Do I have to declare soil at Italy customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Italy customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare soil 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 soil 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.

Can I take soil out of Italy?

Italy publishes no separate rule for taking soil out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Italy limit for soil 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 Trade in plants & plant products from non-EU countries. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “It is prohibited to introduce into the EU territory plants, plant products and other objects in passengers’ personal luggage, unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.”

How does Italy compare with other countries on soil?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. Italy is among the strictest.

How much Soil can I bring into Italy?

Restricted

You can bring Soil into Italy only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Trade in plants & plant products from non-EU countries European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety

Questions about Soil in Italy

Do I have to declare soil at Italy customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Italy customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare soil 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 soil 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.
Can I take soil out of Italy?: Italy publishes no separate rule for taking soil out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Italy limit for soil 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 Trade in plants & plant products from non-EU countries. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “It is prohibited to introduce into the EU territory plants, plant products and other objects in passengers’ personal luggage, unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.”
How does Italy compare with other countries on soil?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. Italy is among the strictest.

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