Italy postpones small‑package tax to October to avoid double duty

The Italian government has delayed the introduction of a 2‑euro administrative contribution on parcels worth up to €150 arriving from non‑EU countries. The tax was originally set to start on 1 July 2026, the same day a new EU handling fee of €3 per small parcel would take effect, which would have created a combined charge of up to €5 plus VAT. A cabinet decision pushed the national contribution back to 1 October 2026, giving businesses and consumers more time to adjust and preventing the feared “3 + 2” double taxation.

The measure targets low‑cost e‑commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu and Aliexpress. Industry groups welcomed the postponement: “Bene la decisione del Governo… evita l’effetto 3 + 2, scongiura la perdita di traffico per il sistema logistico italiano e mantiene condizioni di concorrenza leale,” said Aice‑Confcommercio. If no further delays occur, the 2‑euro charge will become effective in October, after which the EU handling fee scheduled for November 2026 may render the national contribution redundant.

The change is intended to preserve the competitiveness of Italy’s market and protect consumers from higher costs on cheap overseas shipments.