Shipping from Alibaba to Italy: Complete Guide for Importers and Businesses (2025)

Italy has long been known as a manufacturing powerhouse, but in recent years, many Italian businesses—from fashion retailers to e-commerce startups—have turned to Alibaba for affordable and diverse product sourcing. With competitive Chinese pricing and growing demand across Italy, Alibaba has become a key partner for importers.

Yet, sourcing is only the beginning. The real challenge for Italian importers is navigating international shipping: selecting the right method, handling customs clearance, managing 22% VAT, and ensuring on-time delivery. This guide, created by DFH Logistics with over 12 years of freight forwarding experience, explains everything you need to know about importing from Alibaba to Italy—from shipping methods and costs to DDP solutions and customs requirements.

Why buy from Alibaba and ship to Italy?

Alibaba gives Italian importers direct access to thousands of manufacturers in China, offering lower prices and a broader product range than sourcing locally within the EU.

Key reasons Italian businesses choose Alibaba:

• Cost savings: Direct-from-factory pricing lowers sourcing costs compared to European suppliers.
• Diverse product categories: Electronics, furniture, home appliances, textiles, fashion accessories, and automotive parts are popular imports into Italy.
• Flexible order sizes: From small test shipments to full container loads, Alibaba suppliers can accommodate different business needs.
• E-commerce growth: Platforms like Amazon.it and Shopify stores in Italy rely on Chinese imports to stay competitive.

Italy’s location—with major ports such as Genoa, La Spezia, and Trieste—makes it an ideal entry point for goods from China, not only serving the Italian market but also acting as a gateway for Southern and Central Europe.

How does shipping work on Alibaba, and should your supplier handle it?

When buying from Alibaba, Italian importers have two main choices: let the supplier arrange shipping or manage it through a professional freight forwarder. Each option has very different implications for cost, control, and customs clearance in Italy.

Option 1: Supplier-arranged shipping

• Many Alibaba suppliers offer to handle shipping, usually via Cainiao (Alibaba’s logistics service) or express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
• This method works well for small parcels or product samples, where speed matters more than cost.

Limitations for Italian importers:

• High cost for heavier or bulk shipments.
• Limited transport choices (mostly courier or basic sea freight).
• Hidden markups: Suppliers often add margins on top of actual freight rates.
• Customs & VAT risks: Suppliers rarely manage Italian 22% VAT or EORI requirements, leaving importers responsible for clearance.

Option 2: Use your own freight forwarder

• Your supplier delivers goods to your chosen forwarder’s warehouse in China.
• A professional forwarder (like DFH Logistics) will handle:
  • Pickup and consolidation from multiple suppliers
  • Export customs clearance in China
  • International transport (air, sea, rail, truck, or DDP)
  • Italian customs clearance, duty & VAT payment
  • Final delivery to your warehouse, retail shop, or Amazon FBA Italy

Advantages:

• Full control over shipping costs, timing, and transport method.
• Transparent pricing without supplier markups.
• Smooth customs clearance with proper HS code classification.
• Option to use DDP shipping, where VAT and duties are prepaid, avoiding delays.

Which is better for Italy?

• For samples and very small packages, supplier-arranged shipping is acceptable.
• For larger or repeat shipments, Italian importers benefit more from working with their own freight forwarder. This ensures compliance with Italian customs, avoids unexpected VAT bills, and improves reliability.

What are the shipping methods from Alibaba to Italy?

Importers in Italy can choose from several shipping methods when buying from Alibaba. The best option depends on your cargo size, budget, and urgency.

1. Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS)

• Transit time: 3–7 business days
• Best for: Small parcels under 100 kg
• Advantages: Fast, door-to-door, customs clearance included
• Limitations: Expensive for bulky or heavy cargo

2. Air Freight

• Transit time: 5–12 business days (China to Milan Malpensa or Rome Fiumicino)
• Best for: 100–500 kg shipments that are time-sensitive
• Advantages: Faster than sea, more cost-effective than express for medium cargo
• Limitations: Customs and last-mile delivery in Italy may require a forwarder unless DDP is used

3. Sea Freight (LCL & FCL)

• Transit time: 35–45 days (door-to-door)
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for 1–15 CBM shipments
• FCL (Full Container Load): Best for 20+ CBM bulk imports; shipped via Port of Genoa, La Spezia, or Trieste
• Advantages: Cheapest option for large shipments
• Limitations: Longer transit time

4. Railway Freight (China–Europe Rail)

• Transit time: 25–30 days (via Central Europe, then trucking into Italy)
• Best for: Mid-sized shipments needing a balance of speed and cost
• Advantages: Faster than sea, cheaper than air, eco-friendly
• Limitations: Limited space and not suitable for all goods

