Importing to the U.S. from Italy

How to import to the US from Italy: the ultimate guide

As of December 2020, Italy’s total trade with the United States was $6.33 billion, about 2% less than the previous year. Italy is currently ranked at 14 for its position as a trading partner with the U.S. From Italy, the major imports into the U.S. are cars, medicine and wine while the U.S. in turn exports mostly oil and petroleum products.
 

When going through the Customs and Border Protection (C.B.P.) in the U.S. it is important that all the required documentation is in order because the process is slightly different than importing into Italy as part of the E.U. which utilizes the Single Administrative Document; more information about this is available through the Department of Commerce, but it is not needed for our purposes here.
 
Let’s take a look at some of the basic import information since it is not the same as the export process. ​

​Which documents will I need?

Most foreign post offices carry the import documentation required by the C.B.P.; the two main forms are the “Entry Manifest” (C.B.P. Form 7533) and the “Application and Special Permit for Immediate Delivery” (C.B.P. Form 3461). It is not necessary to use both: each has its own purpose. The former is the standard, and most common document, while the latter is, as its name suggests, for special purposes when a delivery at the port of entry needs to be delivered immediately for some reason.
 
All paperwork for sending a package internationally, whether mailing something to be sold or sending an item to a friend, has a section for providing C.B.P. information. When filling out these documents it is important to include not only a full and accurate description of the merchandise, but to be concise and to the point.
 
Customs declarations forms tend to be different between countries, and not all of them will ask for the same information that is required by the U.S. C.B.P. The seller should be able to provide the information in the following sections, regardless of it being asked for.

What information do the documents require?

The documents are fairly straightforward with what they require. Depending on what is written here will determine the classification number and duty rate that is assigned to the item when it arrives in the United States.
 
Basic information such as the seller’s name and address along with a detailed description of the item in English is legally required. For example: antique gold watch, silver braided bracelet; the details help to protect the importer as well.
 
The quantity and weight of each type of item being shipped. Are you importing multiple items? Each should be listed with specific, detailed information: Two antique gold watches (18-karat gold, 150 grams each), one silver braided bracelet (14-karat silver, 75 grams).
 
It is also necessary to include the purchase price converted into U.S. dollars, both the unit price, and if multiple items were purchased, the total value for every similar item. When writing the purchase price it is important not to misrepresent the true value of the items. The U.S. C.P.B. is well aware of people trying to take advantage of the process, that is, a seller who offers to misrepresent costs in order to save the purchaser from paying duty: this is illegal.
 
On a similar note, some sellers are skeptical of package handlers and wish to keep the value of an item secret so as not to have it stolen. The best, and most common, way to try and prevent this is to insure the package when you send it. Insurance options should be discussed with the seller.
 
You will also have to make note of the country of origin of the product itself. This may be different than where the object was made or purchased.
 
If any of this information turns out to be inaccurate, you could end up paying the wrong duty rate for what you purchased. If, to the customs official, this seems deliberately misleading your goods could be seized and you may be fined. Bear in mind that the C.B.P. does randomly inspect packages to check that everything is truly in order.
 
Additionally, all foreign shipments that are not accompanied by a U.S. C.P.B. declaration form and an invoice may be subject to seizure, forfeiture or return to sender. In the case of immediate delivery (Form 3461 from above), failure to pay the duty may result in the same penalties. The document itself should be well-secured to the outside of your shipment so that it is easily accessible.

Are there any restrictions?

Yes, there are some import restrictions. The C.B.P. website keeps a long and detailed list of all items that cannot pass through customs. A rule of thumb is to remember that if any item can cause harm then it probably cannot go through customs, not without a special license at a minimum.
 
International trade is a tricky business and the more you know beforehand, the more likely you are to save yourself future hassle. 
Check out also our video about paying VAT when you do Import and Export in Italy.

For more info about this topic check also how to export to Italy, our import and export guide, and how to open a business in Italy.