Ship Crate From the USA to Italy
Introduction: Ship Crate from the USA to Italy
Shipping a Crate from the USA to Italy: Business Equipment and Heritage Items
A wooden shipping crate provides the highest level of physical protection available for international freight. You reach for a crate when the standard options — boxes, pallets, suitcases — are not enough to protect what you’re shipping. In practice, this means items that are heavy, oversized, fragile, high-value, or irreplaceable.
For shipments from the USA to Italy, crates are used in two distinct contexts. The first is commercial: US businesses exporting machinery, industrial equipment, medical devices, precision instruments, or technology hardware to Italian companies. The second is personal and heritage-related: American families of Italian descent shipping antiques, artworks, family heirlooms, furniture, or inherited property back to Italy.
Both contexts involve Italian customs law and the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM). But for heritage and inherited items, a third layer of Italian law applies — the Codice dei Beni Culturali e del Paesaggio (the Italian Cultural Heritage Code), which governs the import of historically and artistically significant objects into Italy and imposes specific requirements for items of cultural value, particularly those entering from outside the EU.
ExpediShip ships custom wooden and aluminium crates from any US address to any Italian city or region. We handle pickup, export documentation, air freight, and delivery to the Italian address.
For smaller shipments that don’t require crate protection, see our box shipping page or luggage shipping page. For pallet shipments to Italian trade fairs or charities, see our pallet shipping page.
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https://expediship.com/contacts/
Who Ships Crates from the USA to Italy?
Who Ships Crates from the USA to Italy?
US Companies Exporting Machinery and Industrial Equipment
Italy is the world’s second-largest producer of industrial machinery after Germany. Italian manufacturing companies in sectors including food processing, packaging, ceramics, fashion and textiles, automotive components, and precision engineering are significant importers of US-made equipment and technology. American companies exporting to Italian industrial customers regularly ship machinery, processing equipment, laboratory instruments, and technology hardware in crates. Crate shipping provides the structural protection that industrial equipment requires during transatlantic air freight.
Medical Device and Life Sciences Companies
Italy has a large and sophisticated medical technology market. US medical device companies shipping demonstration units, surgical equipment, diagnostic instruments, and healthcare technology to Italian healthcare providers or distributors use crate shipping to protect sensitive equipment.
Businesses Shipping High-Value Prototypes or Technology Hardware
US technology companies, engineering firms, and manufacturers shipping one-of-a-kind prototypes, custom-built devices, or high-value hardware to Italian business partners, research institutions, or testing laboratories use custom crates with internal foam or timber bracing matched to the item’s specific dimensions.
Italian-Americans Shipping Family Heirlooms and Inherited Property
Many Americans of Italian descent have family heirlooms, antiques, furniture, artworks, silverware, ceramics, and personally significant objects in the USA that they wish to ship to Italy — either to keep, to pass to Italian relatives, or as part of an estate settlement. These items are often irreplaceable and require maximum physical protection. They may also require specific Italian customs documentation under the Codice dei Beni Culturali.
Galleries, Collectors, and Auction Houses
US galleries, private collectors, and auction houses regularly ship artworks, sculptures, antique furniture, and collectibles to Italy for sale, exhibition, loan, or private purchase. Italy has a strong and active art market, and cities like Milan, Rome, Turin, and Bologna host major international art fairs. Crate shipping with custom internal bracing is the standard for fine art and high-value collectibles.
Shipping Cost & Transit Time for Shipping crate from the USA to Italy
Our prices are highly competitive — that’s why so many customers choose Expediship for shipping crate from the USA to Italy. We offer affordable rates with reliable, professional service, guiding you step by step through the entire shipping process for crate shipment
Delivery to Italy typically takes around 5 business days, not including customs clearance time, which may vary depending on Italy government processing.
