Australian exports to Italy have dropped slightly over the past 2 years. Two-way merchandise trade in 2007-2008 totalled AU$ 6,3 billion. Such commodities as wool, wheat, coal, alumina, zinc, iron ore, nickel, leather and hides and skins are the most exported from Australia to Italy, making up over 80 per cent of total Australian exports. Exports of processed food, wine, defence materiel, fast ferries, motor vehicle parts, medicaments are growing.
Product certification, labelling and packaging
All certificates must be in Italian. Fax copies of certificates are not acceptable. There are Italian requirements for meat and poultry products. Meat products require export certificates and certificates of origin and health and in the case of red meat, including statements that the beef has come from animals raised on farms where there has been no occurrence of the disease. All required forms and supplementary statements must be dated and signed by a veterinarian. Imports of fish must be accompanied by a certificate specifying the permitted mercury content. Beer and wine imports must be accompanied by a certificate of analysis issued by a recognised government laboratory. The completion of Form C&E 94F is required for all spirits. Pome fruits must be accompanied by an International Model Phytosanitary Certificate.
In Italy basic labelling requirements are the following:
• country of origin;
• name of products (physical condition or specific treatment);
• ingredients in descending order of weight;
• name/address of manufacturer, packer, seller or importer in Local language;
• metric weight and volume;
• minimum shelf life date;
• additives by category name;
• special storage conditions.
Documentary requirements
There is no prescribed form to commercial invoice. A minimum of three copies is required. The invoice must indicate:
• country of origin;
• the consignee's name and address;
• the shipper's name and address;
• quantities;
• date of emission;
• the terms of payment;
• a precise description of goods;
• marks;
• gross and net weights;
• class and contents of packages;
• the full value.
The bill of lading must include such information:
• the country of origin;
• a brief description of the goods;
• details of any identifying marks on the goods;
• the name of the person to be notified when the goods arrive;
• the name of the shipper;
• the carrying vessel;
• the ports of shipment and discharge.
No special origin certificate is required because there is no bilateral agreement between Australia and the European Community fixing a reduced duty for Australian products entering Italy. Only the usual origin certificate required for products entering the EU and issued by the local Chamber of Commerce is sufficient for entry to Italy and to guarantee the goods come from Australia. | 
