Italy is moving to impose a tax on low-value postal packages under €150 imported from non-EU countries, aiming to curb the flood of inexpensive garments from fast-fashion e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu. Scheduled to take effect by the end of 2025, the levy is part of a broader effort to shield Italy’s domestic fashion industry — a sector renowned worldwide for its craftsmanship and contribution to the national economy — from unfair competition while supporting EU-wide measures against “ultra-fast fashion.”
The policy is expected to have multiple impacts. By reducing the influx of cheap imports, it will help local designers and brick-and-mortar retailers compete more fairly, preserving jobs in workshops, manufacturing units, and retail chains. EU customs data indicate that 4.6 billion small parcels entered the EU in 2024 alone, with 91% originating from China, nearly double the previous year, underscoring the scale of low-cost fashion penetration. Beyond economic protection, the levy may also encourage more sustainable consumer behavior by discouraging rapid, disposable fashion purchases, reducing textile waste, and lowering carbon emissions from international shipping. Analysts suggest that if combined with supportive measures for local industry — such as innovation grants and digital adoption — Italy’s plan could serve as a blueprint for balancing economic competitiveness with environmental responsibility in the fashion sector. More