Italy, known for its high fashion and inimitable style, refined cuisine, and fast motor cars is also one of Europe's major industrial and economic powers.
Italians love to shop, and they have readily taken to the internet to buy abroad to the tune of $15.8 billion USD in 2019. And it is expected to grow at 10% per year for the next several years.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Italy through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Italy. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Italy
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jan 18, 2021
8:49 am
MILAN, MI, IT
Delivered
Jan 17, 2021
7:18 am
ROME, RO, IT
In transit
Jan 16, 2021
9:03 pm
VENICE, VE, IT
International Clearance
Jan 16, 2021
8:14 am
FLORENCE, FL, IT
In transit
Jan 16, 2021
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Jan 15, 2021
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Italy before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Shipping a gift from Canada to someone living in Italy can be done duty and tax free if the value of the gift (excluding shipping and insurance costs) is less than €45 (about $67 CDN).
Gifts of alcoholic drinks, eau de toilette and perfumes, and tobacco and tobacco products will incur excise taxes.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Shipping a gift from an individual in Canada to an individual in Italy will be duty free under the following conditions:
The words "Gift Shipment" or "Unsolicited Gift" are included on the commercial invoice (see sample)
The gift has been sent without any expectation of payment
The gift is intended for family or personal use
The gift is of an occasional nature, not a regular event
The shipment has a value of less than €45 (about $67 CDN)
For a shipment valued between €45 and €700 (about $1045 CDN), a duty of 2.5% will be charged on the value of the goods. And VAT will be applied at the rate of 22%.
NOTE: Tobacco products are not eligible for the 2.5% flat-rate duty. They will incur an excise tax.
Shipments from Business-to-business
Shipments from a business in Canada to one in Italy will incur a VAT charge when it enters Italy.
Shipments From a Business-to-Individual
No information regarding gifts shipped from a business to an individual is available at this time.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Amedeo Avogadro Corso S. Maurizio, 8 10124, Torino, TO Italy
Phone: +39 011 815 3611
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 15 Jan 2021
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Sending Multiple Gifts to Italy
Be sure to:
Words "Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package" appear in General Description of Goods as well as the Detailed description of goods
(see sample)
Individually wrap and tag each gift separately
Ensure the names on each tag are different and clearly marked on the commercial invoice
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Amedeo Avogadro Corso S. Maurizio, 8 10124, Torino, TO Italy
Phone: +39 011 815 3611
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 15 Jan 2021
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects can be shipped to Italy from Canada duty free under the following conditions:
You have lived outside of Italy for at least 12 consecutive months
Your personal effects have been in use by you for at least 6 months
Household goods are to arrive within 6 months of you establishing your residence in Italy
Do Not Ship
Ensure that none of the following is in your shipment:
Tobacco, cigarettes and cigars
Wine and spirits
Food
Animal skins
Medicines and drugs
Cordless electronics, including walkie-talkies
Moving Temporarily
Students
If you are moving to Italy to study at a university, you can ship your personal effects duty and tax free. Your shipment may include new goods.
You must also include a confirmation from the university stating that you are enrolled to study there.
NOTE: Medications CANNOT be shipped within the parcel. You must carry them into the country on you.
Non-Students
No information is currently available at this time.
Moving Permanently
Italian citizens returning to live in Italy may ship personal effects duty free providing:
The household goods are for personal use only
Have been owned for at least 6 months
The items arrive in Italy within 12 months that the person has declared residence in Canada
Personal Effects Checklist
Copy of passport
Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
Packing list in English or Italian - Be sure to completely describe any artwork and antiques
Amedeo Avogadro Corso S. Maurizio, 8 10124, Torino, TO Italy
Phone: +39 011 815 3611
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 15 Jan 2021
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Foodstuffs up to a value of €45 (about $67 CDN) can be shipped to Italy duty and tax free.
You May Ship
Caviar, up to a maximum of 125 g
No more than 2 kg of powdered milk for babies, food for children and food required for medical reasons (These items must be shelf-stable, commercially produced and unopened)
Fish, providing it is gutted and not more than 20 kg
Bread and biscuits
Chocolate and candies
Pasta and noodles, providing they are not mixed with meat
Salmon eggs as part of tinned paté not exceeding 20 kg
Small quantities of fresh or dried fruits and vegetables
*These conditions apply: The foods are a commercial, shelf-stable product in an unopened container labelled with a registered trademark.
Do Not Ship
Meat and products containing meat
Milk and dairy products and foods prepared with either of these
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Amedeo Avogadro Corso S. Maurizio, 8 10124, Torino, TO Italy
Phone: +39 011 815 3611
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 15 Jan 2021
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Samples with no commercial value, i.e. they are not for sale, may be shipped to Italy duty and tax free if their only purpose is to demonstrate a product.
Product samples with commercial value may be shipped to Italy, but a security must be paid.
The amount required is the value of the duties and taxes plus 10% (this could be in the form of cash or a bond).
Commercial Sample Checklist
Stay in Italy for no more than 1 year.
Write 'no a la vente' (Not for Sale) on the merchandise
The samples are to be rendered unusable by one of the following methods: perforated, cut, or marked with indelible ink
The number of samples shipped is reasonable for the purpose
Have a certificate of origin.
Arrive with a descriptive list of each sample (weight and value), preferably in Italian.
Are accompanied with a statement that declares the samples are intended for demonstration purposes only and will be returned to Canada without being sold. (This document must be notarised by an Italian consulate.)
