Shipping to Italy: Costs, Duration & Providers

Sending goods and documents to Italy is a daily task for many German companies. Whether it is e-commerce, wholesale trade, or manufacturing, choosing the right parcel service and understanding the rules for shipping to Italy saves both time and money. Italy is part of the EU, so customs clearance is usually simpler than for overseas shipments, but there are still size limits, prohibited items, and delivery times to consider.

For German businesses, a parcel from Germany to Italy is often part of a wider supply chain. Shipstage provides the tools to compare providers, calculate delivery times, and automate the process from order entry to tracking. This guide explains the most important points: costs, packing requirements, restrictions, address format, customs rules, and which shipping providers for parcel shipping to Italy are most reliable.

How much does it cost to send a parcel to Italy?

Prices for parcel shipping to Italy depend on weight, size, speed, and the chosen carrier. Express deliveries are faster but more expensive, while standard services are cheaper but take longer.

Below is an example price comparison for a small parcel from Germany to Italy (2 kg, standard delivery).

Below is a simplified comparison of major providers that handle parcel shipping to Italy:

As you can see, there is no single flat rate. Costs depend on the type of shipment, provider, and delivery speed. For businesses sending large volumes, negotiating special rates or using an integrator like Shipstage can reduce expenses significantly.

In addition, seasonal surcharges (e.g. during Christmas or Black Friday sales) may affect parcel prices to Italy, especially for express shipments. It is also important to consider whether you need additional services such as insurance, delivery to remote areas, or Saturday delivery, all of which can influence the final bill.

How to pack a parcel for shipping to Italy?

Proper packaging is one of the most important steps when preparing parcels to Italy. Even if you choose the fastest provider or the cheapest rate, your shipment can arrive damaged if the packaging is not secure. For B2B companies, this is especially critical: damaged goods lead to returns, extra costs, and dissatisfied customers.

Here are some essential tips for parcel shipping to Italy:

• Use sturdy boxes: Always choose double-walled cardboard for heavier shipments. Reused boxes may work for light goods, but weak packaging is risky for long-distance transport.
• Cushion the contents: Fill empty spaces with paper, foam, or bubble wrap. This prevents items from moving inside during transit.
• Separate fragile items: Wrap glass, ceramics, or electronics individually and add “Fragile” labels.
• Seal securely: Use strong packing tape on all edges. Avoid string or paper wrapping, as they can get caught in sorting machines.
• Attach labels clearly: Shipping labels must be flat and scannable. Never place tape over barcodes.

For companies sending multiple shipments to Italy, standardized packaging saves time. Many logistics providers, including DHL and UPS, even offer special packaging materials suitable for international transport. With Shipstage, you can also generate labels directly on the platform, ensuring the correct format and avoiding manual errors.

Permissible size of shipments to Italy

Size and weight restrictions are another important factor when planning a parcel from Germany to Italy. Each courier has its own rules, but general EU guidelines apply. If your parcel is too large or heavy, you may need to book freight shipping instead of a standard shipment service.

Typical maximum limits for parcels to Italy:

• Weight: Usually up to 31.5 kg per parcel (DHL, GLS, Hermes). UPS and DPD allow heavier shipments but charge extra.
• Dimensions: Sum of length + girth often limited to 300 cm.
• Maximum length: Usually 120–200 cm depending on provider.

If you need to send bulky goods or pallet shipments, it is best to check in advance whether your chosen courier offers this service. Many B2B clients shipping construction materials, machinery parts, or textiles to Italy rely on freight options with GLS or UPS.

For accurate planning, use the Italy shipping cost calculator. It not only shows you the price but also warns if your parcel exceeds standard size. This way, you can avoid surcharges or delivery delays.

Which goods cannot be sent to Italy?

Even within the EU, there are restrictions on what goods may be transported. Although shipments between Germany and Italy are duty-free, both postal operators and customs authorities enforce regulations on prohibited items.

Examples of goods that cannot be included in a parcel to Italy:

• Hazardous materials (flammable liquids, fireworks, chemicals).
• Weapons, ammunition, or parts of weapons.
• Counterfeit goods or items infringing trademarks.
• Live animals and certain biological materials.
• Perishable foods without proper packaging.

Some products are restricted rather than fully prohibited. For example, alcohol or tobacco may be shipped only under certain conditions and with proper documentation. Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals require additional approvals when sent in large volumes.

For e-commerce companies shipping goods to Italian customers, it is important to stay updated on these rules. Incorrectly declaring contents or sending restricted goods may result in fines or the return of parcels. Shipstage helps users by integrating customs information into the booking process, so businesses avoid mistakes before their parcel shipments to Italy even leave the warehouse.

Delivery time for packages to Italy

“How long does delivery take?” is one of the most frequent questions from business customers. The delivery time for a parcel to Italy depends on both the provider and the service level chosen.

• Standard shipping: usually 3–6 working days.
• Express shipping: typically 1–3 working days.
• Economy services: up to 7–10 days, depending on the courier.

