Canadian exports to Italy total over 2 billion dollars annually, making reliable logistics between the two nations essential. Whether you are fulfilling e-commerce orders or sending commercial freight, Canadian companies rely on low-cost shipping to Italy from Canada to stay competitive.
Quick answer
How do you ship from Canada to Italy?
Ship from Canada to Italy by air (about 3 to 4 days by courier), ocean for heavy freight, or postal for small parcels. Italy applies 22 percent VAT, and since 1 July 2026 the EU adds a flat 3 euro duty per item category on parcels of 150 euros or less. Canada-origin goods can clear duty-free under CETA with an origin declaration.
Key takeaways
- 2026 rule change: the EU 150 euro duty exemption ended 1 July 2026, replaced by a flat 3 euro duty per item category.
- VAT: Italy charges 22 percent on the goods-plus-duty value; IOSS lets sellers pre-pay it.
- CETA: Canada-origin goods can enter duty-free with an origin declaration on the invoice.
- EORI: required for business consignees, not for private individuals.
- Need to ship to Italy, need rates, need support? Contact our team.
Download our accompanying PDF guide.
2026 EU customs update for low-value parcels
On 1 July 2026 the EU abolished the long-standing 150 euro customs duty exemption for low-value parcels. In its place, a temporary flat customs duty of 3 euros applies to parcels valued at 150 euros or less sent from outside the EU to consumers. The 3 euro duty is charged per distinct item category (per tariff heading), not per parcel, so a mixed order draws several charges. It is a transitional measure running until 1 July 2028.
Example calculation
- The order: 1 silk blouse, 2 wool blouses, and 1 phone charger. Value 145 euros.
- The assessment: silk and wool fall under different tariff headings, and the phone charger is a third category, so there are three distinct categories in the box.
- The cost: 3 categories multiplied by 3 euros equals 9 euros total customs duty.
Coming November 2026: a separate EU handling fee of about 2 euros per parcel is expected from November 2026, charged once per parcel on top of the duty. Some member states, including Italy, may also apply national fees. Confirm the current amount before you quote.
Product identifiers (PID) for B2C shipments to Italy
Every shipment to an Italian consumer (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 in Italy.
VAT rules for imports to Italy
All imports to the European Union are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). Italy's standard VAT rate is 22 percent, though lower rates apply to specific items such as books. For e-commerce businesses selling directly to consumers, the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) allows pre-payment of VAT, which streamlines customs.
VAT is calculated on the value of the goods plus duty. Using the example above, before the November handling fee begins:
| Component | Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Cost of goods | 145.00 |
| Customs duty (3 categories at 3 euros) | 9.00 |
| Value subject to VAT | 154.00 |
| VAT at 22 percent | 33.88 |
| Total taxes and duty | 42.88 |
From November 2026, add the expected 2 euro handling fee, which raises the VAT base to 156 euros and VAT to about 34.32 euros.
Italian customs clearance basics
Parcel shipping to Italy follows processes similar to most other European countries. A commercial invoice is mandatory. You must provide a document supporting the basis for duty, calculated on the CIF value: the combined value of the goods, insurance, and shipping.
Do you need an EORI number?
Before shipping from Canada to a business in Italy, verify that the consignee has an EORI number. An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is required for European businesses importing commercial goods. If you are shipping to a private individual for personal use, an EORI number is not necessary.
HS codes and tariff classification for Italian imports
Tariff classification for Italian imports relies on the European Commission Combined Nomenclature (CN), which has three components:
- Harmonized System: chapters (2 digits), headings (4 digits), and subheadings (6 digits).
- Combined Nomenclature: EU-specific codes in an eight-digit system.
- TARIC: information on specific tariff measures, such as anti-dumping duties.
Duty-free clearance under CETA
The European Union and Canada benefit from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The most significant benefit is duty-free import for goods that officially originate in Canada. Note that CETA removes customs duty; it does not remove VAT or the 2026 low-value parcel measures.
Simply purchasing an item in Canada and shipping it does not grant origin status. The product must undergo sufficient transformation within Canada. There are two main methods for determining origin:
- Change of tariff classification: production in Canada causes a sufficient change in the product's tariff classification.
- Regional value content: the product has the necessary percentage of its value added within Canada.
CETA country of origin declaration
A separate certificate of origin is not strictly necessary for CETA. An origin declaration can be placed directly on the commercial invoice. The Canada Border Services Agency recommends the declaration explicitly reference Canada or the EU for qualifying goods.
Best shipping options to Italy from Canada
Several options are available. The best choice depends on the weight, size, urgency, and nature of your shipment.
Sea freight vs air freight
For a large or heavy commercial consignment on a budget, ocean shipping is ideal. Freight travels on cargo vessels in standard 20-foot or 40-foot containers.
- FCL (full container load): you pay for exclusive use of a container.
- LCL (less than container load): you share container space, which is cost-effective for a few pallets.
- Air freight: the fastest option. The cost per kilogram is higher, but air avoids the many minimum fees of ocean shipping, making it cheaper for cargo under around 200 kilograms.
- Air Courier: Best for parcels and shipments up to around 100 kilograms.
Carrier options for packages and parcels
| Carrier | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Post | Individuals and personal items | Lowest cost; handed to Poste Italiane for final delivery. |
| FedEx and UPS | Premium express parcels | Typically 3 to 4 days via economy air, with tracking and clearance. |
| Jet Worldwide | Heavy parcels over 5 kg and commercial | Discounted rates and dedicated support; request a lowest spot quote. |
Get a Canada to Italy shipping quote
Sample prices and weight calculator
These estimates are for guidance only. Final billed rates vary with fuel surcharges, exact dimensions, delivery address, and your account discount level.
| Chargeable weight (kg) | Sample price (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 5.0 | 170 |
| 7.5 | 206 |
| 10.0 | 241 |
| 12.5 | 276 |
| 15.0 | 311 |
Dimensional weight calculator
Carriers charge on actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. Enter your dimensions to estimate your chargeable weight.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to ship to Italy from Canada?
For small personal parcels under 2 kg, Canada Post surface options offer the lowest cost. For heavier parcels over 5 kg and commercial shipments, a discounted courier or forwarder rate through Jet Worldwide is usually more economical.
Will I pay duty or VAT shipping to Italy?
Italy applies a standard VAT of 22 percent to most imports. From 1 July 2026, the EU also applies a temporary flat duty of 3 euros per item category on B2C parcels valued at 150 euros or less. CETA can eliminate customs duty for goods that originate in Canada, but VAT still applies.
How does the 2026 EU parcel duty work?
For parcels valued at 150 euros or less sent from outside the EU to consumers, a flat customs duty of 3 euros applies per distinct item category per line. Each item with a different tariff heading within the parcel. A separate handling fee of about 2 euros per parcel is expected from November 2026.
Do I need an EORI number to ship to Italy?
Italian and EU businesses importing commercial goods require an EORI number, so verify the consignee has one before shipping. Shipments to a private individual for personal use do not require an EORI number.
Are Canadian goods duty-free in Italy under CETA?
Goods that qualify as originating in Canada via CETA Rules of Origin can import duty free. Buying an item in Canada is not enough; the product must undergo sufficient transformation in Canada, shown by a change of tariff classification or the required regional value content, and carry a CETA origin declaration on the invoice.
Related resources for exporters
Timothy Byrnes - Jet Worldwide
Timothy Byrnes owns and has led Jet Worldwide, a Montreal-based international logistics and customs brokerage firm, since 1988, specializing in Canadian cross-border shipping and trade compliance. More about our team.
