Case Study: Importing Dell PowerEdge Devices into Vatican City with IOR Services

Released On 6th Oct 2025

Quick Overview

Client: Global technology supplier delivering to a government department in Vatican City
Project Value: $35,000 worth of Dell PowerEdge devices
Challenge: Vatican City has no independent customs authority; the end user did not want to act as the Importer of Record (IOR)
Solution: Mouse & Bear acted as the official IOR, managing customs clearance in Italy and arranging secure delivery to the Vatican via the Italy–Vatican free trade agreement
Impact: The Vatican’s government department received its critical IT infrastructure smoothly, without administrative burden or delays

The challenge

Our customer, a leading technology provider, had secured a contract to supply Dell PowerEdge servers to a government department within Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, located inside Rome.

The delivery presented a unique challenge: Vatican City has no independent customs union or import procedures. Additionally, the end customer was not prepared to take on the responsibilities of acting as the Importer of Record – a legal requirement for international shipments.

Without a solution, the project risked being delayed indefinitely, potentially disrupting the department’s ability to access vital technology.

Our solution

Mouse & Bear stepped in to provide a specialised Importer of Record service tailored to this unique project:

Official IOR representation for the importation of Dell PowerEdge devices.
Customs clearance in Rome, Italy, handling all documentation and compliance procedures.
Payment of Italian import VAT on behalf of the client.
Seamless cross-border transfer into Vatican City, utilising the Italy-Vatican free trade agreement to ensure zero disruption.

By managing every step – from customs authorisation to the final delivery – Mouse & Bear eliminated the logistical and regulatory barriers that could have stalled the project.

The results

$35,000 in IT infrastructure delivered successfully to the Vatican government department.
No delays or compliance risks despite the complexities of the Vatican’s lack of customs authority.
The client met contractual obligations without needing to assume IOR responsibilities.
The Vatican government department received critical technology smoothly and on time.

Why it matters

Deliveries into unique jurisdictions like Vatican City require a specialist partner who understands international customs complexities and diplomatic trade agreements. For IT resellers and service providers, partnering with an experienced Importer of Record service provider ensures projects are executed without risk, delay, or administrative burden.

Simplify complex imports

Mouse & Bear specialises in handling challenging global imports, from small states like Vatican City to emerging markets worldwide. With our IOR and EOR services, you can focus on serving your clients while we handle compliance, customs clearance, and delivery.

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