Removals to Italy

For decades, Britannia Robbins has been South and West Wales’ specialist for removals to Italy. We offer reliable and fully-managed moves to Italy from across Wales, the UK, and Europe.

Our experts coordinate every step of your move, including export packing, customs documentation, road freight, and delivery to your new Italian property.

Britannia Robbins regularly deliver to Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna, as well as rural regions like Tuscany and Umbria. Wherever you are headed, our expert team will ensure your move is safe, efficient, and as stress-free as possible.
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Removals to Italy: key points at a glance

• If you are moving your main residence to Italy, it is usually possible to apply for a full exemption on customs duties and tax.
• Removals to Italy take anywhere from 5 days to several weeks depending on destination and method of transport.
• We can move anything to Italy, from a few boxes to a large estate.
• Since the UK left the EU, British residents need to complete full import documentation. This will always include a copy of your passport, and visa where applicable.
• The most cost-effective way to move to Italy with a small consignment is a part-load (also known as groupage).

Why choose Britannia Robbins for your move to Italy?

Our European moving specialists understand the regulatory and logistical requirements involved in a removal to Italy. As well as being a founder member of the Britannia Movers network and being accredited by the British Association of Removers’ Overseas Group, we offer:
• Regular UK to Italy removals services
• A choice of dedicated vehicle or cost-effective groupage options
• Full customs declaration and clearance support
• Transfer of Residence guidance
• Specialist export packing for fragile and valuable items
• Secure storage facilities in the UK and in Italy
• Comprehensive removals insurance options

Our approach combines careful planning with detailed customs knowledge, reducing risk and avoiding unnecessary delays.

Our step-by-step process for moving to Italy

Since Brexit, a successful move to Italy demands structured planning and regulatory knowledge as well as packing and transport expertise. Britannia Robbins was founded in 1907, so with over a hundred years of experience, we know everything there is to know about removals. Furthermore, we have been international specialists since joining Britannia in 1982. Over the last 40 years, we have developed our step-by-step process for seamless European moves.

The Britannia Robbins moving process

1. A detailed survey – this is carried out to determine your move requirements. It helps us understand the size of vehicle and number of staff needed for your move. In addition, we calculate for specialist packing materials, difficult access, and anything that customs may flag.
2. A comprehensive quote – we provide this with everything included, no hidden fees. We recommend a moving package, but you can adjust the services to suit your budget and needs. At this point, we will also agree a realistic delivery schedule.
3. Guidance and support with customs and documentation – our knowledgeable team will guide you through all the paperwork. If you are moving to Italy from another EU member state, then customs formalities are minimal. If you are relocating to Italy from the UK, full import declarations are required, and clearance must be completed before goods are released for delivery.
4. An export-trained crew will pack your belongings. We use high-quality boxes, protective wrapping, and build custom-crating where required. Where pre-agreed, the crew can also handle specialist items such as sculpture and pianos, and dismantle furniture for safe transit.
5. We can provide storage if needed – this is often useful when your property in Italy isn’t ready. We have self-storage and traditional warehouse storage options at our depot in Wales. If preferred, we can also arrange storage through our trusted partners in Italy.
6. Our crew and vehicle travel to Italy and delivery your consignment. We offer both dedicated services for faster delivery, and part-load options for smaller and less-urgent consignments.
7. They will unpack and place furniture, and remove packing materials. Furniture will be unloaded and positioned in the correct rooms. Boxes will be unpacked onto flat surfaces, and fragile items will be checked for damages.

Transfer of Residence relief in Italy

Many clients using our services to complete their move to Italy qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, which allows personal household goods to be imported free of duty and tax.

To qualify, you must:

• Have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.
• Have owned and used the goods for a minimum of 6 months.
• Import the goods within 12 months of establishing residence in Italy.
• Confirm that the goods are for personal use and not resale.

When approved, Italian import duty and VAT are waived. Italian VAT is generally charged at 22% if relief does not apply.
Failure to meet eligibility criteria may result in VAT and customs duty being assessed on the declared value of the goods.

Required documentation for removals to Italy

For UK to Italy removals, Italian Customs typically requires:

• Copy of passport (photo page plus relevant visa)
• Codice Fiscale (Italian tax identification number)
• Proof of Italian residence or property contract
• Proof of residence abroad for the previous 12 months
• Signed customs declaration forms
• Detailed and valued inventory in English and Italian

Additional documents may be requested depending on your personal circumstances. Our experienced European moving specialists review and pre-check all documentation prior to shipment departure to reduce the risk of delays.

