Importing a car from the Netherlands into Italy: RDW, documents and costs

For a private individual already resident in Italy, the purchase is worthwhile only if the advantage remains after inspection, RDW export, transport and Italian registration. Before a non-refundable payment, ask the UMC or STA whether the specific file is sufficient, check who will appear on the export record and choose a transfer that is valid along the entire route. The three months under Article 93-bis run from acquisition of registered residence: someone already living in Italy does not obtain three new months by buying a foreign car today. REVE concerns specific cases of availability or work and does not generally replace registration of one’s own car. 1 2

First decision: vehicle, seller and VAT

For VAT purposes, the car is used only if both conditions are met: more than 6,000 km and transfer more than six months after first registration. It is fiscally new if it has travelled no more than 6,000 km or is transferred within six months; exactly 6,000 km is not enough to define it as used. 3 4

For an ordinary used car already registered in the EU and bought from a private individual, transfer to Italy does not itself generate new VAT on the car. If a professional sells it, read the invoice and distinguish ordinary VAT from the margin scheme: a private buyer has no general right to a net price. Procedures provided for certain used vehicles do not remove the rules for fiscally new means of transport. 3 5

No customs duties apply on the ordinary intra-EU Netherlands–Italy route; this rule does not cover special tax territories or direct purchases from outside the EU. 3

Car and file before payment

Match the chassis number against the contract and documents, check the seller and reconstruct maintenance, damage and provenance. Have the UMC or STA check which originals are required for that vehicle. The basics include the proof of purchase, identity and tax code, the complete original foreign document — both parts, where applicable — technical data, relevant tax and insurance evidence, and any technical inspection documents. Modifications, damage or omissions can change the route. 5 4 6

A non-harmonised registration document or one with additional annotations requires the relevant full translation. The COC may be original or a copy and does not require translation; alternatively, a translated supplementary technical sheet or other permitted evidence may be needed. 5

As a rule, a vehicle from another EU Member State is not subject to a prior technical examination and test (visita e prova), but there are exceptions for specific approvals, damaged vehicles and other cases. Periodic roadworthiness inspection, technical examination and test, and a pre-purchase inspection are different checks. 5

Since 3 February 2026, RDW has incorporated German mileage records for cars imported from Germany, without adding them retrospectively to those registered in the Netherlands before that date. Even with an increasing series, it may remain “Geen oordeel vanwege invoer”: this does not certify a complete history or mechanical condition. Look for invoices, original maintenance records and signs of repair. 7 8

A physical inspection may reduce uncertainty, but the one described by CarAudit does not involve dismantling, depends on access and test conditions, and cannot guarantee detection of every defect or future fault. The certificate is not a guarantee under the Civil Code. 9 10

RDW export: holder and documents

It is prudent to register the buyer as the export party so that their name appears on the Part II certificate. The procedure provides proof of deregistration, a cut document or Part 1B, and the Part II export certificate, which is required together with the vehicle document for foreign registration. Check names and the chassis number before paying. 11

Online notification when the car is already abroad does not issue the Part II export certificate: obtain and check the documents before departure. 11

The BPM refund is conditional. Requirements include first Dutch registration from 16 October 2006, absence of the specified damaged-vehicle status, RDW Export status and permanent registration in Italy within 13 weeks of export. It is not an automatic buyer discount: check the beneficiary, application, deadline and amount. 12

Transport: export number or vehicle transporter

After deregistration, RDW permits 14 days of driving on Dutch public roads with an export number; a passenger car must have valid insurance and APK. The 14 days do not establish a right to drive in transit states or in Italy. 11

A temporary plate valid in the state of origin is not enough on its own: check the permitted driver and holder, dates, documents, recognition in every country and complete insurance cover. A vehicle transporter avoids driving on its own plates, but not ownership, tax and registration obligations. 1 6

In Italy: notification, tax and registration

The private individual must notify the details of the intra-EU purchase within the 15 days following the purchase and in any event before the registration application. The deadline does not run from arrival in Italy. 13 5

Where the conditions for exclusion from payment through F24 Elide apply, the Agenzia delle Entrate is responsible for the prior documentary check. A positive outcome passes from the Provincial Directorate to the CED and permits registration without that payment; it is not a general VAT exemption for fiscally new vehicles. 5

The ordinary technical check is part of registration, with no separate application or independent fee. A positive technical outcome does not replace any tax condition for registration. 5

