There are a lot of things to consider before you start exporting to Italy. It’s essential to find out about local rules and regulations on tax and duty in your intended market.
VAT
VAT is known as IVA in Italy. The standard rate is 22%. There are reduced rates for some products, including basic foods, and some services are exempt.
You can find out more about VAT in Italy from the website of the Italian Revenue Agency.
Payment terms
Payment periods are longer than in the UK. Business-to-business payments can take several weeks but in some sectors can take months or longer, especially where creditors are public bodies. A prompt payment code of practice has recently been introduced.
Standards and regulations
Products and packaging should meet EU standards, but Italy is more strict in some areas. This includes packaging and labelling.
Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione (UNI) has responsibility for Italian national standards. Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano (CEI) is responsible for electrics, electronics and telecommunications regulations
Services regulations
Information on rules for selling services and business travel to Italy is available on gov.uk
Trade barriers
Check for any reported barriers to trading with Italy.
Report any trade barriers that are affecting your business so we can help fix them.
Business culture
Reforms in recent years have made it easier for companies to enforce contracts, register properties and resolve insolvency.
Intellectual property
Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial. Rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.
The Intellectual Property Office’s International IP Service provides practical information to help you protect, manage and enforce your IP abroad. Further support can be accessed through the service’s network of IP attachés. Based in key UK export markets, they provide guidance to British businesses on local IP matters.
Using agents or distributors
Often the best way to start selling in Italy is to use an agent or distributor.
You should find a tax and legal adviser before entering into any contracts. Contact the Department for Business and Trade’s team in Italy for help.
