Table of Contents
The Hype Explained
I have been watching the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2) launch closely since it hit the US market earlier this year in 2026. While many tech enthusiasts in Italy are waiting for the localized keyboards and EU stock, I decided I didn't want to wait. The performance gains from the new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 are significant, and the modularity of the Framework chassis remains the best in the industry. I noticed that many French users were already importing these units to get ahead of the curve, and I realized I could do the same for my setup here in Italy.
How I Bought It
I started by visiting the Framework US store. Since they prioritize their home market for the latest releases, I used a tax-free US address provided by comGateway. This allowed me to purchase the laptop as if I were living in Oregon, avoiding US sales tax entirely before moving the package to Europe. I found that using a freight forwarder is the most efficient way to bridge the gap between US-only releases and my home in Italy. If you are curious about the technicalities of this process, you can check the how it works section on their site for a step-by-step guide.
Shipping Estimates and Logistics
I needed to be precise about my budget, so I used the shipping calculator to prepare for the costs. Based on my experience, here are the estimates for shipping the Framework Laptop 13 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2) to Italy.
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) for the full retail packaging. |
| Box Dimensions | Small to Medium (Approx. 35 x 28 x 10 cm). |
| Volumetric Warning | Low risk. The laptop box is dense and compact, so actual weight usually dictates the price. |
| Battery Check | Contains a 55Wh or 61Wh Lithium-ion battery. |
Because the laptop contains a lithium battery, it falls under specific international shipping regulations (UN3481). When I shipped mine, I made sure the international shipping service I chose was equipped to handle electronics with internal batteries. Most major carriers like DHL or FedEx handle this easily as long as the battery is contained within the device.
Solving Payment Blocks with BuyForMe
One hurdle I encountered was the payment. Some US stores are notorious for blocking international credit cards or flagging orders that use a forwarding address. I have seen this happen with brands like Nike and Apple, and Framework can sometimes be picky about billing addresses. I avoided this potential headache by using the buy for me service. With this proxy shopping option, comGateway purchased the laptop on my behalf using a US-based payment method. I found this to be the safest way to ensure my order wasn't cancelled at the last minute. If you ever run into payment issues, the FAQ section has great advice on how to navigate these store-specific blocks.
Handling Italy Import Tax
I heard many myths that importing electronics to Italy would result in hidden fees that double the price. I found this to be false. While you cannot avoid import tax, it is predictable. For Italy, you should expect to pay the standard VAT (IVA) of 22% on the value of the laptop and the shipping cost. Because computers generally have a 0% duty rate under the TARIC system, the main cost is just the VAT. I suggest reading more about import tax to understand how these calculations work for different types of goods.
Final Thoughts
I am currently writing this on my new Framework 13, and the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 performance is everything I hoped for. By ignoring the myth that US imports are too complicated, I managed to get the latest hardware months before it officially hits Italian shelves in late 2026. If you are willing to spend a few minutes setting up your logistics, the US market offers a much wider range of configurations and earlier access to tech than our local retail options.
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