VAT, duties & taxable items

Even when moving household goods for personal use, certain items may attract taxation.

• New goods – items purchased within six months before shipment may be subject to Italian VAT at 22%. They may also be subject to customs duty, and rates depend on the product’s tariff classification.
• Alcohol and tobacco – all quantities of alcohol and tobacco products exceeding personal allowances are subject to Italian excise duty and VAT.
• Motor vehicles – vehicles may qualify for exemption if owned and used for at least six months prior to import. The vehicle must be registered in Italy after arrival. Registration taxes and administrative fees may apply.
• High-value items – jewellery, artwork, and antiques may require proof of ownership or independent valuation. Additionally, cultural property may require export licences from the country of origin.

This list is not exhaustive, and is subject to change. Our staff can advise on up to date legislation during the survey and quotation.

Prohibited and restricted items when moving to Italy

Italian customs enforces strict controls on certain goods.

Strictly prohibited
• Narcotics and controlled drugs
• Counterfeit goods
• Explosives and fireworks
• Offensive weapons

Restricted or licence-controlled items
• Firearms and ammunition
• Large quantities of prescription medication
• Meat and dairy products
• Plants, seeds, and soil
• Endangered species items regulated under CITES

Failure to declare restricted items can lead to seizure, fines, or shipment delays. During your survey, we will identify any goods that may require special clearance.

Biosecurity and packaging regulations for moves to Italy

Italy applies EU sanitary and phytosanitary controls. In practice, this affects the following items likely to be included in a European removal.

• Outdoor furniture and garden equipment must be thoroughly cleaned before shipment.
• Soil contamination can trigger inspection and delay. For this reason, we generally advise against taking plants when moving from the UK to Italy.
• All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 standards and display appropriate heat-treatment markings.

We ensure all materials used in your removal to Italy meet European regulatory standards.

Moving to Italy FAQs

What is the most cost-effective way to move to Italy?

The most budget-friendly way to book a removal to Italy is to use a part-load service. This means that your consignment will be loaded onto a vehicle together with shipments from other customers, so the cost of the trip will be shared. Everything is clearly labelled and inventoried. The crew then travel to multiple destinations and deliver several consignments on one trip. This generally works best for people who are moving with a small amount of goods. It takes a bit longer than a dedicated service, so it’s also best for people who don’t need their belongings urgently.

How long do removals to Italy take?

Removals to Italy generally take 5-10 days. However, this can be longer if you have chosen a part-load service. As well as transport type, the delivery speed depends on origin and destination locations, access issues, and customs clearance requirements.

Do I have to pay VAT when moving to Italy?

If you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief, VAT on your goods may be waived. If you do not qualify, Italian VAT at 22% may apply.

How much does a removal to Italy cost?

The cost of a move to Italy depends on several factors:
• Total shipment volume
• Collection and delivery locations
• Dedicated or groupage service selection
• Customs requirements
• Storage needs
• Insurance level chosen
We always provide tailored quotations following a detailed survey.

Can I include food in my shipment?

You should not include any perishable food is your consignment to Italy. Furthermore, meat, dairy, and agricultural products are often restricted. Non-perishable items such as sweets, biscuits, and tins are usually allowed.

Can you move my vehicle to Italy?

Yes, we can arrange vehicle transport as part of your move. Please note that all vehicles must be declared to Italian Customs and registered locally after arrival.

What items cannot be shipped to Italy?

Prohibited items include narcotics, explosives, and counterfeit goods. Restricted goods require licences and prior approval. Our team of European moving specialists can advise you of any restrictions during your removals survey.

Start your removal to Italy today

When planning your move to Italy, you need an experienced European mover on your side. Britannia Robbins deliver exceptional customer service backed up by detailed regulatory knowledge and logistical precision. We’re the partner you need for a seamless relocation to Italy.

Request a quote today, or contact our team to discuss your move.

Call 01792 584 229 (Swansea) or 02920 668 555 (Cardiff)
Email us on info@britanniarobbins.co.uk.

Additional resources

For further information, please feel free to reach out to our team, or explore the following resources.

• European moving page
• Removals FAQs
• International moving page
• Removals to Italy brochure
• European Moving Checklist