Importing an American Car to Italy: A Guide 2026

This guide summarizes what you are responsible for when registering a car in Italy and the indicative costs for 2026. Values should be confirmed with the authorities or a broker before each purchase.

How does delivery work in Italy?

• Selection in the USA. Licensed dealer in the USA, with access to thousands of cars in every state. Before any commitment, you will receive photos, available documents, and the type of title (clean, salvage, rebuilt).
• Maritime transport. From the USA to Europe, with assistance until arrival.
• Customs processed. The car is cleared through customs upon entry into the EU: customs duties are never paid a second time in Italy.
• Delivery in Italy. Delivery to your dealership or your address. You can also choose a car from our stock in Portugal.

Customs duties and VAT

Customs duties. From July 1, 2026, cars manufactured in the USA, with proven origin, enter the EU with 0 % duty (Regulation (EU) 2026/1455, in force until 12/31/2029). Classic cars 30 years old or more, in original condition and of a discontinued model, enter as collector's items (code 9705), also with 0 % duty. In both cases, nothing to pay in Italy.

VAT. For a reseller with a valid VAT number (VIES), the sale is made without Portuguese VAT, and the VAT is automatically charged in Italy. For a private individual, the VAT from the Portuguese invoice or the margin scheme applies. The exact framework is specified in each proposal.

Taxes on registration

The IPT (Imposta Provinciale di Trascrizione) is payable, calculated by kW and with specific rates for each province. The ecotassa (€1,100 to €2,500 above 190 g/km) continues to be charged on used cars from the EU, although some tax courts have annulled it in 2025 — to be confirmed for a classic car with zero documented CO2 emissions.

Approval: visit and test

Without a European Certificate of Conformity (COC), the car undergoes an inspection and test at the Motorizzazione. For a classic car, the Certificato di rilevanza storica e collezionistica, issued by the ASI or a trademark registry, simplifies the process.

Classic regime: vehicle of historical interest

With an ASI certificate or trademark registration, the car is recognized as being of historical interest. Between 20 and 29 years old, the tax is reduced by half; from 30 years old onwards it is exempt, paying only a small fixed fee when driven.

Annual tax

Bollo auto regional, calculated by kW (and the superbollo above 185 kW, which becomes obsolete with age).

Indicative costs in Italy (2026)

Heading	Indicative value
Provincial IPT	In kW, it varies by province.
Ecotassa (> 190 g/km)	1,100–2,500 € — contested
Visit and tasting at Motorizzazione	Under budget
Bollo — 30 years or older	Exempt (fixed fee when circulating)
Bollo — 20 to 29 years old with certificate	-50 %

Indicative prices, excluding transport and car price. Taxation changes frequently: confirm with the Italian authorities or a customs broker.

For resellers and individuals

• Resellers. Dealer prices and terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with access to B2B program.
• Private individuals. We also sell directly, with the legal guarantee of conformity.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Upon request, made by an industry professional (paid service).

Do you want an American car in Italy?

Tell us the model, year, and budget: we'll search in the US or suggest a car from our stock. Contact us on WhatsApp, see the cars available or make one customized search.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an ASI certificate? It's not mandatory for registration, but it's what grants access to the tax advantages of the classic car and facilitates the inspection.

Is VAT paid in Italy? For a reseller, Italian VAT is automatically calculated; Motorizzazione usually asks for proof of payment. For a private individual, the VAT on the invoice applies.

Does a 25-year-old car already have advantages? Yes: with the certificate of historical interest, the bollo is reduced by half from the age of 20.

Other destinations in Europe

Portugal · Germany · France · Belgium · Netherlands · Spain · Poland · Austria · Switzerland · Luxembourg · Ireland · Sweden · Denmark · Norway

All destinations: importing an American car to Europe

Sources: ASI — Automotoclub Storico Italiano; Agenzia delle Entrate (bollo veicoli storici). Last checked: October 2026.

In stock or on its way

Public prices, without Portuguese registration.

1972 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed — LS 6.0 engine, 22/24-inch wheels61 500 €1966 Ford Mustang Convertible — California car, automatic convertible top.49 000 €1969 Plymouth Road Runner — Drag car, new 440 engine64 500 €1982 Chevrolet Corvette — 24,251 original miles, Cross-Fire Injection34 000 €1966 Ford Mustang — Red, V8, Carfax report37 500 €1968 Chevrolet K10 4x4 — Restored show truck, 46,000 original miles.64 500 €

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