Managing shipping and removals in Italy can be fairly complex, but the country's plentiful seaports make the process a bit easier. Deciding which option is best depends on your needs regarding the quantity of goods, time frame, budget, and country of origin.
Shipping to Italy
When moving to a foreign country, you'll need to make some important decisions regarding your belongings. Some items may have significant sentimental value, while others might be useful appliances that seem more convenient to ship over instead of buying new. Consider carefully whether shipping is worth the effort. You can find semi- or fully furnished accommodation in Italy, and household goods are easy to come by.
Hiring relocation companies in Italy
When choosing a company, you'll likely find that relocation companies, rather than removals companies, provide the most comprehensive services. Relocation companies can help not only ship possessions but also assist with getting settled, finding accommodation, conducting school searches, and finding opportunities for language classes, among other matters.
Hiring shipping and removals companies in Italy
To streamline the process of shipping to Italy, draw up a detailed inventory of household items. A reputable company can then provide an accurate quote based on the load size and distance. Shipment costs to Italy may be affected by size, weight, and volume, and you should check the relevant regulations and restrictions with your shipping company. Some companies offer a ‘groupage service’, where possessions are allocated space in other containers. This is a cheaper option, but it typically means waiting longer for goods to arrive.
Insuring goods in transit to Italy
When moving ot Italy, it is recommended that you insure your items at a cost of around one to two percent of the total value of the goods. You may also consider using a different insurance company than the one used for shipping and transport.
Customs regulations in Italy
To avoid any problems, remember to research the current customs regulations pertaining to Italy before shipping your goods. You should also ensure that your shipping company of choice has border clearance and understands customs formalities in Italy.
You'll need to provide some documents to your chosen shipping company. This often includes a passport copy, work and residence permits, an inventory list translated into Italian, a codice fiscale (Italian tax number) and a residency certificate, although additional documents may also be required.
You can ship your household goods to Italy with no import tariffs if you have owned them for over 12 months and they are not intended for resale. It's ideal to be able to provide receipts for each item showing the date of purchase.
Restricted items include all consumable goods (including alcohol). New furniture and household items will be subject to duty taxes, and the import of all electronic equipment will require an import permit from the Italian Ministry of Posts and Communications and possibly a purchase receipt.
Shipping electronic goods to Italy
When shipping electronic goods and appliances, remember that the voltage in Italy may differ from that in your home country. Standard electricity in Italy is 230V – you'll need a transformer if your devices are rated for different voltages. Simply finding a plug adapter will not render the appliance compatible.
Shipping electronic goods is possible, but be sure that they are covered by insurance and that receipts can be provided.
Shipping pets to Italy
You can bring your furry friend (or friends) into Italy; however, there are specific regulations involved. Pets must be over three months old and must have a valid veterinary certificate with details of the owner, the animal, and their vaccinations. A rabies vaccine is among the required vaccinations when bringing your pet into Italy. If it's your pet's first time being vaccinated for rabies, they must wait three weeks before entering Italy.
A microchip for identification is essential, and while being transported, pets must be tagged with the owner’s details. Once your pet has arrived in the country, an Italian vet will issue an EU Pet Passport, which allows travel around Europe.
Ensure that you choose a shipping company that takes pets or hire a specialised pet transport company to safely relocate your furry friends to Italy. Finding a provider that streamlines the process is essential – reducing stress is a top priority when moving animals overseas.
Shipping vehicles to Italy
Having your own personal vehicle in Italy is a great option for those who want to explore the country independently. Having a car gives you the freedom to move freely and not be limited by public transport. That said, if you settle in a big Italian city, you may not need or want to drive.
Buying a car is an option, but many European expats choose to drive their own car to Italy. Another option is to get a shipping company to import the vehicle to Italy. This becomes a necessity if you're moving from further afield.
Shipping companies can help take the weight off your shoulders when moving a vehicle to Italy. Many companies are flexible and can arrange to ship household goods and vehicles in the same storage container to save space and fees. Specialised frames for vehicles such as motorcycles can be custom made.
If you wish to keep your car in Italy for over half a year, it must be registered in Italy and de-registered in your home country. You'll need to go to the Italian Licencing Authority (Motorizzazione Civile) office and the Public Automobile Registry (Pubblico Registro Automobilistico) within six months of the vehicle's arrival. Required documentation is subject to change over time; get up-to-date information directly from the vehicle registry offices.