Factors that can delay delivery include:

• National holidays (both German and Italian).
• Seasonal peaks (e.g. Christmas, Black Friday).
• Weather disruptions or strikes.
• Incomplete or incorrect addresses.

For example, sending a parcel from Germany to Italy with DHL Express often arrives within 2 days, while a budget Hermes shipment may take nearly a week. Businesses that need fast B2B deliveries should always choose express options and ensure their shipments to Italy are booked with proper documentation.

Through Shipstage, you can compare Italy shipping providers instantly and decide whether cost savings or speed is your priority. In addition, tracking is included for most services, giving both sender and recipient full transparency.

Address format for shipping to Italy

When sending a parcel to Italy, the address must be written clearly and in the correct order to avoid delivery delays. The format is:

Recipient Name 
Street Name + House Number 
Postal Code + City 
ITALY

Example:

Mario Rossi 
Via Garibaldi 12 
20100 Milano MI 
ITALY

The most important rules are: always include the five-digit postal code, place the city in capital letters, and write ITALY at the bottom. Correct addressing ensures smooth parcel shipping to Italy and helps providers process shipments without errors.

Customs regulations for shipping to Italy

Since Italy is an EU member, parcel shipping to Italy from Germany is generally duty-free. No customs duties apply, and most shipments move freely without additional paperwork. However, certain rules still apply:

• VAT (sales tax): Even though there is no duty, VAT rules within the EU must be followed. For business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments, sellers may need to charge Italian VAT if they exceed annual sales thresholds.
• Prohibited items: As mentioned earlier, certain goods (weapons, hazardous materials, counterfeit products) are restricted or banned.
• Documentation: For regular parcels within the EU, no customs declaration is required. But if goods are shipped from outside the EU via Germany to Italy, customs clearance applies.

For B2B sellers working with parcels to Italy, understanding VAT and invoicing obligations is essential. Shipstage provides automated customs and tax documentation when needed, ensuring compliance with Italian regulations.

Package tracking to Italy

Reliable Italy shipment tracking services allow senders and recipients to follow a package from Germany to Italy in real time. With tracking numbers, businesses can see where the shipment is, estimate delivery dates, and solve potential problems quickly.

Tracking improves transparency and reduces customer inquiries. For B2B shipments to Italy, it provides proof of delivery and ensures smooth communication with partners. Using Shipstage, customers can easily access parcel tracking to Italy across different carriers in one platform.

Shipping to Italy with Shipstage

Shipstage simplifies every aspect of shipping from Germany to Italy. Instead of dealing with multiple providers separately, businesses can access them all in one platform.

Key advantages:

• Instant comparison: Find the best price-performance ratio among DHL, UPS, DPD, GLS, Hermes, and other partners.
• Automated process: From label printing to shipment tracking to Italy, everything happens within one interface.
• Flexible services: Choose between express, standard, or economy shipping depending on urgency and budget.
• Support for returns: Shipstage also manages return logistics from Italy, which is vital for e-commerce.

Whether you are sending a single parcel to Italy or managing hundreds of shipments to Italy per week, Shipstage ensures reliability, cost savings, and smooth operations.

FAQ

Before booking a parcel to Italy, many businesses ask the same questions. Here are some of the most common ones:

Which company is best suited for shipping to Italy?

It depends on your needs. DHL is often chosen for fast express shipments, while DPD and GLS are popular for standard B2B deliveries. UPS is a strong option for international freight. With Shipstage, you can compare them all in one place.

What are the postage rates in Italy?

Rates vary depending on size, weight, and provider. The shipping costs to Italy are generally higher for express and bulky parcels. Using the Italy shipping cost calculator helps you plan expenses in advance.

How much postage is required for a letter to Italy?

Small letters or documents can be sent with postal services at lower rates than parcels. However, for business documents that require proof of delivery, a tracked service is recommended.

How can I send gifts to Italy?

Gifts can be sent without customs duties within the EU. Just make sure they are not on the list of restricted goods. Packaging should be secure, especially for fragile items.

Which public holidays in Italy can delay delivery?

National holidays like Ferragosto (15 August), Christmas, and Easter can affect delivery times. It is wise to inform customers about possible delays during these periods.

What is the cheapest way to send a parcel to Italy?

Economy services with providers like Hermes or DPD usually offer the lowest rates. However, delivery times may be longer.

Are packages delivered in Italy on Saturdays?

Yes, some providers deliver on Saturdays, but often with an additional fee. Express couriers like DHL or UPS may also offer weekend delivery options.

Is my package to Italy insured?

Most providers include basic insurance, usually up to €500. For valuable goods, additional parcel insurance can be booked via Shipstage.

Can I have a package collected in Italy?

Yes, collections are possible. This is often used for returns or B2B shipments. Shipstage allows you to arrange pickups directly with providers.

Are there special regulations for returns from Italy?

Yes, return logistics must follow the same rules as outbound shipping. Prohibited items cannot be returned, and packaging must comply with courier requirements. Shipstage offers simplified return solutions for businesses selling to Italian customers.