Vehicle import · Italy
Import a car from Italy
Italian-built cars pay the EU rate. Allied files the CBP entry, the DOT HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1, and we know CBP's rulings on collector cars from Italy.
Duty in 2026
What duty does a vehicle from Italy pay?
| Vehicle | Total duty | Chapter 99 heading |
|---|---|---|
| Car made in 2001 or earlier (8703) | 10% | 9903.94.04 (no Section 232), 9903.05.39 (Section 301) |
| EU-built car made in 2002 or later (8703) | 15% | 9903.94.51 |
| Classic Fiat 500 or other car of 1,000 cc or less (8703.21) | 15% | 9903.82.10 (steel derivative) |
| Vespa or other scooter up to 700 cc (8711) | 10% | No Section 232. 9903.05.39 (Section 301) |
Since July 24, 2026, a product of the EU that pays no Section 232 duty pays the Section 301 forced labor duty: 10% in total when the base rate is under 10% (9903.05.39, U.S. note 52).
CBP also charges the merchandise processing fee: 0.3464%, with a minimum and a maximum. An ocean shipment also pays the harbor maintenance fee of 0.125%. All rates and a worked example.
Leaving the country
Which export document do I need from Italy?
Radiazione per esportazione
Removes the car from the National Vehicle Archive and the Public Automobile Register (PRA). It must happen before the export.
Valid revisione
On the date of the request, the car must have a valid revisione (the periodic roadworthiness test).
Documento Unico (DU)
After deregistration the owner receives a DU that is not valid for driving, marked with the definitive export. Ask the seller for it.
Driving to the port
For a trip by road, the Motorizzazione issues a foglio di via and temporary plates.
Arrival
Where does a vehicle from Italy arrive, and does the steering side matter?
Ports of entry
Vehicles from Italy usually cross the Atlantic to East Coast ports. Allied files at any U.S. port.
Left-hand drive
Italy drives on the right, so Italian cars are left-hand drive.
Common imports
Which vehicles do people import from Italy?
Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati
European models come in under the 25-year rule. A rarer model under 25 years old may qualify for show or display, with NHTSA permission first.Alfa Romeo and Lancia
Models never sold in the United States, such as the Lancia Delta HF Integrale, wait for 25 years from the date of manufacture.Classic Fiat 500
Its engine is under 1,000 cc, so the steel derivative duty brings the total to 15% at any age.Vespa and Lambretta scooters
The base rate is free up to 700 cc, but the Section 301 forced labor duty brings the total to 10%. EPA standards do not apply to motorcycles made before January 1, 1978.
Is a collector Ferrari free of duty under heading 9705?
Rarely. CBP read heading 9705 narrowly in HQ H307522 (2020): age and small production are not enough. CBP accepted a 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO (HQ H265058) and a 1955 Maserati 300S race car (HQ H260566). CBP rulings on collector cars.
Our service
How does Allied handle a vehicle from Italy?
Before you buy: send the listing, a photo of the labels and the export document. We confirm the HS-7 box, the EPA code, the country of origin and the duty.
Before arrival: we file the CBP entry and transmit the HS-7 and the EPA 3520-1 in ACE. We arrange the customs bond when the entry needs one.
After release: we send you the released entry papers for your state title. See the full import process.
Request: Vehicle import entry (CBP entry, DOT HS-7, EPA 3520-1)
Quote on request
Questions
Importing a vehicle from Italy: common questions
Is a classic Ferrari free of duty?
Usually not. A Ferrari made in 2001 or earlier pays 10% in total on a 2026 entry: the 2.5% base rate plus the Section 301 forced labor duty. CBP classified a few cars with a famous racing history in heading 9705, free of duty, but each car is decided on its own history.
What is the radiazione per esportazione?
It removes the car from the Italian registers before export. The owner then receives a Documento Unico marked for export. Ask the seller for it, with a copy of the bill of sale.
What is the duty on a classic Fiat 500?
15% in total. The 500 has an engine under 1,000 cc, so it falls in 8703.21. That subheading is on the Section 232 steel derivative list, which has no age exception.
Buying a vehicle from Italy? Check it first.
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.