The Italian government will impose a tax on postal packages under 150 euros from outside the EU, in order to protect the fashion industry from cheap imports.

The Italian government is preparing to introduce a tax on low-value postal packages, especially from China, as part of a plan to protect the fashion industry from cheap imports on online platforms like Shein and Temu. The Minister of Industry, Adolfo Urso, announced that the measures will come into effect by the end of the year, targeting shipments under 150 euros. This initiative aligns with a proposal at the European Union level for a similar tax, and the Minister of Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti, has requested its implementation sooner, by 2026.

In 2024, EU customs authorities processed 4.6 billion low-value packages, most of which came from China. The Italian Fashion Federation welcomed the decision, considering it an important step in limiting the ultra-fast fashion phenomenon, which affects the economy and the environment. The measure will be included as an amendment in next year's budget.