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How to Import from Italy? | Cost and Customs Guide

Learn the processes for A.TR, origin, GTIP (HS code), logistics, documents and total cost when importing products, machinery, equipment or raw materials from Italy.

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Italy is one of Turkey's most important trading partners in Europe. Imports from Italy are made in many sectors, particularly machinery, textile raw materials, food processing equipment, ceramics, marble, furniture, chemical products and automotive parts. Under the Turkey-EU Customs Union, customs duty advantages exist for industrial products; however, benefiting from this advantage depends on certain documents and conditions.

In this guide, we cover all critical steps for companies that want to import from Italy, from supplier research to customs processes, from the A.TR certificate to total cost calculation.

To compare import options from different countries, you can review our Import Guide by Country page.

General Characteristics of Imports from Italy

Prominent features of imports from Italy for companies in Turkey:

  • Design and quality: Italian manufacturers stand out for design and quality, especially in the machinery, textile, food and furniture sectors.
  • Customs Union advantage: Customs duty exemption can be provided for EU-origin industrial products with an A.TR certificate.
  • Geographic proximity: Direct sea connections (Trieste, Genoa ports) and road access are available.
  • Sectoral diversity: A wide product range such as machinery, food, textiles, chemicals, ceramics, marble and furniture.
  • SME-heavy structure: Italian industry consists of strong SMEs; the possibility of working directly with manufacturers is high.

Product and Manufacturer Research

Before importing from Italy, you need to research your target product and potential manufacturers:

  • Sectoral trade fairs: International fairs in Italy such as EIMA, Cersaie, Marmomac, SIMAC are strong resources for finding suppliers.
  • Industry associations: Company information can be accessed through Confindustria and sectoral associations.
  • Online platforms: Europages, Kompass and Italian Chamber of Commerce (Camere di Commercio) databases can be used.

Supplier and Company Verification

When importing from Italy, to verify supplier reliability:

  • Check the Registro Imprese (Italian business register) registration.
  • Review the company's year of establishment, number of employees and annual turnover.
  • Request a Visura camerale (chamber of commerce document).
  • Request samples to evaluate product quality.
  • Get feedback from reference customers.

A professional overseas supplier research service can verify the company's actual status.

Proforma Invoice and Payment Terms

Common payment methods in imports from Italy:

  • Advance payment (T/T): Common in small orders and first transactions.
  • Letter of credit (L/C): Provides assurance for large-value orders.
  • Documents against payment/acceptance (D/P, D/A): Offers medium-level assurance.
  • Deferred payment: Can be preferred in long-term business relationships.

Make sure the proforma invoice clearly states the product description, unit price, total amount, payment terms, delivery time and Incoterms clause.

Road, Sea and Air Freight Options

Transport options from Italy to Turkey:

  • Road (TIR): Transit time from Italy to Turkey is generally between 3-6 days. Partial and full load options are available.
  • Sea: Container transport can be done from Trieste, Genoa or Naples ports to Istanbul, Mersin or Izmir ports. It is an economical option for large-volume cargo.
  • Air: Preferred for urgent and high-value cargo.
  • Ro-Ro: For cargo carried on vehicles, Ro-Ro services such as the Trieste-Pendik line can be used.

A.TR Movement Certificate

The A.TR certificate is the document that ensures customs-duty-free movement of industrial products under the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU. In imports from Italy, with the A.TR certificate:

  • Customs duty is not paid on industrial products.
  • The certificate is approved by the Italian customs administration or an authorized exporter.
  • The validity period of the certificate and product coverage must be checked.

Important: The A.TR certificate shows that the product is in free circulation in the EU; however, it does not prove the production origin of the product.

Free Circulation and Origin Distinction

A product coming from Italy may be in free circulation in the EU but may have been produced in a third country (for example, China, India). In this case:

  • An A.TR certificate can be issued (proof of free circulation).
  • However, if the actual origin of the product is outside the EU, additional customs duty or anti-dumping duty may be applied depending on the GTIP (HS code).
  • The origin certificate (EUR.1, certificate of origin) is a separate document and is used in preferential trade agreements.