5. Truck Freight

• Transit time: 18–25 days
• Best for: Flexible, door-to-door delivery across Italy and neighboring EU countries
• Advantages: Avoids port delays, good for e-commerce fulfillment
• Limitations: Less economical for very large shipments

6. DDP Shipping (Delivered Duty Paid)

• Available via: Air, sea, rail, and truck
• Transit time: 7–12 days (Air DDP), 35–45 days (Sea DDP), 18–25 days (Truck DDP), 25–30 days (Rail DDP)
• Advantages: All-inclusive pricing—pickup, freight, customs clearance, VAT & duty payment, and final delivery
• Best for: Importers without EORI/VAT, Amazon.it sellers, and first-time importers
• Limitations: Requires a reliable freight forwarder to ensure compliance

What is DDP shipping from Alibaba to Italy?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping is one of the most convenient and stress-free solutions for Italian importers buying from Alibaba. With DDP, your freight forwarder takes full responsibility for the entire logistics chain, ensuring your shipment reaches Italy without you needing to manage customs paperwork or VAT.

How DDP shipping works

1. Pickup from your supplier’s warehouse or factory in China.
2. Export customs clearance in China.
3. International transportation by air, sea, rail, or truck.
4. Import customs clearance in Italy, including duties and 22% VAT.
5. Final delivery to your warehouse, shop, or Amazon FBA Italy center.

Benefits of DDP shipping for Italy

• No EORI or VAT registration required: Your forwarder acts as the official importer.
• All-inclusive quote: Freight, duties, and VAT included in one fixed price.
• Door-to-door convenience: From Chinese supplier to your address in Milan, Rome, Naples, or anywhere in Italy.
• Time savings: Avoid long customs delays caused by missing or incorrect documents.

When choose DDP?

• If you are a new importer without experience handling Italian customs.
• If you sell on Amazon.it or other platforms that require smooth and reliable delivery.
• If you want a predictable landed cost without surprise customs bills.

Note:
Not all DDP offers on Alibaba are trustworthy. Some suppliers under-declare cargo values to cut costs, which can lead to fines and delays at Italian customs. Partnering with a professional forwarder like DFH Logistics ensures compliance, accurate VAT handling, and reliable delivery.

How much does it cost to ship from Alibaba to Italy?

The shipping cost from Alibaba to Italy depends on the method, shipment size, and whether you use a DDP all-inclusive service. Costs are influenced by cargo weight/volume, customs duties, and Italy’s 22% VAT.

Key factors that affect cost

• Shipping method: Express, air, sea, rail, or truck
• Cargo size: Air freight is billed per kg, while sea freight is charged by CBM or container
• Destination in Italy: Final delivery to Milan, Rome, or inland cities like Bologna or Turin may involve extra trucking fees
• Duties & VAT: If not using DDP, importers must handle 22% VAT and duty payments directly

Average shipping cost estimates (China → Italy)

Tips when choose the shipping method:
Always compare at least two methods before shipping. For example, while sea freight is cheapest, rail may help you save time and improve cash flow without drastically increasing costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship from Alibaba to Italy?

The cheapest way to ship from Alibaba to Italy depends mainly on the shipment size and urgency.

1. Sea Freight (LCL & FCL)

• FCL (Full Container Load): The lowest per-unit cost, best for orders above 20 CBM.
• LCL (Less than Container Load): More cost-efficient than air freight for 1–15 CBM.
• Ports: Most shipments arrive via Genoa, La Spezia, or Trieste.

2. Railway Freight

• Transit time: 25–30 days.
• Cheaper than air freight and much faster than sea freight.
• Works well for medium-sized shipments where you want a balance of cost and delivery time.

3. DDP Sea Freight

• For businesses without EORI or VAT registration, DDP sea freight is usually the cheapest all-in solution.
• Includes freight, customs clearance, duties, and Italy’s 22% VAT in one fixed price.
• Avoids surprise costs at customs and ensures door-to-door delivery.

Cost-saving tips

• Consolidate shipments: Combine multiple Alibaba orders into one container to reduce shipping and clearance fees.
• Avoid peak season: Costs rise around Chinese New Year and Europe’s summer shipping rush.
• Smart packaging: Reduce wasted CBM by optimizing packaging sizes.
• Compare sea vs. rail: Rail is sometimes slightly more expensive but reduces transit time by up to two weeks.

Do you need an EORI or VAT number to import from Alibaba to Italy?

When importing from Alibaba to Italy, most businesses will need both an EORI number and a VAT number—unless they choose a DDP shipping service managed by a forwarder.

What is an EORI number?

• EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) is required for all EU importers.
• Italian Customs (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli) uses this number to process and track shipments.
• Without an EORI, your goods cannot be cleared at Italian ports or airports.

