The economic ties between Italy and Canada are growing rapidly due to online e-commerce and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Italy is among Canada's largest trading partners, boasting strong cultural, academic and interpersonal contacts.
There is a significant amount of other trade between the two countries as well, including trade in raw materials, electronics and other manufactured products. Italy is well-known for its expertise in the production of high-quality machinery and equipment, while Canadian consumers have a strong appetite for Italian food and fashion.
Quick answer
The best option for individuals shipping small packages Canada to Italy is usually Canada Post small packet options: Surface for around CAD $42 with air and tracking upgrade options. Heavier parcels and commercial shipments are best via global couriers with delivery about 2-4 business days and cost around CAD $200 for 5 kg. Air cargo rates to Italy are the best option for up to around 200 kilograms. Ocean freight is best for heavier containerized freight.
Canada and Italy in numbers
CAD 16.8 billion
Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Italy in 2024
+73 percent
Growth in that trade compared with pre-CETA levels in 2016
22 percent
Italy's standard VAT rate, charged on imports along with any duty
Pharmaceuticals, precious stones and metals, and cereals lead Canada's exports to Italy. For parcel shippers, the numbers that matter most are the smaller ones in the next section: €3 per tariff category, an EU handling fee expected to be around €2 per parcel.
2026 important update: EU customs for parcel imports to Italian consumers under €150
Since 1 July 2026, e-commerce parcels to Italian consumers with a value of up to €150 pay a flat €3 customs duty for each distinct item category (based on tariff sub-headings) contained within the parcel. The measure is temporary and scheduled to apply until 1 July 2028.
Example calculation
- The order: 1 leather wallet, 2 cotton T-shirts and 1 polyester-blend T-shirt, value €120.
- The assessment: leather wallets (4202.31), cotton T-shirts (6109.10) and polyester-blend T-shirts (6109.90) have different tariff sub-headings, meaning there are three distinct categories in the box.
- The cost: 3 categories x €3 = €9 total customs duty. The two cotton T-shirts count once.
- The VAT: 22 percent Italian VAT, either €26.40 charged at checkout under IOSS (22 percent of €120), or €28.38 collected at import without IOSS (22 percent of €129, because import VAT is charged on the value plus duty).
Two fees still moving
- EU handling fee: member states must start collecting a per-consignment handling fee by 1 November 2026 at the latest. The amount is set at EU level.
- Italy's own €2 contribution: Italy's 2026 budget law created a €2 contribution but it may be overridden by the EU handling fee.
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Understanding the shipping process from Canada to Italy
The basic process is to first determine the best shipping mode: local post, courier, air freight or ocean.
Required documentation and customs regulations
- Export declaration: goods valued at CAD 2,000 or more (or otherwise restricted) must be declared prior to export. Read more about the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).
- Invoice for customs: all goods imported to Italy must be accompanied by an invoice for customs. Useful information explaining what is needed on an invoice for customs.
- Import permits and declarations: before shipping to Italy, confirm the consignee has the necessary import permits.
- Recipient tax code: couriers typically ask for the Italian recipient's tax code (codice fiscale) or VAT number to clear the shipment; collecting it at checkout avoids delays.
EORI number
Businesses in Italy must provide an EORI number. An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique identification number assigned to businesses operating in Italy and other European Union countries. It is used to identify and track customs transactions to ensure that customs duties and taxes are paid correctly.
The EORI number consists of two parts:
- The country code of the issuing member state (IT for Italy); followed by
- A code or number that is unique in the member state
Product identifiers (PID) for B2C shipments to Italy
From November 1, 2026, every shipment to a consumer in the European Union (a business-to-consumer, or B2C, sale) must include product identifier (PID) information for each item, whatever the shipment's value.
PIDs do not apply to business-to-business (B2B) shipments sent to a VAT-registered business.
What PID information means. An HS code tells customs what type of product is in the box. A PID identifies the exact product. For each item, be ready to provide:
- Your own product code, such as a SKU or article number
- The manufacturer's part or model number
- A standard barcode number (GTIN, EAN, UPC or ISBN), where the product has one
- A clear description, HS code, country of origin, quantity and value per item
Why it matters. EU customs may hold or refuse to clear B2C shipments that arrive without PID data. That means delays for your customer and extra cost for you.
Steps to take
- Add SKUs and barcode numbers to your product catalogue and commercial invoices.
- For each EU order, confirm whether the recipient is a consumer or a VAT-registered business.
[Contact our team] for help preparing your EU shipments.
CETA origin declaration
Goods that qualify under the origin rules of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement enter Italy duty-free. No separate certificate of origin is required: an origin declaration on the commercial invoice is enough, using the prescribed wording with your Canada Revenue Agency business number, the place and date, and the name of the person signing.
"The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs or competent public authority authorisation No. [your CRA business number]) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of Canadian preferential origin."
Verify when origin documentation is needed when shipping to Italy.
