Challenges at the Italian Customs office

According to information from our FIDI Affiliate Vinelli & Scotto, Italian agents have been experiencing cases where the customs authorities at the Port of Genoa are not allowing duty free importation when the residence application acknowledged by the city hall "avvio di procedimento di iscrizione anagrafica" is submitted.

They further stated that the customs authorities would only allow duty free importation if the importer can submit an official certificate of residence or "stato di famiglia" which is usually issued 45 days from the date the registration was initiated.  As such, this could lead to an increase of duty suspended processes.

Importers will basically have to deposit the amount equivalent of the duties and taxes with the customs office and pay for associated administrative costs. The deposit will then be returned if the proper document is submitted within 3 months.

For more information, please contact Laura Busettini at lbusettini@vinelliescotto.com.