintage cars. Popular arrival ports include Genoa, Livorno and Naples.
Road transport is another practical option for customers within Europe. Using a covered or open transporter, it’s easy to move vehicles directly from the UK to Italy via France or Switzerland. This method often provides door-to-door convenience and flexibility on timing.
Vehicle Age Regulations
When you ship a car to Italy, age regulations depend on the vehicle type and purpose. Cars under 30 years old must meet EU emission standards and have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Classic cars over 30 years old can often qualify for historic registration, which can reduce taxes and simplify compliance.
Non-EU vehicles, including those from the UK post-Brexit, must go through customs clearance, with import VAT typically applied. Cars not meeting Euro 5 or Euro 6 standards may face restrictions in some Italian cities due to low-emission zones.
Tourist vs. Permanent Import
If you’re a tourist or temporary resident, you can bring your car into Italy for up to six months without paying import duties, as long as it remains registered abroad and insured. After this period, you’ll need to re-register it in Italy.
For permanent imports, you must complete full customs clearance, pay applicable taxes, and register the car with the Italian Motorizzazione Civile. You’ll also need proof of ownership, a purchase invoice, and documentation showing the vehicle’s emissions and compliance.
Choosing how to ship a car to Italy depends on your budget, timeline, and whether you’re moving temporarily or permanently. With the right logistics partner and preparation, your vehicle can arrive safely and smoothly, ready for the Italian roads ahead.
Trans Global Logistics UK Limited, International Shipping & Logistics Company with 30 years of experience, will be able to offers several services for your Yacht and Boat Transport / Customs Clearance / Import and UK Vehicle Registration to confidently support your shipment in either Import or Export for any type of equipment.
Contact us at Trans Global Logistics UK Limited – bizdev@tglog.co.uk – phone 07833 410 281 www.tglog.co.uk