What happens if I do not declare spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) in Italy?

Under Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli, Carta doganale del viaggiatore, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under ADM, Carta doganale del viaggiatore: the goods are held until you leave the country; the goods are confiscated. Under Decreto legislativo 26 settembre 2024, n. 141, Articolo 96, comma 1, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) to Italy instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Is there a minimum age for the spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) allowance in Italy?

Yes — 17 years. A traveller under that age gets no allowance for spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) at all, not a smaller one.

Where does this rule come from?

Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) states it in FAQ - Le risposte alle domande più frequenti sulla materia doganale - Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Italy compare with other countries on spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer), 10 limit it and 9 let it through. Italy is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) can I bring into Italy?

Allowed

You can bring Spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) into Italy without a special limit.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

Limit 1 liter

What you need to know

1 liter (33.81 US fl oz)
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

On the plane

Airline differences

Airline	Difference from the baseline
Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA)	Stricter than the standard rule

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

FAQ - Le risposte alle domande più frequenti sulla materia doganale - Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli

Questions about Spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) in Italy

How much spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) can I bring into Italy?: Italy allows 1 liters of spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) per traveller without duty. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) at Italy customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) in Italy?: Under Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli, Carta doganale del viaggiatore, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under ADM, Carta doganale del viaggiatore: the goods are held until you leave the country; the goods are confiscated. Under Decreto legislativo 26 settembre 2024, n. 141, Articolo 96, comma 1, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) to Italy instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Is there a minimum age for the spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) allowance in Italy?: Yes — 17 years. A traveller under that age gets no allowance for spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) at all, not a smaller one.
Can I take spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) out of Italy?: Italy publishes no separate rule for taking spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Italy limit for spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) states it in FAQ - Le risposte alle domande più frequenti sulla materia doganale - Agenzia delle dogane e dei Monopoli. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Italy compare with other countries on spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit spirits (alcoholic beverages other than wine or beer), 10 limit it and 9 let it through. Italy is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages up to and including 22% vol Alcoholic beverages (all types) Alcoholic beverages (combined volume and value cap) Alcoholic beverages (standard 760 ml bottle) Alcoholic beverages above 12% ABV