Ignoring this distinction can lead to an unexpected tax burden.

GTIP and Tax Control

The GTIP (HS code) of every product imported from Italy must be determined, and according to this code:

  • Customs duty rate (generally zero with A.TR)
  • VAT rate
  • Surveillance measure
  • Anti-dumping duty
  • Additional customs duty
  • Additional financial obligation

must be checked.

Exact tax rates vary depending on the product's GTIP (HS code) and technical characteristics. Before ordering, we recommend having a GTIP and customs risk assessment carried out.

CE, Technical File and Conformity Documents

Most products imported from Italy bear the CE mark. However:

  • The CE mark alone does not mean the product can be imported into Turkey without problems.
  • Compliance with the relevant technical regulation must also be assessed.
  • The technical file, test reports, declaration of conformity (DoC) and user manual may be requested at customs.
  • Some product groups may have additional requirements specific to Turkey.

TAREKS and Product Inspections

Within the scope of TAREKS (Single Window System), conformity inspection is carried out for imports of certain product groups:

  • TAREKS application may be required for product groups such as machinery, electrical devices, personal protective equipment, toys and construction materials.
  • As a result of the application, the product may be directed to inspection or may receive direct clearance.
  • TAREKS requirement is determined according to the product's GTIP (HS code) and the relevant technical regulation.

Total Import Cost

Items making up the total cost in imports from Italy:

  1. Product price (EXW/FOB/CIF)
  2. Freight (road, sea or air)
  3. Insurance
  4. Customs duty (generally zero with A.TR; exceptions exist)
  5. VAT
  6. Surveillance difference (if any)
  7. Anti-dumping duty (if any)
  8. Customs brokerage fee
  9. Storage and port expenses
  10. Domestic transport
  11. Bank charges and exchange rate difference

To calculate the total cost accurately, you can benefit from our import cost analysis service.

Pre-Order Checklist

Items to check before placing an order from Italy:

  • Has the product's GTIP (HS code) been determined?
  • Is customs duty exemption valid with the A.TR certificate?
  • Has the origin status been checked (third-country origin risk)?
  • Is it within the scope of TAREKS?
  • Are CE and technical conformity documents available?
  • Is there a surveillance or anti-dumping risk?
  • Has the total cost calculation been made?
  • Has supplier verification been completed?
  • Have the proforma invoice and Incoterms been clarified?
  • Has logistics planning been done?

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming that the A.TR certificate replaces the origin certificate
  • Thinking that every product will arrive customs-duty-free
  • Considering the CE mark alone sufficient
  • Placing an order without checking the GTIP (HS code)
  • Ignoring TAREKS requirements
  • Calculating total cost only as the product price
  • Underestimating the delivery times of Italian SMEs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is customs duty paid on imports from Italy?

Customs duty is generally not applied to EU-origin industrial products or industrial products that have entered free circulation in the EU and arrive with an A.TR movement certificate. However, tax may be applied to agricultural products, some products of third-country origin or products outside the scope of the Customs Union.

How long does sea transport from Italy take?

In container transport from Trieste or Genoa to Istanbul or Mersin, transit time is generally between 5-10 days. This time may be longer on transshipment services.

How long does road transport from Italy take?

In full TIR loads, transit time from Italy to Turkey is generally between 3-6 business days.

Can food products be imported from Italy?

The import of food products is subject to special permits and documents. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry permits, health certificates and labeling requirements vary by product. Food products may be outside the scope of A.TR.

Which documents are required for imports from Italy?

Basic documents: invoice, packing list, bill of lading/CMR, A.TR or origin certificate, CE declaration of conformity, technical file (if required), TAREKS reference number (if required). Additional documents may be requested depending on the product.

Would you like to have your product's GTIP, tax, document and cost status checked before importing from Italy?

Get an Italy Import Pre-Assessment | Quick Question via WhatsApp