Exporting to Italy: How to maximize every sales opportunity

Italy – renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and discerning consumers – presents an excellent opportunity for e-commerce companies looking to expand into new markets.

This is your guide to exporting to Italy, Europe’s fourth-largest e-commerce market. From understanding the growth potential of the market to navigating popular platforms and key shopping events, we will equip you with the knowledge you need to succeed.

Market Overview: Italy's e-commerce landscape

Most visited e-commerce marketplaces in Italy

Where should you sell online in Italy?⁴

Sector-specific platforms

Some of the most popular online destinations by sector:

• Travel and tourism:
Booking.com, eDreams, Expedia, Italo Treno, Kayak, lastminute.com, Opodo, Skyscanner, Trenitalia, Tripadvisor, Trivago, and Volagratis
• Information technology and consumer electronics:
ePRICE, Euronics, MediaWorld, Monclick, Mr Price, TRONY, and Unieuro
• Fashion:
Privalia, SaldiPrivati, Veepee, YOOX, and Zalando
• Books, music, and video:
Amazon, IBS.it, LaFeltrinelli, and Unilibro
• Coupon-based purchases:
Groupalia and Groupon are among the most important

Market trends: How are Italian shoppers behaving now?

Are Italians over free returns?

Free returns aren’t the e-commerce essential they once were in Italy. In 2022, 85% of Italian shoppers said they would buy more online if returns were free – but in 2023 that number had dropped by 20%.⁵

Italy’s preferred payment methods for online purchases

Cash on delivery is now rarely used, while ‘buy now, pay later’ options have increased rapidly in the last 5 years⁽⁶⁾.

What are Italian shoppers buying online?⁽⁷⁾

Italian shopping events and holidays

Understanding the key shopping events and holidays in Italy is crucial for maximizing your e-commerce sales. Here are some important dates to mark in your calendar:

• Christmas Season: Christmas is a significant shopping period in Italy, starting from late November and continuing until early January.
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Similar to other countries, Italy has enthusiastically embraced these popular shopping events.
• Summer and Winter Sales: Italy has legally mandated sales periods, known as "saldi." These sales take place in summer (July) and winter (January) and attract a large number of bargain-seeking consumers.

Export Advice: Italian customs and import regulations

Import Duties and Taxes

Italy imposes import duties and value-added tax (VAT) on goods brought into the country. See the section below ‘Importing to Italy from non-EU countries’ for more information.

Customs Documentation

Ensure you have the necessary paperwork, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.

Restricted and Prohibited Goods

Familiarize yourself with the list of restricted and prohibited goods in Italy to avoid any legal complications.

Information you need to supply for every shipment

Depending on the type of goods, you – the importer – may need to provide additional information. For example:

• Feather stuffing, clothes, medical devices, foodstuff, food contact materials and cosmetics may require authorization from the Italian Ministry of Health.
• Leather goods may require the Washington Declaration or CITES Import Permit.
• Animal products may require veterinary authorization.
• Seeds and vegetables may require phytosanitary authorization.

Check your invoices

• It is mandatory to provide an EORI/VAT number (B2B) or Taxpayer ID number (B2C) on the commercial or proforma invoice.
• Consignee contact information must be present on the Air Way Bill (preferably mobile phone number and/or email).
• Temporary imports are cleared by a third-party broker. On the invoice "Temporary Import" must be clearly stated.

Importing to Italy from non-EU countries

Expect to pay VAT, duty and Duty Tax Processing Surcharge on most goods being imported to Italy. All goods coming from non-EU countries are subject to VAT, and duty is applied on shipments with a value of over €150 imported from countries outside the European Union.
 

Who is responsible for paying VAT and duty?

Your customer generally pays customs charges – making for a poor customer experience. To solve this problem, DHL pays VAT, duties and any other customs clearance costs in advance on the receiver's behalf.
 

How DHL can help

To speed up customs clearance procedures and deliver shipments as quickly as possible, DHL will:

• Handle applications for import permits/certificates/notifications to the relevant authority.
• Pay on your behalf (and in advance) for any additional permits that may be required.
   

Useful links

• Italy’s Customs Agency
  https://www.agenziadoganemonopoli.gov.it/portale/en/faq

• Where to check your tariff codes
  https://aidaonline7.adm.gov.it/nsitaricinternet/TaricServlet

DHL’s expert tips for exporting to Italy

1. Check if your goods incur VAT, duty, or are subject to additional paperwork. Italy has specific regulations that must be followed when exporting goods. You should ensure that your products comply with these regulations before exporting.
2. Be clear on your returns policy. Italian consumers are looking for clear information about returns. They want to be able to plan the delivery accurately and would like to see many payment options including local currency availability. Providing information in Italian could also be helpful.
3. Use a trusted logistics provider that can give your customers a hassle-free experience. Finding a local delivery partner that can help you navigate the Italian market and overcome language barriers. DHL will take you through the process of exporting to Italy and help you pay taxes and duties in advance without forcing your end customer to pay a separate fee.