Navigating Customs Clearance for Moving from Italy to the USA

Shipping a vehicle from Italy to the USA involves its own documentation and compliance process, separate from your household goods shipment. As a FMC-licensed door-to-door moving company, SDC ships vehicles as part of your full household move.

Required Documentation

• Proof of ownership: your title or registration; if you’re leasing or financing, a notarized letter of permission from the lienholder.
• Bill of sale: for recently purchased vehicles, verifying the transaction, make, model, and VIN.
• Export declaration: required by Italian authorities before the vehicle can leave the country.
• CBP Form 7501: declares the vehicle as an imported good and lists its value for duty calculation.
• EPA compliance: confirms your vehicle meets US emissions standards, or documents the exemption process if it doesn’t.
• DOT compliance: certifies the vehicle meets US safety standards for seatbelts, lighting, and airbags.

Keep multiple copies of each document; customs officials may ask for additional verification beyond what you initially submit.

Containerized Shipping vs. RoRo

Containerized shipping places your vehicle inside a sealed container, offering real protection against weather, theft, and handling damage, and it lets you ship household items in the same container to save on separate shipments. It costs somewhat more than RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), where your vehicle is driven onto a cargo ship and secured on an open deck. RoRo is cheaper and faster to load, but your vehicle is exposed to weather during transit and can’t carry any personal items inside it. SDC ships vehicles exclusively inside containers alongside household goods; we don’t offer standalone RoRo service.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Wash the exterior and clean the undercarriage thoroughly; leftover dirt or plant matter can trigger a quarantine hold. Photograph the vehicle from multiple angles, including existing scratches or dents, before it’s loaded. Top off fluids other than fuel and fix any leaks. Leave no more than a quarter tank of fuel, since excess fuel is a fire hazard. Remove all personal items from the interior and trunk; US customs doesn’t allow personal belongings shipped inside a vehicle. Disable the alarm system so it doesn’t trigger during transport.

Clearing US Customs

CBP reviews your documentation, including Form 7501, your EPA and DOT compliance letters, and proof of ownership, then physically inspects the vehicle to confirm it matches what was declared. Duties and taxes are calculated based on the vehicle’s declared value. Accurate, complete paperwork submitted in advance is what keeps this step fast rather than becoming a multi-day hold.

Container Sizing and Insurance

A 20-foot container typically fits one vehicle plus a modest household shipment; a 40-foot container suits a larger household or an additional vehicle. Your coordinator confirms sizing during your pre-move survey. Because a vehicle is a high-value asset and ocean transport carries inherent risk even with careful bracing, marine insurance covering both your car and household goods under one policy is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship personal items inside my car along with the vehicle?

No. US customs doesn’t allow personal belongings shipped inside a vehicle, whether it travels by container or RoRo. Pack those items separately as part of your household goods inventory.

Does my vehicle need to meet US emissions and safety standards before I ship it?

Yes. You’ll need EPA and DOT compliance documentation, or you may need to modify the vehicle or apply for a one-time exemption if it doesn’t already meet US standards. Confirm this before shipping, not after your vehicle arrives at a US port.

Shipping a Vehicle from Italy?

We’ll confirm your documentation before your vehicle ships and coordinate it alongside your household goods under one file. See our international car shipping page for how this works across our corridors, or request a quote to get started.