Importing forged wheels into Italy can be smooth when three things are controlled early: compliance, documents, and delivery terms. Most problems are caused by missing proof, unclear specs, or the wrong Incoterm.
Below, a practical workflow is provided for B2B buyers (dealers, tuning shops, performance brands, and wheel distributors).
1) Start with compliance (before any payment)
Check whether ECE R124 applies
If wheels are sold as replacement wheels for the EU market, UNECE Regulation No. 124 (ECE R124) is often requested by customers, insurers, or inspectors, and an E-mark may be expected on the wheel.
What should be requested from the supplier
- Intended vehicle categories / fitment scope (PCD, CB, offset range, load rating).
- Test plan and lab scope (if ECE approval is needed).
- Marking plan (what will be engraved/cast/laser-marked on the wheel).
If ECE R124 is not required for your channel, that should still be written clearly in the purchase file to avoid later disputes.
Check trade remedies (anti-dumping risk)
For some wheel categories (notably certain aluminium road wheels originating in China), EU anti-dumping measures have existed, and additional duties may apply depending on product scope and classification.
This should be checked by your customs broker using TARIC/Access2Markets before the order is confirmed.
2) Lock the correct HS code and product description
Wheels are commonly classified under HS/CN 8708.70 (road wheels and parts/accessories), but the exact TARIC line depends on material and details.
What should be standardized on the invoice
- “Forged aluminium wheel” (or forged magnesium, etc.)
- Size (e.g., 20×10.5J), ET, PCD, center bore
- Load rating and intended vehicle type
- Unit price + total quantity
- Incoterm and named place/port
A vague description (like “car parts”) is often flagged and delays are created.
3) Set the right Incoterm (to avoid hidden costs)
For most Italian B2B importers, these are the safest patterns:
- FOB China port: freight is controlled by you; risk is reduced.
- CIF/CFR Italy port: freight is arranged by the supplier, but destination charges must be watched.
- DAP/DDP: should be used only when the importer-of-record responsibility is clearly written (many “DDP” offers are not real DDP).
If your team is sensitive to customs risk, FOB + your forwarder is usually preferred.
4) Build a “no-surprises” document pack
For EU/Italy customs clearance, an import declaration is typically made on the Single Administrative Document (SAD) (normally handled electronically by your broker/agent).
Documents that should be prepared (minimum)
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list (net/gross weight, carton count, pallet count)
- Bill of lading / sea waybill (or AWB for air)
- Insurance certificate (if CIF)
- Certificate of origin (when requested by your customer or bank; also useful for checks)
- Technical file: drawings + material + load test report (and ECE file if needed)
One critical item for Italy/EU: EORI
An EORI number is required for customs clearance in the EU.
5) Calculate landed cost (Italy-focused)
VAT
Italy’s standard VAT rate is 22% for most goods (including typical auto parts), and import VAT is normally charged at import and supported by the customs import documentation used for accounting.
Duty and possible additional duties
- Normal customs duty is determined by TARIC and your final classification.
- If anti-dumping measures apply to your specific wheel type, extra duty can be added.
Tip that saves money: ask your broker for a landed-cost sheet before the deposit is paid, using the exact wheel description and material.
6) Control quality before shipment (cheaper than claims)
For custom forged wheels, most disputes are created by fitment mismatch and finish variation.
A simple, effective QC plan is usually used:
- Pre-production drawing sign-off (PCD/CB/ET, valve pocket, hub pad, caliper clearance).
- First-article inspection photos + measurements.
- Finish approval: one “golden sample” standard is stored.
- Pre-shipment inspection: runout, balance pad, engraving, packaging drop check.
When a third-party inspector is used, the inspection criteria should be written as pass/fail numbers (not “looks good”).
7) Shipping and arrival: what should be expected
Typical flow (sea freight):
- Export customs in China is handled.
- Main transport is booked.
- Arrival notice is issued by the carrier/agent.
- Customs clearance is filed in Italy (by your broker).
- Duty/VAT are paid (or guaranteed, depending on your setup).
- Delivery is booked to your warehouse.
If delays happen, they are usually caused by:
- HS code mismatch vs. product description
- Missing weights/cartons match
- Unclear origin/manufacturer details
- Missing compliance proof (when requested)
8) A practical buyer checklist (copy/paste)
Before order
- ECE R124 requirement confirmed (Yes/No)
- TARIC duty + anti-dumping exposure checked
- HS/CN line confirmed with broker
- Incoterm and named place agreed
Before shipment
- Drawings signed and archived
- Finish sample approved
- Pre-shipment inspection passed
- Invoice + packing list match 100%
Before customs clearance
- EORI ready
- SAD filing arranged by broker
- VAT cash-flow planned (Italy standard VAT is 22%)
Final note (what is usually rewarded by Italian buyers)
When a supplier file is kept clean—complete invoice details, stable lead time, and verifiable compliance—repeat orders are typically earned quickly in the EU aftermarket.
If you want, your current wheel specs (sizes, offsets, finishes, target vehicle models, and yearly volume) can be turned into a one-page “import-ready RFQ” format that can be sent to factories and freight forwarders.