Italy has postponed the implementation of a 2-euro national tax on small parcels from July 1 to October 1, according to local media reports. However, a separate European Union levy of 3 euros per item remains scheduled to take effect on July 1, meaning consumers importing mini-packages may face multiple charges depending on the timing and origin of the shipment.
- Italian National Tax: 2 euros per package, delayed from July 1 to October 1.
- EU-Wide Tax: 3 euros per object, effective July 1.
- Impact: Increased costs for consumers purchasing small items from outside the EU.
Why the Italian National Tax was Delayed
The Italian government shifted the start date for its specific 2-euro levy on small parcels to October 1, according to reports from ANSA and Il Sole 24 ORE. This measure originally targeted “mini-packages,” a category of low-value shipments that have historically seen different customs treatments compared to larger freight.
The July 1 EU Mandate
Despite the domestic delay in Italy, a broader European Union tax is still set to launch on July 1. According to Il Fatto Quotidiano, this EU-wide mandate will apply a charge of 3 euros for every object. This regulatory shift aims to standardize how small imports are taxed across member states, reducing the loophole for low-value shipments that previously bypassed certain duties.
Comparing the EU and Italian Levies
The intersection of these two policies creates a tiered cost increase for Italian consumers. According to Corriere della Sera, the total levy in Italy will eventually be “double,” as the national tax will layer on top of the EU requirements once the October 1 deadline arrives.
The current timeline establishes two distinct phases of cost increases:
- From July 1: Consumers face the 3-euro EU levy per object.
- From October 1: Consumers face both the 3-euro EU levy and the 2-euro Italian national tax.
According to repubblica.it, these customs duties specifically target mini-packages, altering the cost structure for consumers who frequently order small-scale electronics, accessories, or other low-cost goods from international marketplaces.
