There are limits on the cost and quantity of "luxury items" you can bring with you when visiting Italy, including cigarettes, alcohol and perfume. No more than 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or a total of 250 grams of tobacco are permitted. Likewise, you are allowed only one liter of alcohol over 22% by volume or two liters of sparkling or still wine. Perfume is limited to 250 grams and eau de toilette to 250 milliliters. All other items are taxed at values of more than 175 euros or $220 USD.
If you are importing mass amounts of any product to Italy, you are required to pay current tariff standards, which are typically between 5% and 8% on manufactured items. For raw materials, the tariff is quite low (if there is any fee at all). As long as the product it to be put together and manufactured in Italy, the rules deem it free of fees, because it encourages industry within Italy.
Forbidden items include drugs, medicines, weapons and pornographic materials. While there might be a duty fee for importing animals or plants to Italy if you are intending to resell them, there are specific area limitations in order to protect the natural habitat of region or area. Different communities or regions might have their own regulations. These duties can be clearly defined by contacting the Italian Embassy prior to looking to import plants or animals, since the regulations change often.
If you are moving to Italy from outside the European Union, there are items that can be imported duty-free. The standard rule is that these items must have been previously owned for at least one year. They can be imported to Italy within six months of your arrival, free of duty fees. None of these items can be resold, nor can they be newly purchased.
When bringing in electronics of any type, you are required to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Posts and Communications. Without this permit, these items will not clear customs. Antiques and works of art also require a permit. These permits come from the Fine Arts authority and are required to go through a separate inspection. It is best to contact both of these offices through the Italian Embassy, because it can help get the correct paperwork moving for you.
If you are not an Italian citizen, you may import one car duty-free. You must have owned the vehicle for at least one year, and you must provide proof of ownership, as well as the certificate-of-origin. Italy does impose restrictions on cars with engine sizes larger than 2000 cc.