VAT requirements in Italy

• Italy applies a 22% standard VAT on imported goods.
• Companies with a VAT registration can reclaim this VAT in their tax filings.
• Without a VAT number, VAT becomes a direct, non-recoverable cost added to your product price.

When you don’t need EORI or VAT

• If you choose DDP shipping (Delivered Duty Paid), your freight forwarder becomes the official importer.
• The forwarder uses their own EORI and VAT registration for customs clearance.
• You receive your goods with duties and 22% VAT already paid, no extra paperwork required.

How is Italy customs clearance handled when shipping from Alibaba?

All goods imported from Alibaba into Italy must pass through customs clearance before they can be released for delivery. Most shipments enter through Port of Genoa, La Spezia, Trieste, or airports such as Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino.

Steps in Italian customs clearance

1. Arrival notice: Carrier submits shipment details to Italian Customs (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli).
2. Import declaration: Importer or freight forwarder files an entry declaration with HS codes, product descriptions, and values.
3. Duties & VAT calculation: Import duty is assessed by HS code, and 22% VAT is applied on CIF value plus duty.
4. Inspection (if required): Customs may inspect goods, especially electronics, textiles, or products needing CE/REACH certification.
5. Cargo release: Once all taxes are paid, goods are released for delivery to warehouses, Amazon FBA Italy, or other EU markets.

Required documents for shipping from Alibaba to Italy

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight)
• EORI number (unless using DDP)
• Compliance certificates (CE, RoHS, REACH) where applicable

Common challenges in Italy

• Incorrect HS codes: May result in higher duty rates or delays.
• Under-declared values: Italian Customs often checks valuation closely; low-value declarations can trigger fines.
• Compliance issues: Consumer goods like electronics, toys, and cosmetics must meet EU standards (CE, REACH, RoHS).

How DFH Logistics helps

• Correct HS code classification to reduce costs and avoid errors.
• Ensure all documents are properly prepared before departure from China.
• Offer DDP shipping options, where DFH handles Italian customs clearance, VAT, and duties.
• Guide importers through EU compliance requirements to prevent clearance delays.

Pay Attention please:
Italy’s customs authorities are strict on product compliance. Always confirm your products meet CE or REACH standards before shipping from China. Using a professional freight forwarder like DFH Logistics ensures a smooth clearance process.

What are the prohibited and restricted items when shipping from Alibaba to Italy?

Before importing from Alibaba to Italy, it is essential to understand which goods are prohibited and which are restricted under Italian and EU regulations. Violating these rules may result in fines, shipment seizure, or destruction of goods.

Prohibited items (not allowed into Italy/EU)

• Counterfeit or fake branded products
• Drugs and narcotics
• Weapons, explosives, and ammunition
• Hazardous or toxic chemicals
• Pornographic or obscene materials
• Products made from endangered species (CITES restricted)

Restricted items (allowed only with permits or certifications)

• Batteries & power banks: Require MSDS and compliance with air transport regulations.
• Cosmetics & skincare: Must meet EU cosmetics directives and labeling standards.
• Food, plants & agricultural products: Require sanitary or phytosanitary certificates.
• Medical devices & pharmaceuticals: Need EU approval before entry.
• Electronics & toys: Must have CE marking, and some products also require RoHS/REACH certification.
• Textiles & fashion items: Subject to EU labeling rules (fiber content, origin, safety compliance).

How to avoid customs issues in Italy

• Verify product eligibility with your supplier before ordering.
• Request compliance certificates (CE, RoHS, REACH) where required.
• Avoid undervaluing invoices, as Italian Customs checks declared value strictly.
• If you want to simplify compliance, consider DDP shipping, where your forwarder takes responsibility.

How long does it take to ship from Alibaba to Italy?

The time it takes to ship goods from Alibaba to Italy depends on the transport method, cargo size, and customs clearance efficiency. Goods usually arrive via Port of Genoa, La Spezia, Trieste, or airports such as Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino.

Average transit times (China → Italy)

• Express Courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx): 3–7 business days
• Air Freight: 5–12 business days (to Milan or Rome)
• Sea Freight (LCL/FCL): 35–45 days door-to-door via Italian ports
• Railway Freight (China–Europe Rail): 30–35 days (via Central Europe, then truck to Italy)
• Truck Freight: 18–25 days (direct overland transport)
• DDP Shipping: 7–12 days (Air DDP), 35–45 days (Sea DDP), 18–25 days (Truck DDP), 30–35 days (Rail DDP)

Factors that affect delivery time

1. Peak seasons: Shipping is slower during Chinese New Year, Golden Week, and Italy’s summer holiday period.
2. Customs clearance: Incorrect HS codes or missing documents can delay release.
3. Port congestion: Genoa and La Spezia are busy container hubs and sometimes face delays.
4. Final-mile delivery: Inland cities like Florence, Bologna, and Turin may require additional trucking time.

