An Italian translation should accompany the description of the exported goods that appear on all export documents. This means that Italian customs inspectors will not have to view the goods due to difficulties in understanding their English description. Imports of animals, meat and meat products, and milk and milk products must be accompanied by a declaration certifying that oestrogen s have not been used in these products. Italy and the EC have special regulations regarding imports of foodstuffs, beverages, live animals, poultry, special pharmaceuticals, dangerous drugs and narcotics, cosmetics and toiletries, toys, animal products, live plants, seed grains, harmful plant and seed organisms, tobacco, firearms, and alcohol. Since Italy s veterinary and plant quarantine regulations often change, exporters should obtain the current regulations from the importer before shipment.
Regulations governing the use of activities for all types of foodstuffs also change frequently.
Marking of Goods and Packages Specific commodities must be marked or labelled in Italian, showing their composition and the name and location of the manufacturer. Goods not conforming to these regulations may be refused entry or confiscated if fraudulent statements are made as to their origin and nature. Precious metal articles must be hallmarked. The EC imposes various labelling requirements on certain fresh fruits, vegetables, canned fish and meat. Packages should bear the consignee s mark, including port mark, and should be numbered unless the shipment is such that the contents of the packages can be readily identified without numbers.