Plan the next buying step
Use this earlier article as background. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority or agent for the exact product, importer and route. The country EV import-guide directory is a starting point for passenger-EV enquiries; parts, machinery and other vehicle categories require their own assessment.
Keep the shipment scope explicit with the customs clearance and vehicle approval checklist. Have the destination assess the actual vehicle specification and approval route separately from customs release before scheduling road use.
Request a destination-specific sourcing and shipping quotation with the product identity, quantity and delivery scope.
As one of the largest motor vehicles markets in Europe, the Italy market posseses huge poential for Chinese motor manufacturers, distributors and exporters. The demand for cheap new energy vehicles (NEVs) vehicles, fuel-efficient passenger cars, and cost-effective alternative hybrids is skyrocketing in Italy, making the country a great market for Chinese car exports. However, getting into Italy means following EU safety, emissions and import laws, which are even more restrictive under Italy’s customs and registration laws.
This guide deals with the whole export – import process for Chinese vehicles to be sent to Italy, including documents, certifications, transportation, taxes and post-clearance procedure.
1. Pre-Export Preparation in China
1.1 Required Export Documentation
Before shipping to Italy, exporters must prepare and authenticate the following documents:
Commercial Invoice (must include full vehicle description, HS code, VIN, engine number, CIF/FOB value, and parties involved)
Packing List (listing unit weight, dimensions, quantity, and packaging details)
Certificate of Origin (COO) – issued by CCPIT or authorized chamber
Bill of Lading (B/L) – original or telex release copy from the carrier
Vehicle Compliance Certificate (COC) – proves conformity with technical standards
CE Certification – mandatory for EU market access; covers safety systems, lights, seat belts, etc.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification – must be clear, verifiable, and traceable in all documents
Important: All supporting documents should be accompanied by Italian-language translations, notarized and certified for customs and registration purposes.
1.2 Vehicle Technical Compliance
Italy enforces EU-wide regulations, including:
Euro 6 Emissions Standard: Vehicles must comply with the latest CO₂, NOx, and particulate matter thresholds.
Lighting and Display Compliance: Headlights, instrument panels, and infotainment systems must meet ECE regulations and be suitable for left-hand traffic.
Essential Safety Equipment: Vehicles must be equipped with high-visibility vests, triangle reflectors, and first-aid kits per Italian road regulations.
1.3 Export Customs Filing in China
Exporters must file declarations with Chinese customs via the China Single Window using HS Code 8703.xxxx (Passenger Motor Vehicles). Maintain:
Accurate declaration of VINs and model types
Retention of export license and customs documents for tax rebate filings
Tax Refund Tip: Exporters can claim a 13% VAT rebate by submitting valid VAT invoices and export declarations.
2. International Shipping Logistics
2.1 Recommended Shipping Routes
Port of Discharge: Genoa, Livorno, Venice, or Trieste (main Italian vehicle ports)
Shipping Mode:
Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro): Suitable for standard sedans, SUVs, and high-volume exports
Containerized Freight: Ideal for high-value models or custom-modified vehicles; standard 40’ HQ container holds 2–3 vehicles
2.2 Shipping Terms and Insurance
Shipping Terms: DAP (Delivered At Place) is recommended for Italy-bound vehicles, where the exporter covers transportation and export clearance.
Insurance: Secure full marine insurance covering general cargo, strikes, and war risk. Italian ports require proof of insurance for damage liability.
Transit time: ~30–40 days from Shanghai, Ningbo, or Tianjin to major Italian ports via Suez Canal.
3. Import Customs Clearance in Italy
3.1 Required Documents for Italian Customs
Import Declaration (DAU – Documento Amministrativo Unico)
EORI Number: Exporter or importer must be registered as an EU Economic Operator.
COC and Technical Dossier: Includes data on emissions, fuel efficiency, OBD, noise levels, and more
CE Marking Documentation
Bill of Lading (Original)
Insurance Certificate
All documentation is processed via Italy’s AIDA system (Agenzia delle Dogane) and cross-checked with EU customs databases.
3.2 Tariff and Tax Breakdown
Applicable Duties and Fees:
| Type | Rate | Notes |
| Import Duty | 10% of CIF value | For gasoline/diesel vehicles |
| VAT (Value Added Tax) | 22% of CIF + Duty | Standard rate across Italy |
| Registration Tax | €200–€500 | Paid during vehicle registration (Immatricolazione) |
| CO₂-Based Tax | Variable | Additional tax for high-emission vehicles |
CIF Value = Vehicle price + Shipping cost + Insurance
4. Vehicle Inspection and Registration
4.1 Customs and Technical Inspections
After customs clearance, Italian authorities may conduct:
Physical Inspection of VIN, emissions labels, dashboard units (km/h display required), and general safety compliance
Emission and OBD Testing according to Euro 6 requirements
Noise Level Testing and safety device checks (lighting, indicators, seatbelt mounts, etc.)
4.2 Vehicle Registration (Post-Clearance)
To register the vehicle in Italy:
Apply for Immatricolazione (Vehicle Registration Certificate) with the Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile
Submit:
Customs clearance documents
COC and technical test results
Proof of insurance (RCA – Responsabilità Civile Auto)
Proof of residence (for private individuals)
Receive Italian license plates and logbook (Carta di Circolazione)
Registration usually takes 5–10 working days. Vehicles cannot be driven without temporary or permanent plates.
5. Risk Management and Avoiding Pitfalls
Key Compliance Risks
Failure to comply with Euro 6 standards will result in import denial
Undervalued invoices will lead to fines or customs seizure
Incomplete CE or E-Mark documentation can cause delays or re-export orders
Untranslated documents (especially COO or COC) will be rejected
Best Practices
Hire a licensed Italian customs broker or clearing agent with AEO status
Submit pre-clearance declarations to reduce customs delays
Choose marine insurance with full coverage, including port delays or strikes
For EVs, include UN38.3 battery safety certifications and charging standard compatibility (CCS2 preferred in EU)
Common Chinese Vehicle Models Exported to Italy
| Brand | Model | Powertrain | Notes |
| BYD | Han EV / Seal | Pure Electric | High-end, already sold in Italy |
| GAC Aion | Y Plus | Electric | Popular among budget EV buyers |
| XPeng | G6 / P7 | Electric | Tech-focused, favorable Euro reviews |
| NETA | V / X | Electric | Entry-level EV, easy to register |
| Geely | Emgrand / Geometry | ICE / EV | Competitive pricing, growing presence |
| Chery | Omoda 5 | Gasoline/Hybrid | Stylish and Euro-compliant |
Partner with Auto From China for Seamless Vehicle Export to Italy
At Auto From China, we provide professional B2B automotive export services for the European market. Whether you’re a car dealer, fleet buyer, or logistics company, we help you:
Source compliant vehicles from top Chinese brands
Modify for EU specifications (e.g., headlight adjustment, CE compliance)
Obtain COO, CE, and COC certifications
Book ocean freight or rail transport
Coordinate with Italian customs and registration bureaus
Need to import vehicles like from different brands to Italy?
Contact us for a full vehicle list, quotation, and compliance plan.