Are not to be sold, used for monetary gain, or utilized except as part of a demonstration.
NOTE Samples with a value of greater than €2,582 (about $3,850 CDN) require the services of an Italian freight forwarder.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Amedeo Avogadro Corso S. Maurizio, 8 10124, Torino, TO Italy
Phone: +39 011 815 3611
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 15 Jan 2021
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Shipping products to Italy for repair is a fairly straightforward process and is exempt from duties and taxes under the inward processing rules of the European Union.
Inward processing means goods from outside the EU brought into the EU to have work done on them, such as repairs.
Items Under Warranty
As Italy and Canada have a free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Italy are duty-free and will not be charged GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment repaired in Italy and returning to Canada will be charged GST on the value of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Italy
When sending equipment for repair to Italy, include the following information on the shipment:
Write 'REPAIR & RETURN' on the commercial invoice under General Description or Remarks
Indicate the Serial/Product number under the Detailed Description of Goods section on the commercial invoice
Include a copy of the Repair Contract with all your export documentation
Returning Product After Repairs are Completed
If your product has been repaired in Canada and is being returned to Italy, ensure to do the following:
Write 'REPAIR & RETURN' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section
Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the cost of the repair under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Italy
Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice according to the document checklist below.
Repair Checklist
Commercial Invoice must clearly state 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Amedeo Avogadro Corso S. Maurizio, 8 10124, Torino, TO Italy
Phone: +39 011 815 3611
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 15 Jan 2021
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods shipped to Italy that will be returned to Canada are called temporary imports and qualify for entry without payment of duties or taxes.
Temporary imports will be allowed to stay in Italy up to 24 months, but for some products the time limit will be less.
Goods that are often part of a temporary import include:
Materials and goods to be used for entertainment or during a public exhibition such as a trade show booth
Items that will be used or displayed at a fair, exhibition or event
Commercial samples
Scientificand professional equipment
Equipment required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods and equipment
Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring, producing or manufacturing
Temporary admissions are expected to follow the rules below:
The goods will be returned to Canada unchanged aside from normal wear-and-tear
If they remain in Italy, then duties and VAT must be paid
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Italy, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). More details
below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying Duties and taxes
1
Commercial Invoice Only
+
A Unique Way to Identify the Goods (This may be done with trademarks, serial numbers, registration numbers or photographs)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
+
A Unique Way to Identify the Goods
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice Only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL), nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. CI + an ATA Carnet
This option is great for items that frequently travel in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can however, contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be able to guide you along. You can also find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
In addition to the 2 options listed above, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, allowing for normal wear and tear; maintenance and minor repairs are allowed under certain conditions
Stay no longer than 24 months in Italy
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature, however FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically cannot clear goods of a temporary nature.
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Amedeo Avogadro Corso S. Maurizio, 8 10124, Torino, TO Italy
Phone: +39 011 815 3611
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 15 Jan 2021
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel’s destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels -
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Italy. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Italy, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good.
Packing list
Infrequently required
No specific form is required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Certain goods may be prohibited from entering Italy while others may enter with conditions (they are restricted).
Prohibitions and restrictions are in place to protect public health and safety.
Prohibited Items
Meat and Products containing meat
Milk and Dairy products
Foods prepared with either Milk or Dairy
Weapons such as firearms, knives, and swords
Counterfeited goods and items that infringe on intellectual property rights
Drugs, psychotropic and doping substances
Tobacco and tobacco products (cannot be purchased from within Italy over the internet but are allowed to be carried in by travellers)
Restricted Items
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
Caviar (maximum of 125 g)
Salmon eggs as part of tinned paté (maximum of 20 kg)
Powdered milk for babies, children's food, and food required for medical purposes (a maximum of 2 kg)
Fresh and dried vegetable products (for personal use only)
Products made from protected species (i.e. elephant tusks, ivory, coral, reptile leather, furs, etc.)
Non-meat animal products
Some animals such as fish, frogs, & tortoises
Protected species such as parrots, lizards, snakes, etc
Import duties and taxes in Italy are calculated based on the sum of the Customs Value, Insurance Amount, and Freight costs (shipping costs). This is known as CIF.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Using the CIF value, you can predict how much the duties and taxes a recipient in Italy will have to pay on a shipment from Canada.
Thresholds
Italy has de minimis values for taxes and duties. This means that a shipment with a CIF value below €22 (about $33 CDN) incurs no VAT charges, and if the shipment is below €150 (about $225 CDN), no customs duties are charged.
Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.
Currency
Euro (€)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
€ 150
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
22% (Standard)
4%,5% and 10% (Reduced)
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€ 22
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
The EU and Canada are covered by The Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). This means that most trade duties between Canada and Italy have been eliminated.
Candy0%
Chocolate0%
BeerStandard rate: €2.99 (about $4.50 CDN) per 100 litres*
Spirits0%
Wines0%
TobaccoVariable*
Books0%
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles0%
Computers & Laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles0%
Cameras0%
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats0%
Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
Jewellery0%
Shirts & Pants0%
Home Appliances0%
Toys0%
Sports Equipment0%
*For independent small breweries producing up to 10,000 hectolitres per year, the duty is €1.794 per 100 litres (about $2.70 CDN)
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Television
Jewelry in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Additional Resources
Questions about Shipping to Italy
Can I ship to Italy?
Shipping to Italy from Canada can take between 2-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2 months to complete the delivery.
