Pack n Send Blog

 Shipping to a country other than your own for the first time is tedious and nerve-wracking. But with some of the information below, international shipping to Italy is a lot simpler than it seems.

According to USPS, here are some of the prohibited items:

• Any kind of album.
• Weaponry.
• Artificial plants.
• Musical instruments.
• Cartridges.
• Clocks.
• Medication.
• Leather goods.
• All perfumery goods except soap.
• Radioactive materials.
• Typewriter ribbons.
• Toys, excluding wooden ones.

For a complete list, visit the USPS website. DHL also lists prohibited items.

The  restrictions when using the USPS for Italy are fairly straightforward.

• All currency and valuable items must use an insured Priority Mail International parcel.
• Stamps for philatelic purposes - the study of stamps - must bear the completed Form 2976.

The required observations for shipping are much more lengthy, but see below for a great jumping off point:

• A parcel must bear a street address of post office box. The sender should also list a local number when sending to a street address, and it is a requirement when sending to a post office box.
• For Priority Mail International parcels, a copy of an invoice is required for all shipments valued at $300 or more. The PS Form 2976-E must also be taped to the outside of the shipment or enclosed inside.
• First-Class Mail and Package International Service shipments cannot contain dutiable articles.
• Books must be accompanied by a PS Form 2976.

Italy's culture and history is rich and storied. See for yourself!

• Italy has only existed as a country for 153 years.
• Italy is home to the only active volcanoes in Europe: Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius.
• The Vatican City in Rome is not only its own country but also the world's smallest country.
• Italy is the setting of multiple Shakespeare plays, including Othello and Merchant of Venice. 
• Italy's national flower is the lily. 

When shipping internationally, make sure to do your research ahead of time, but if you are looking at this article, you are already a step ahead of the game. For more information or help with any of your shipping needs, contact us today!