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PhrasesAt the Post OfficeQuali documenti servono per spedire all'estero?
B1formal

Quali documenti servono per spedire all'estero?

What documents are needed to send something abroad?

Pronunciation

e-STE-ro — three syllables; stress on the second. The 'e' is open and clear.

When to use it

Use this before preparing an international shipment. Non-EU destinations require customs declarations and the contents may be subject to restrictions.

What it means

'Quali documenti servono' (what documents are needed) uses 'servono' — third-person plural of servire (to be needed/necessary) — a very natural Italian construction. For EU countries, no customs form is required. For non-EU, the CN22 or CN23 customs form must be completed.

Variations

Devo compilare un modulo doganale?

Do I need to fill in a customs form?

Direct question about customs requirements

Ci sono oggetti che non posso spedire all'estero?

Are there items I cannot send abroad?

Important question — hazardous materials, food, and some electronics may be prohibited

Quanto posso dichiarare come valore?

How much can I declare as value?

Asking about declared value limits for customs

Mini Dialogue

— Quali documenti servono per spedire all'estero? — Dipende dalla destinazione. Per l'Europa niente. Per il Giappone serve il modulo CN23. — Cosa devo scrivere? — Il contenuto, il peso e il valore dichiarato. — Eccolo, ho già compilato tutto.

— What documents are needed to send something abroad? — It depends on the destination. For Europe nothing. For Japan you need the CN23 form. — What do I need to write? — The contents, weight, and declared value. — Here it is, I've already filled everything in.

Cultural Note

Italy is part of the Universal Postal Union and uses standardised international customs forms (CN22 for values under €300, CN23 for higher values). The CN forms must be completed in block capitals and attached to the outside of the package. Failure to do so correctly can result in the parcel being held in customs.