Below are estimated starting prices for shipping Crate from the USA to Italy. Final cost depends on box size, pickup address, and delivery city.
| Weight Range | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 150–200 lbs | From $3.91/lbs |
| 201–300 lbs | From $3.70/lbs |
| 301–400 lbs | From $3.52/lbs |
| 401–500 lbs | From $3.01/lbs |
| 501–600 lbs | From $2.81/lbs |
| 601–700 lbs | From $2.51/lbs |
| 701–800 lbs | From $1.52/lbs |
| 801+ lbs | From $1.21 — for larger shipments, please contact customer service for an exact quote. |
Note: Prices are estimated starting rates for air freight shipments. Expediship offers door-to-door service with full tracking and customs guidance.
Italian Customs Rules for Business Equipment in a Crate from the USA
Italian Customs Rules for Business Equipment in a Crate from the USA
Italy applies EU customs law to all business goods imported from the USA. Business equipment and machinery shipped in crates are classified as commercial imports and are subject to EU customs duties and Italian IVA of 22%, unless a specific exemption applies.
Standard commercial import (permanent import)
Business equipment permanently imported into Italy — sold to an Italian company, transferred to an Italian subsidiary, or delivered to an Italian business partner — is subject to EU customs duty (0% to 6.5% for most industrial and manufactured goods) and 22% Italian IVA on the CIF value. Italian businesses can reclaim the import IVA through their Partita IVA (VAT registration) returns, so the 22% IVA is typically a cash flow cost rather than a permanent expense for registered Italian businesses.
When Italian businesses import commercial goods, ADM issues the bolletta doganale — the customs clearance certificate — which serves as the official IVA document for recovery purposes.
Temporary import for business demonstrations and testing
If business equipment is being temporarily imported into Italy — for a demonstration, testing, repair, or short-term business use — and will return to the USA within 24 months, it may qualify for Italy’s temporary admission procedure (ammissione temporanea). Under this procedure, customs duties and IVA may be suspended while the goods remain in Italy. ATA Carnets are also accepted for professional equipment used temporarily in Italy for business purposes.
EORI number for Italian importers
All businesses importing commercial goods into Italy must have a valid EU EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number. Italian EORI numbers are formed from the company’s Partita IVA (tax identification number) preceded by “IT.” The Italian importing company must be registered before the import declaration is filed. ADM administers EORI registration at adm.gov.it.
Importing Inherited Property to Italy from the USA: The ADM Duty-Free Inheritance Concession
Importing Inherited Property to Italy from the USA: The ADM Duty-Free Inheritance Concession
Italy has a specific customs provision for goods imported by hereditary succession — objects inherited from someone who lived outside Italy that are being imported into Italy by the heir. This concession is documented in ADM’s official FAQ at adm.gov.it and provides duty-free and IVA-free entry for genuinely inherited personal and household goods.
The conditions for the inheritance concession (eredità)
The goods must be acquired by hereditary succession — they must have been owned by the deceased person and passed to the importer through inheritance, not through purchase or gift.
The importer must obtain an official document — a certificate from a notary or another competent authority in the country where the deceased resided (in this case, the USA) — certifying that the imported goods are acquired by hereditary succession. This notarial certificate is the key document that ADM requires to grant the duty-free and IVA-free entry.
The application for the relief is made directly to the local customs office (Ufficio doganale) responsible for the port or airport of arrival of the goods.
What inherited goods qualify?
Household furniture, furnishings, and personal effects owned by the deceased. Works of art, antiques, and collectibles owned by the deceased, subject to additional rules under the Codice dei Beni Culturali (see below). Vehicles (specific rules apply — contact ExpediShip for vehicle import details). The goods do not need to have been owned for a specific minimum period — the inheritance concession is based on the mode of acquisition, not the length of ownership.
What does not qualify?
Commercial stocks of goods or inventory. New goods purchased by the estate specifically for import. Alcohol and tobacco (always subject to excise duty). Firearms (require specific permits).
