Italy’s 2026 Budget Law introduces a €2 handling fee for low‑value shipments (≤ €150) from non‑EU countries, effective 1 January 2026. The fee applies to all business models and is collected by the Customs and Monopolies Agency upon final importation, with a transitional payment deferral for January and February 2026. Businesses must adjust customs declarations, accounting, and documentation to comply.
It takes effect on 1 January 2026.
Shipments originating from non‑EU countries with a declared value not exceeding €150, regardless of business model.
For standard (H1) declarations the €150 threshold is based on customs value; for simplified (H7) declarations it uses intrinsic value, with periodic accounting rules per ADM Circular Letter No. 37/2025.
Fees for January and February 2026 shipments are deferred and payable on 15 March 2026, as per Circular Letter no. 1/D/2026.
Get VAT and indirect tax news delivered to your inbox twice a week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
VatCalc · 3 days ago
Italy has postponed its planned €2 customs handling fee for e‑commerce parcels from outside the EU until the EU-level fee takes effect on 1 July 2026. The fee would apply to parcels not exceeding €150 intrinsic value, covering both B2C and B2B shipments, and is expected to generate €123 million in 2026 and €245 million from 2027 onward. The EU will introduce an interim €3 levy from 1 July 2026 and a €2 levy from 1 November 2026, with plans to remove the €150 de‑minimis exemption in 2028.
VatCalc · 8 days ago
Italy is reviewing the activation of its "mobile excise" mechanism to offset the VAT windfall caused by rising fuel prices, after oil prices surged above $100 per barrel on 9 March 2026. The government is considering cutting fixed excise duties to balance the increased VAT receipts generated by higher pump prices.
Bloomberg Law · 18 days ago
On 12 February 2026, Italy’s Revenue Agency aligned its VAT rules with EU law, allowing special purpose vehicles in merger‑leveraged buyouts to deduct input VAT on transaction costs. Resolution No. 7/2026 confirms these SPVs as VAT‑taxable entities, following Supreme Court rulings in August 2024 that recognised their preparatory role. The change restores VAT neutrality and opens a refund window for historical VAT leakage.
Commercialista Telematico · 26 days ago
Italian tax authority clarifies that heirs of a deceased professional must issue VAT invoices on behalf of the deceased and, if the VAT number has ceased, must request its reactivation to pay tax on compensation received after death.
Bloomberg Tax · 27 days ago
The Italian Revenue Agency issued Resolution No. 7/2026 on 12 February 2026, clarifying that SPVs can deduct input VAT on transaction costs in merger leveraged buyouts only if the taxpayer qualifies as a taxable person and the goods/services are used for taxable economic activities. Holding companies that merely own shares without management participation cannot deduct input VAT. The resolution also addresses the deductibility for holding companies acting as SPVs.
Bloomberg Tax · 30 days ago
The Italian Revenue Agency issued Letter No. 35/2026 on 11 February 2026, confirming that a 4 % reduced VAT rate applies to vehicles adapted for individuals with motor disabilities who hold a BS‑category special driving licence with adaptation codes, even without a disability certificate under Law No. 104/1992. The guidance clarifies eligibility requirements and documentation needed for the reduced rate.