If you need goods quickly, choose express courier or air freight. For bulk cargo, sea freight is the most economical. A professional forwarder like DFH Logistics can also design multimodal solutions (rail + truck) to save time while controlling costs.

What is the best shipping method from Alibaba to Italy?

The best shipping method from Alibaba to Italy depends on your shipment size, delivery urgency, and business model. Each transport option has advantages for different scenarios.

Best by shipment type

• Small, urgent parcels (<100 kg):
  Use Express Courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx) for delivery within 3–7 days.

• Medium-sized shipments (100–500 kg):
  Air Freight offers the best balance of speed and cost, typically 5–12 days.

• Bulk cargo (>20 CBM):
  Sea Freight (FCL) is the most economical for container loads, via Genoa, La Spezia, or Trieste.

• Balance of time and cost:
  Railway Freight (25–30 days) provides a faster alternative to sea freight and a cheaper option than air.

• For importers without EORI/VAT:
  DDP Shipping (Delivered Duty Paid) is the simplest choice. It covers Italian customs clearance, duties, and the 22% VAT, ensuring a smooth door-to-door delivery.

Why choose DFH Logistics for shipping from Alibaba to Italy?

With over 12 years of freight forwarding experience, DFH Logistics has helped thousands of importers—ranging from small e-commerce sellers to large wholesalers—ship efficiently from China to Italy. We understand the unique challenges of Italian customs and provide tailored solutions for different business models.

Advantages for you to Choose DFH Logistics

1. End-to-end shipping service: From supplier pickup in China to final delivery in Italy.
2. DDP expertise: We specialize in Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), covering Italian customs clearance, duties, and 22% VAT.
3. Multiple transport options: Express, air, sea (LCL/FCL), rail, truck, or multimodal combinations.
4. Transparent pricing: Clear, competitive quotes with no hidden fees.
5. Free consolidation & warehousing: 30 days free storage in our Shenzhen warehouse with supplier consolidation service.
6. Compliance support: Guidance with CE, RoHS, and REACH certifications, critical for products entering the EU market.
7. Amazon FBA ready: Labeling, packaging, and direct delivery to Amazon.it fulfillment centers.

In short:
DFH Logistics is more than just a freight forwarder—we are your strategic logistics partner in China, ensuring your Alibaba imports to Italy are smooth, compliant, and cost-effective.

Step by step process of shipping from Alibaba to Italy

Here’s the 9-step process to ship from Alibaba suppliers in China to Italy:

Step 1 — Place order on Alibaba

Select a verified supplier, confirm Incoterms (EXW/FOB/CIF/DDP), and request invoice + packing list.

Step 2 — Choose shipping method & forwarder

Decide between express, air, sea (LCL/FCL), rail, or truck. A forwarder like DFH Logistics provides routing and cost comparison.

Step 3 — Pickup & consolidation in China

Forwarder arranges factory pickup, optional consolidation, and packaging optimization.

Step 4 — Export customs in China

Forwarder files export declaration and ensures compliance before departure.

Step 5 — International transport

• Air: to Milan or Rome airports
• Sea: to Genoa, La Spezia, or Trieste
• Rail/Truck: via Central Europe into Italy

Step 6 — Import customs in Italy

Italian Customs (Agenzia delle Dogane) checks documents, applies duties + 22% VAT, and may inspect goods.

Step 7 — Compliance checks

Electronics, toys, cosmetics, and textiles may require CE/REACH/RoHS certificates.

Step 8 — Final delivery

After clearance, goods move to your warehouse, Amazon FBA Italy, or distribution center.

Step 9 — Documentation & VAT handling

Keep customs entry, duty/VAT receipts, and invoices for reclaiming VAT (if registered).

Check in more clearly

Conclusion

Importing from Alibaba to Italy opens opportunities for both e-commerce sellers and established wholesalers. With competitive Chinese pricing and Italy’s strong logistics infrastructure, many businesses rely on Alibaba to expand their sourcing channels.

• For urgent small parcels, Express Courier is the fastest method.
• For medium-sized shipments, Air Freight provides a good balance between speed and cost.
• For bulk cargo, Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) via Genoa, La Spezia, or Trieste offers the lowest per-unit cost.
• For importers without EORI/VAT, DDP shipping is the most convenient, stress-free solution.

At DFH Logistics, we simplify the entire process: from factory pickup in China, export customs, international transport, Italian customs clearance, 22% VAT & duty handling, to final delivery in Milan, Rome, or anywhere in Italy. With over 12 years of freight forwarding expertise, we ensure your Alibaba shipments arrive on time, cost-efficiently, and fully compliant with EU regulations.

Ready to ship from Alibaba to Italy?
Contact DFH Logistics today for a tailored shipping plan. Let us handle the logistics, while you focus on growing your business.