Airport Customs in Italy​: What Can You Bring on a Plane To and From Italy​

What Can You Bring Back on a Plane from Italy​?

Planning to bring souvenirs back from Italy? According to current regulations, you can bring back wine, food products, clothing, jewelry, and artisanal goods on your flight, subject to specific quantity limits and customs rules. The exact allowances depend on your destination country, but generally include amounts for personal use such as one or two liters of wine or alcohol, a reasonable quantity of food products, and duty-free purchases up to certain value thresholds. However, some items like fresh meats, certain dairy products, and counterfeit goods are prohibited.

Customs and Duty-Free Guide for Traveling to and from Italy

It's best to keep all the receipts from your purchases, so that you can challenge any official who tries to over-tax the items that you purchased. If you feel a duty is incorrect you can appeal the assessment or the way your clearance was handled get the badge number of the official and ask to speak to the supervisor. You may need to also need to write to the port director at your point of entry to clear up the matter.

Also, note that in the majority of Italian cities there are information points where you can go to claim back sales taxes on purchases you have made while in Italy. Sales Tax in Italy is 20%, which can start adding up to quite a savings if you have purchased many goods. So remember to save those receipts!

Bringing Wine and Food Back from Italy

Italy is renowned for its exceptional wines and culinary delights. Many travelers wish to bring these treasures home. When bringing wine back from Italy, be aware that you're limited to 2 liters of table wine when entering from outside the EU. For food items, while many products are allowed, certain restrictions apply to fresh meats, dairy products, and produce. It's advisable to check current regulations before purchasing food items to bring home.

Understanding Italy's Customs Restrictions

When planning your trip to Italy, it's important to understand what items are prohibited or restricted. Italy follows European Union regulations regarding imports and exports. Certain items like weapons, drugs, and counterfeit goods are strictly prohibited. Additionally, there are restrictions on bringing in certain foods, plants, and animals to protect public health and the environment.

What Can You Bring to Italy from outside the European Community

For Goods purchased outside the European Community, or purchased in Duty Free shops the following allowances apply for travellers arriving in Italy from outside the European Community: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 2 litres of table wine or 1 litre of alcohol.

When travelling between countries in the European Community you won't have to pass through customs. But, if you are planning to carry large quantity of goods you should check the up-to-date European Community regulations.

What Can You Bring Back from Italy to the US​

US citizens may bring back up to $400 US worth of foreign goods duty-free if they have been outside the country for at least 48-hours (and if they haven't used the $400 US allowance in the previous 30 days).

How much wine can you bring back from Italy?

US residents over the age of 21 years can bring back 1-litre of alcohol duty-free.

How many cigarettes can you bring from Italy?

Regardless of your age your age you can bring back 200 cigarettes or a 100 non-Cuban cigars duty free.

Italy customs restrictions: antiques and cash

Antiques, classified as more than a 100 years old by US customs can be brought back duty-free. The same rule applies for Original works of art made by hand.

You can also send packages of up to a value of $200 US to your home address with a maximum of one a day allowed. You need to label the package "Personal Use", it's not allowed to send perfume, cigarettes or Cigars via this method. Mailed items do not affect your duty-free allowance.

Popular Items to Bring Back from Italy

Italy offers countless treasures worth bringing home. Popular items include fine leather goods, handmade shoes, artisanal ceramics, and traditional food products like olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, and truffle products. When shopping for these items, remember to purchase from legitimate retailers to ensure you can bring them through customs without issues.

Tip- If you have purchased expensive items (Jewellery & Clothing) throwaway the packaging they came in, and when possible try to wear them. Usually the custom officials are more interested in your luggage than what you are carrying. Always remember the line " I bought this last time I was in Italy".

Italy customs prohibited items

Counterfeit products purchased in Italy like the Gucci bags you'll find available for sale by street vendors may look like a good bargain at 15€ or less. But, if the custom officials catch you with one of these items the fines will amount to more than you would have paid for the legitimate item in a Gucci store.

What can you bring from Italy to other EU European Countries

If your journey was wholly within the European Community you won't have to pass through customs upon your return to your country. But, if you are planning to carry large quantity of goods you should check the up-to-date European Community regulations.

Italy Customs Restrictions: Final Tips and Recommendations

Whether you're bringing food, wine, cigarettes, or luxury items back from Italy, always remember to check the latest customs regulations for your destination country before making purchases. While Italy offers countless treasures to bring home, staying within duty-free allowances and avoiding prohibited items will ensure a smooth customs experience. Keep your receipts for any tax refunds or potential customs queries, and when in doubt, declare your items. Most importantly, don't risk purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors - the fines far outweigh any potential savings. By following these guidelines and understanding Italy customs restrictions, you can confidently shop for Italian souvenirs and bring a piece of Italy back home with you.

Need assistance planning your Italian shopping experience? Book a custom tour of Italy with Avventure Bellissime! Our expert guides can help you discover the best authentic Italian products and provide guidance on customs regulations. Contact us today to plan your perfect Italian adventure and shop worry-free with local expertise by your side.