The notarial certificate from the USA
Because ADM requires a certificate from a notary or competent authority in the USA, the practical first step is engaging a US notary or estate attorney to prepare a certified document confirming the inheritance. This document typically needs to be apostilled (authenticated) for use in Italy. ExpediShip can advise on the specific document format required when you book your crate shipment.
The Codice dei Beni Culturali: Italy's Cultural Heritage Law and What It Means for Crate Shipments
The Codice dei Beni Culturali: Italy’s Cultural Heritage Law and What It Means for Crate Shipments
Italy has one of the world’s most protective legal frameworks for cultural heritage. The Codice dei Beni Culturali e del Paesaggio (Legislative Decree No. 42 of 22 January 2004) — Italy’s Cultural Heritage and Landscape Code — governs the protection, preservation, and movement of objects with artistic, historical, archaeological, or cultural significance.
While this law primarily regulates the export of cultural goods from Italy, it is directly relevant for people shipping antiques, artworks, or historically significant objects into Italy from the USA. Here is why.
New EU Regulation on cultural goods imports (in force from June 2025)
From 28 June 2025, EU Regulation 2019/880 on the introduction and import of cultural goods into the EU entered fully into force. This regulation:
Prohibits the import of cultural goods that were illegally removed from their country of origin.
Requires an import licence from EU authorities for certain categories of particularly threatened cultural goods — specifically archaeological objects and dismembered parts of monuments more than 250 years old, regardless of their value.
Requires an importer declaration for other cultural goods above certain age and value thresholds.
This affects anyone shipping genuine antiques, archaeological items, or historically significant objects from the USA to Italy. If you are shipping items classified under HS code 9705 (collectors’ pieces and antiques), you may need to obtain an import licence or submit an importer declaration through the EU’s customs system before the goods arrive in Italy.
Italy’s domestic Codice dei Beni Culturali: restrictions on items of Italian cultural origin
For objects that are genuinely of Italian cultural, artistic, or historical origin — Italian-made antiques, artworks, ceramics, sculptures, silverware, or historically significant items — Italy’s Codice dei Beni Culturali imposes additional restrictions when such objects are imported back into Italy after having left the country. The Ministero della Cultura (Italian Ministry of Culture) and its network of Soprintendenze (regional cultural heritage superintendencies) have the authority to classify objects as beni culturali (cultural property) and to require that they be kept in Italy once imported.
If you are importing items that are genuinely of Italian origin — whether inherited, purchased in the USA, or otherwise acquired — include full provenance documentation (where the item was made, who owned it, when it left Italy, and how it entered the USA) with your crate shipment.
The export certificate (attestato di libera circolazione) reform of April 2026
From 14 April 2026, Italy raised the value threshold for requiring an export certificate (attestato di libera circolazione) for artworks from €13,500 to €50,000. This change facilitates the export of lower-value artworks from Italy, but it does not change the import requirements for objects entering Italy from outside the EU. For objects being imported into Italy for the first time, the EU Regulation 2019/880 import requirements apply regardless of the Italian export certificate threshold.
For all crate shipments containing antiques, artworks, or historically significant objects from the USA to Italy, contact ExpediShip before shipping. Our team and Italian clearance partners will advise on the specific ADM and Ministero della Cultura documentation required for your items.
How to Prepare a Crate Shipment from the USA to Italy : Step-by-Step Guide
Crating is one of the most secure and reliable methods for both domestic and international shipping, especially when transporting fragile, high-value, or oversized items. Unlike standard boxes, wooden crates provide a rigid structure that protects cargo from impact, compression, and handling damage during transit. This is particularly important for international shipments, where goods may go through multiple transfers, long transit times, and customs inspections.
When preparing a crate shipment, selecting the correct crate is the first and most important step. A strong and properly sized crate protects your goods and ensures safe transport.
