Customs
This section summarizes the legislation that regulates the import / export of goods and currency to and from the European Union for community and non-EU tourists.
Export
For the export there is no limit of value in relation to purchases.However, restrictions may be laid down by the countries of destination, so it is advisable to contact the relevant embassies before departure. For more information on animals, protected species, weapons, cultural assets and medicines, refer to the traveler’s CustomsCard.
Purchases in Italy by Extra-EU tourists
Travelers resident or domiciled outside the European Union can obtain the remission or refund of the VAT included in the sale price of the goods purchased in Italy. To obtain the benefit of the remission or reimbursement of the VAT included in the sale price of the purchased goods, the goods must always be exhibited at the Customs Office, which is never obliged to reimburse the tax.
Trade of Goods
The tourist who buys paintings, sculptures, objects of antiquity, etc., has the right to receive from the seller the documentation attesting “the authenticity or at least the probable attribution and provenance”. Not all cultural assets can be traded or exported. For works that are less than 50 years old or a living artist, the tourist must present a self-certification in the Export Office stating that the work is less than fifty years old or is a living author. This self-certification must be accompanied by two photos of the property and a photocopy of the identity document of the declarant. For all works of more than 50 years, the tourist must present the work of art purchased in Italy at the Export Office for the request of the certificate of free circulation, in the event that it has not been issued by the seller. The certificate issuing time varies from a minimum of 15 days to a maximum of 40 days. It is good to know that the certificate is not a deed and therefore could also be denied if the Export Office considers the export of the good as damage to the national heritage.
Currency Transfers
The transport of cash and negotiable instruments to and from the territory of the State is free up to a total amount of less than 10,000.00 euros. For amounts equal to or higher than these amounts, a specific declaration must be presented to the Customs Agency. The declaration, drawn up on a specific model that can be downloaded from the website of the Customs Agency, must be presented upon entry or exit from the national territory.