Import rules and regulations on Japanese used cars in Italy

Japan, notably known as “the land of Rising Sun” is famous for its values of perfection and creativity. Imagination and enthusiasm for work is truly expressed by Japanese products, be it electronic or cars. Japanese automobile industry started its journey with the launch of new small cars. At present, the Japanese automobile industry is one of the largest and prominent automobile industries in the world. With every passing day, the popularity of Japanese vehicles, both new and used vehicles is increasing. Japanese vehicles have reliability, longevity, durability, and are high on quality.

Almost every country in the world import used vehicle from Japan. Italy, which is located in southern Europe also import large numbers of Japanese vehicles. While importing a car from a non-EU country, importer has to pay an import duty and registration fee. Used vehicles have higher import duties. If the importer has owned the vehicle for more than a year, then import of the vehicle is duty free. Duty free vehicles imported in Italy should not be sold for a minimum of one year. Customs duty must be paid, which is 11 percent of the vehicle value, as well as VAT, which is currently 21 percent of the vehicle's value. Restriction is provided on used vehicles over 2,000cc.

Non-Italians may import one auto duty-free, provided that proof of ownership and use for at least one year is obtained by means of Certificate of Origin. Vehicles owned less than 1 year cannot be sold, lent or disposed of for one year upon arrival into Italy.

Returning Italians if wants to import a vehicle duty-free, then they must prove residence abroad for more than 18 months and proof that the vehicle has been in their possession for at least 6 months. Diplomats should arrive almost 40 days in advance of vehicle’s arrival into Italy to obtain necessary documents.

Documents for customs clearance:-

• Copy of Passport or Telespresso (diplomats).
• Returning Italians should provide a copy of Italian Fiscal Code.
• Original Certificate of Title and Registration in client’s name; and a notarized Italian translation.
• Original Commercial/Purchase Invoice.
• Drivers License & International Insurance Policy (green card).
• Technical Data Sheet – from manufacturer, stating car features and declaration of conformities with EU requirements.
• Bill of Lading - It must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand and model of the vehicle.
• Insurance Policy – valid for circulation in Italy.

Note- Original documents are required, notarized copies are not accepted. Client’s presence is required during the clearance process.

Vehicle Registration:-

To drive the vehicle on the roads of Italy, one must get its car registered. To register one need to prove that they reside legally in Italy and own the car. In case the car is used, it needs to pass an inspection before it can get registered. The vehicle should comply with Italian safety and technical standards. In Italy, basically the following rule applies: If the car is more than six months old and has more than 6,000 kilometers on the mileage counter, it is considered used.

According to the Italian Ministry of Transport, following are eligible to register a foreign car in Italy-

• Italian nationals (even if living abroad)
• Foreign nationals with official residence in Italy

Documents required for vehicle registration:-

• Proof of cancellation from the traffic control authority in the home country.
• Original and copy of vehicle registration document along with certified Italian translation.
• Original and copy of roadworthiness certificate along with certified Italian translation.
• Registration request form TT2119.
• Technical specification form (Italians returning to Italy from outside the EU are exempt from producing a technical sheet).

The vehicle imported in Italy must be registered within a period of six months of its arrival in the country with the local Motorizzazione Civile (Motor Vehicles) as well as the Public Vehicle Registry.

Generally, RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) shipment method is used for Japanese used vehicle importation in Italy. This is a common and the reasonable method for vehicle shipment. However, a much more expensive method called container method is used on request of customers.