Italian customs enforcement recorded 412 violations of EU cash-control rules at Rome Fiumicino airport in the first nine months of 2026, intercepting €96.7 million in undeclared currency, the Guardia di Finanza (GdF) said on 12 October. Officers from the Rome provincial command, working with the Customs and Monopolies Agency, physically checked hand luggage and cargo consignments on high-risk routes, notably flights to China and Egypt that together accounted for more than 80 % of the illicit flows. Under Legislative Decree 211/2024 travellers moving €10,000 or more in cash across Italy’s borders must file a declaration; failure can lead to on-the-spot seizure of 30 % and administrative fines. Of the monies caught this year, €2.55 million were confiscated outright, while passengers opted to pay reduced penalties on a further €14.3 million to avoid seizure. The figures highlight increasing scrutiny of physical currency at EU gateways amid concerns over terrorist financing and tax evasion. Business travellers carrying petty-cash floats for trade fairs or film-production crews should review company cash-handling policies to ensure declarations are lodged before departure. Finance departments may find it safer to switch to prepaid cards or local bank advances to avoid delays at customs. For relocation managers, the enforcement trend also affects transferees relocating with large cash savings, a common practice among some expatriate populations. Advising newcomers to use international bank transfers or reputable remittance services can prevent unpleasant surprises at the green channel. The GdF said enhanced “risk-profiling algorithms” introduced this summer will remain in place through the Christmas travel peak, suggesting continued high levels of inspection.
Source: Teleborsa
