Short answer: after buying and exporting the car from the UAE, you clear it through Italian customs (normally 10% duty and 22% VAT), complete the approval procedure at the Motorizzazione Civile if the car has no valid EU type approval, and register it with the PRA, paying IPT.
Workflow
- Compare before buying. Match model, year, mileage and spec against Italian listings.
- Inspect the car in the UAE before payment.
- Buy and deregister for export with the UAE traffic authority; collect export documents.
- Ship by RoRo or container to an EU port served by your carrier.
- Customs clearance with a customs agent (spedizioniere/doganalista): duty and VAT are paid on the customs declaration.
- Approval (omologazione): technical documents and, typically, an inspection and test at the Motorizzazione.
- Registration at the PRA with IPT, then plates and registration document.
Key costs
| Cost | Basis |
|---|---|
| Customs duty | 10% of CIF value |
| Import VAT | 22% of CIF + duty |
| IPT | Depends on power (kW) and province |
| Superbollo | Annual tax above 185 kW — affects resale demand |
| Approval and modifications | Vehicle-specific |
Official sources: Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, EU TARIC 8703.
Compliance
Gulf-market cars often lack a valid EU certificate of conformity. Budget for documentation, possible lighting or emissions-related changes, and test fees. Verify the route for the specific car before purchase — see homologation support.
Before you buy
- Italian comparables and expected resale, net of VAT if you are a dealer
- Inspection report
- Approval requirements checked
- IPT and superbollo considered in the resale price
- Landed cost from the calculator
Confirm requirements with the Motorizzazione, your customs agent and your accountant.