Prohibited and restricted items to Italy
It is important to confirm the restrictions and regulations with Italian authorities prior to shipping. Goods that are prohibited or restricted from import to Italy include:
- Illegal drugs
- Counterfeit money and goods
- Hazardous waste
- Offensive materials (such as hate speech or propaganda)
- Endangered species of plants and animals (CITES protected species)
- Weapons and ammunition (unless proper permits are obtained)
- Pirated software, movies and music
- Certain chemicals
- Pornography that is illegal under Italian law
- Tobacco products (only allowed in limited quantities for personal use)
Download our companion PDF guide, which covers the reverse lane, shipping from Italy to Canada.
Shipping time and cost considerations
Transit time estimates
| Service | Typical transit |
|---|---|
| Express courier (fastest) | About 2-4 business days |
| Economy air | 3 to 6 business days |
| Canada Post | Generally 1 to 2 weeks |
| Ocean freight | Generally 1 to 2 months |
Shipping cost estimates to Italy
The cost of shipping to Italy depends on the size and weight of the shipments. Most carriers have online rate and transit time tools. Get a comparison shipping rate to Italy.
Low cost shipping to Italy from Canada
Cost-effective shipping solutions
The cheapest way to ship a package to Italy is usually via Canada Post surface options. The cost for up to about 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) averages around CAD $42 to $45
The cost to ship to Italy depends on the package size, weight and destination in Italy. The cost for a 10-pound (4.5-kilogram) package can be around CAD $200, but this depends on the level of discount with your carrier and current fuel surcharge.
Contact our team for our lowest spot quote for shipments over 10 kilograms.
Jet Worldwide data
Among Canada-to-Italy parcels Jet Worldwide handles, the cause of most delays is missing recipient codice fiscale.
Canada's free trade agreements
Canada has free trade agreements with most of the world's leading economies, including European Union countries. Verify the benefits of Canada's free trade agreements.
Safe and secure delivery services
Shipping insurance can be obtained directly from the carrier or via third parties. The most important part of insurance is proper packaging and accurate documentation. Verify your goods are properly insured to Italy.
Popular delivery options for shipping to Italy from Canada
Air freight shipping
Fast and convenient for larger shipments. Our team can provide air freight quotes.
Sea freight shipping
A cost-effective shipping option for large commercial orders and shipping containers. The major ocean ports in Italy include:
- Port of Genoa: the main gateway for Italy's industrial north, and second only to Trieste in total cargo tonnage
- Ports of Trieste and Venice: located on the northeastern coast; Trieste is Italy's largest port by total cargo tonnage
- Ports of Livorno and La Spezia: on the western coast of Italy
Canada Post small packets and express options
- Small Packet to Italy: surface, air and tracked
- International Parcel to Italy (air or surface), and Xpresspost International
FedEx, UPS and DHL
FedEx and UPS Canadian shipping options to Italy include:
- Priority express delivery to Italy
- Economy express delivery to Italy (get an economy air quote to Italy)
Delivery to Italy from Canada via Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide: a trusted brand with the best international shipping options since 1988!
Get a shipping quote to Italy from our team. Please provide:
- Postal code of pickup in Canada
- Postal code of delivery in Italy
- Commodity
- Weight and dimensions
- Preferred mode of transport (air or ocean)
- Whether you or the recipient will pay import fees
How to choose the best shipping company for your needs
Reputation and experience of the shipping company
All the carriers listed in this post are reliable and trustworthy. They include Kuehne+Nagel (freight), Canada Post, FedEx, DHL, UPS and their partners (such as Jet Worldwide, of course!).
In addition to the major carriers, be aware of some websites that claim "over 50% savings." While many of these sites do offer valid shipping options, most lack true international expertise and support.
Read our detailed post regarding shipping to Italy from Canada.
Shipping services and options offered for e-commerce
Jet's tailored solutions include delivery duty paid, e-commerce import and delivery via DPD, storage and logistics support. Contact Jet Worldwide to learn more.
Related resources
- Commercial invoice for international shipping
- Declared value, CIF and valuation for international shipping
- When to include a certificate of origin
- What is an HS code? Tariff classification basics
- Canada importer registration for CARM
- Canada export declaration (CERS)
- What is a bill of lading or waybill?
- Choosing a Canadian customs broker
- Shipping via ocean freight to and from Canada
- IOSS Right to Use from January 2027
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Italy?
The cheapest way to ship a package to Italy is usually via Canada Post surface options. The cost for up to about 2 kilograms averages around CAD $42
How much duty does a parcel to Italy under €150 pay?
A flat €3 customs duty for each distinct tariff category in the parcel. VAT of 22 percent applies on top.
Is there a separate Italian fee on parcels under €150?
Italy's 2026 budget law created a €2 contribution on non-EU parcels under €150, but its start has been postponed three times. It may be overtaken by the EU's expected handling fee.
Do I need a certificate of origin to ship Canadian goods to Italy duty-free?
No. Under CETA, an origin declaration on the commercial invoice is enough, using the prescribed wording and your Canada Revenue Agency business number. The goods must qualify as originating under CETA Rules of Origin.
How long does shipping from Canada to Italy take?
Express couriers take about 2-3 business days, economy air 3 to 6 business days, Canada Post generally 1 to 2 weeks, and ocean freight generally 1 to 2 months door to door.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only.
