The anti-low cost eCommerce measure is postponed due to technical problems with the Customs Agency. But the 3 euro European tax also arrives in July: the risk is a double tax
The tax on small parcels coming from non-European Union countries has been postponed for a few months, but risks doubling for Italian consumers. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has referred to June 30, 2026 the entry into force of the contribution from 2 euros on shipments with a value of less than 150 euros.
A measure that Italy had introduced in advance of the future one European tax of 3 euros on small non-EU parcelsforeseen by July 1, 2026. And this is precisely the crux: if the two taxes were to be added, the overall cost could arrive up to 5 euros per shipmentwith a significant increase for those who purchase online from international platforms.
Why the small parcel tax has been postponed
The Italian measure was introduced with the Budget Law 2026 and included a contribution of 2 euros for all shipments with a value of less than 150 euros coming from non-EU countries.
The objective was twofold: on the one hand to cover i administrative costs of customs operationson the other hand reduce the competitive advantage of platforms Low cost eCommerceoften coming from China, like Temu and Shein.
However, the Ministry of Economy announced the postponement of the application to June 30th. The official reason is technical: more time is needed to allow the adaptation of the IT systems of the Customs and Monopolies Agencywho will have to manage the new contribution on international shipments.
The risk of a double tax: up to 5 euros per package
The postponement of the so-called “anti-Temu and anti-Shein measure” However, it also has a significant political and economic effect: it shifts the entry into force of the Italian tax close to the new European tax scheduled for July 2026.
From the July 1stin fact, the European Union will introduce a 3 euro tax on small parcels coming from non-EU countries. If the Italian contribution gives 2 euros remained in force without modification, the result would be one total taxation of 5 euros per shipment.
The Codacons has already asked the government for clarification. According to the consumer association, the risk if the Italian tax will not be absorbed by the European oneit’s a new one blow to online shoppersespecially for those who buy low-cost products on international platforms.
There is also another element to consider: the European tax will be applied per product category contained in the package. This means that a shipment with different products could be taxed multiple times.
To give an example: if a package contains items of clothing belonging to different categoriesthe tax could be applied to each of them, causing further growth the final cost of the order.
