The framework governing charges on low-value imports from non-EU countries is evolving rapidly.
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108 introduces a new European handling fee, designed to cover the costs incurred by customs authorities in processing and controlling goods sold through distance sales. The measure is expected to become operational by 1 November 2026, and the European Commission has, for the time being, set the fee at EUR 2 per item.
At the same time, at national level, Decree-Law No. 162/2026 has further postponed the application of the Italian EUR 2 charge on each consignment with a value not exceeding EUR 150 originating from non-EU countries, from 1 October to 1 December 2026.
This revised timetable therefore raises a coordination issue between the two charges, as the European handling fee will already be in force by the time the Italian charge is due to become applicable. Although the two measures do not have entirely overlapping scopes and triggering conditions, both are intended to cover the administrative and customs-related costs associated with processing e-commerce imports.
It therefore remains to be seen whether the Italian legislature will retain the national charge as of 1 December, amend its scope, or intervene once again to coordinate the domestic rules with the new European levy.
In the full article, we examine the rules governing the new handling fee, how it differs from other charges applicable to low-value consignments, and the potential implications of its interaction with the Italian charge.