In eligible EU or EEA cases, the STA can combine UMC registration, entry in the PRA register and issue of the Documento Unico (DU). If the STA cannot be used, the process goes first through the UMC and then the PRA within 60 days from the date of the document preparatory to the DU, not from purchase or arrival. 4

Budget without false certainty

Separate the price and VAT, inspection, documents and translations, one transport method only, Motorizzazione, PRA/IPT, Italian plates, any technical procedures, repairs and agency. ACI confirms, only within the PRA scope, €27 in fees and two €16 stamp duties; IPT varies. This is not the full cost of registration and does not permit a total while quotations are missing. 4

Driving and a vehicle transporter are alternatives: include only the chosen branch. Keep any BPM separate as well until the beneficiary, requirements and amount have been checked. 12

Inspection in the Netherlands, if available

At the check on 10 September 2026, CarAudit listed the Netherlands among the covered areas. Before making arrangements, confirm availability for the location and vehicle, price, timing and access; contact does not confirm a booking or appointment. The described service concerns inspection and does not promise transport, customs clearance or registration. 9 14 10

If the vehicle is in the Netherlands, you can contact CarAudit to check whether a pre-purchase inspection is available for that location and specific car. First ask for confirmation of the price, timing and access to the vehicle: the inspection does not include dismantling, cannot guarantee the absence of every defect, and does not include transport or registration. 9, 10, 14

Frequently asked questions

When is a Dutch car used for VAT purposes?

Only if it has more than 6,000 km and is transferred more than six months after first registration. If it has no more than 6,000 km or is transferred within six months, it is fiscally new; the type of seller then determines how to read the price and invoice. 3, 4, 5

Are customs duties payable when bringing the car from the Netherlands?

No, not in the ordinary movement of a vehicle between the Netherlands and Italy, both EU Member States. This answer does not cover special tax territories or a direct purchase from outside the EU. 3

Which RDW documents must I obtain before departure?

Check that the export is registered correctly, preferably with you as the buyer, and collect proof of deregistration, a cut document or Part 1B, and the Part II export certificate. Online notification when the vehicle is already abroad does not issue Part II. 11

Can I drive to Italy for 14 days with the export number?

RDW states 14 days of driving on Dutch public roads and requires valid insurance and APK for a passenger car. You must separately check recognition, the permitted driver and cover in every transit state and in Italy. 11, 6, 1

When do the 15 days for notifying the purchase start?

From the date on which the purchase is made, not from arrival in Italy. Notification must take place within the following 15 days and, in any event, before the registration application. 13, 5

Is the COC always compulsory and must it be translated?

No. It may be provided in original or copy and does not require translation; technical alternatives may be accepted. A non-harmonised registration document or one with additional annotations instead requires the relevant full translation. 5

Does an Italian resident have three months from purchase to use Dutch plates?

Not if they have already been resident in Italy for some time. In the owner branch of Article 93-bis, the three months are linked to acquisition of registered residence, not to every new purchase; REVE is not a general alternative to registration of one’s own car. 1, 2

Does the BPM refund automatically reduce the price?

No. It is subject to requirements, including certain first-registration conditions, RDW Export status and permanent registration in Italy within 13 weeks. Check the beneficiary, application and amount before including it in the negotiation. 12

Does an increasing RDW mileage assessment guarantee the car?

No. For some cars already imported from Germany, RDW may report German mileage records without retrospective application and retain “Geen oordeel vanwege invoer”. The series does not replace historical documents or a physical inspection. 7, 8

Sources

1. ACI Gov — Codice della strada, art. 93-bis
2. ACI Gov — REVE: registrazione dei veicoli immatricolati all’estero
3. Your Europe — L'IVA quando compri o vendi un'automobile
4. ACI Gov — Nazionalizzazione: iscrizione di veicolo usato proveniente dall’estero
5. MIT — DD 581 del 17 dicembre 2025
6. Your Europe — Car registration documents and formalities in the EU
7. RDW — German odometer readings in the register
8. RDW — Tips for buying a vehicle
9. CarAudit Italia — Home
10. CarAudit Italia — Cosa controlliamo
11. RDW — Exporting a vehicle
12. Belastingdienst — BPM refund when exporting a used vehicle
13. Gazzetta Ufficiale — DM 26 marzo 2018
14. CarAudit Italia — Contatti