ROME (Reuters) -Italy is working to adopt a tax on low-value postal packages from non-European countries, politicians said, as part of measures to protect its fashion industry from low-cost foreign imports mostly from China.
The move, aimed at avoiding unfair competition in the market for what is one of Italy’s key industries, targets online platforms such as Shein and Temu among others.
Italy’s ruling parties plan to apply a levy to consignments worth less than 150 euros ($175), broadly in line with a proposal being discussed at European Union level, the politicians said.
The measure is expected to be formalised as an amendment to next year’s budget in the coming weeks.
The Italian fashion federation welcomed the government’s proposal, calling it a step toward curbing ultra-fast fashion.
“We appreciate the government’s intention to address in this budget law the economic and environmental sustainability impacts generated by ultra-fast fashion, which also drains significant resources from our economy and state coffers,” Federazione Moda Italia-Confcommercio said in a statement.
The federation also proposed a package of measures to protect fashion retailers and the entire “Made in Italy” supply chain, including the abolition of the EU’s duty exemption for non-EU shipments worth less than 150 euros.
EU customs authorities handled around 4.6 billion low-value packages bought online in 2024, 91% of them coming from China and double the 2023 figure.
($1 = 0.8575 euros)
(Reporting by Giuseppe FonteAdditional reporting by Cristina CarlevaroEditing by Ed Osmond and Frances Kerry)
