Overview
- On Monday, June 22 the Italian Council of Ministers inserted a clause that suspends the €2 administrative contribution on extra‑EU parcels under €150 until 1 October 2026.
- The EU will abolish the long‑standing €150 duty exemption and apply a temporary €3 flat duty per item from 1 July 2026, with the charge calculated by tariff classification rather than by parcel.
- Industry groups warn that combining the €3 duty with the €2 charge plus VAT and a planned EU handling fee could raise costs to roughly €5–€7 per low‑value item and hit consumers and small retailers.
- Logistics associations say the Italian measure already prompted import clearance to shift to hubs in Belgium, the Netherlands and Hungary and they cite a March French example as evidence that charges prompt diversion.
- What to watch next: the EU handling or management fee is expected to be applied EU‑wide by November 2026 and its timing and coordination with national rules will determine whether Italy retains parcel traffic and customs revenue.