Use solid wood crates or plywood crates for heavy or fragile items
For international shipping, use ISPM-15 certified (heat-treated) wood
Choose the right size to minimize empty space inside
Recommended crate sizes (based on shipment type):
Small crate: up to 48 × 40 × 36 inches (121 × 102 × 91 cm)
Medium crate: up to 60 × 48 × 48 inches (152 × 122 × 122 cm)
Large crate: up to 72 × 48 × 60 inches (183 × 122 × 152 cm)
Custom crates: for oversized items (furniture, sculptures, machinery)
Keep at least 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) space on each side for padding
Ensure the crate has a pallet-style base (forklift accessible)
Avoid weak or damaged wood
Before placing items into the crate, proper internal protection is critical.
Wrap items with foam, bubble wrap, or blankets
Protect fragile areas like corners, edges, and surfaces
Use anti-scratch and moisture protection if needed
Disassemble items (like table legs, frames) when possible
For high-value items, consider custom foam inserts
Items must not move during transit — this is one of the most important steps.
Use blocking and bracing (wood supports) inside the crate
Fill empty spaces with foam, padding, or air cushions
Use straps or tie-downs for heavy items
Ensure zero movement when shaking the crate
For machinery, consider bolting to the base
The crate structure must be strong enough to handle long-distance transport.
Use screws or nails (not just staples) to secure panels
Reinforce edges with metal brackets if needed
Seal all sides tightly
For international shipping, ensure the crate is fully enclosed
Optional: use water-resistant lining or wrap
Clear labeling ensures smooth handling and customs clearance.
Attach shipping labels on at least 2 sides
Add handling labels:
“Fragile”
“This Side Up”
“Do Not Stack” (if needed)
For international shipments:
Attach commercial invoice + packing list
Include HS code and item description
Place documents in a waterproof pouch
Before shipment, do a final check to avoid delays or damage.
Verify weight and dimensions (important for billing)
Check crate stability (no loose panels or movement)
Ensure forklift access on all sides if required
Take photos for records and insurance
Confirm pickup details and carrier requirements
Insurance Options for Shipping Boxes, Pallets, Crates, or Luggage from the USA to Italy
Every shipment automatically includes $100 of cargo insurance free of charge — if anything is lost or damaged, you are covered up to $100 at no extra cost. Need more protection? Add full coverage for just 3% of the declared value when requesting your quote. For eligibility rules, non-insurable items, and how claims work, see our Shipping Insurance Guide.
International Shipping Prohibitions and Restrictions
Ship from USA to Italy — Know What You Cannot Ship
Certain items cannot be received, stored, shipped, imported, or exported due to government regulations, safety concerns, or international trade laws. Transactions involving these commodities are strictly prohibited, regardless of the shipment’s origin or destination.
Note: These items are completely forbidden to be exported or imported between countries.
Shipping Process
Ship Pallet from USA to Italy
Frequently Asked Questions When Shipping Crate from USA to Italy
A pallet is an open platform for stacking multiple boxes. A crate is a fully enclosed container providing protection on all six sides. Crates are for items that are fragile, high-value, oversized, or require structural enclosure. If your items can be safely stacked in boxes on a pallet, a pallet shipment is sufficient. If your items need to be enclosed and protected on all sides, a crate is the correct solution.
For items imported under the ADM inheritance concession (eredità), a notarial certificate from a US notary or estate attorney, apostilled for Italian use, is required by ADM to confirm the items are acquired by hereditary succession. For antiques and artworks above certain age and value thresholds, the new EU Regulation 2019/880 (in force from June 2025) may also require an import licence or importer declaration. Contact ExpediShip to discuss documentation requirements for your specific items before shipping.
Via air freight, crate shipments typically take approximately 5 to 7 business days from pickup to delivery in Italy. ADM customs clearance for well-documented commercial or personal crate shipments is generally efficient — typically a few additional business days. Shipments involving cultural heritage documentation review by the Ministero della Cultura or Soprintendenze may require additional time. Allow 10 to 15 working days total for crate shipments involving heritage items.