Cheapest Way to Ship to Italy in 2025: Costs, Times & Tips

• 8 min read

Sending a package to Italy should be exciting, not expensive. With Italy’s eCommerce market growing rapidly, more people than ever are shipping everything from handmade goods to personal gifts. But finding the cheapest way to ship to Italy can feel complicated.

While the best choice depends on your package’s size, weight, and urgency, the most affordable options are typically USPS First Class Package International for small parcels under 4 lbs or a value focused courier service like FedEx International Connect Plus. This guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll compare top couriers, explain customs fees, and share a simple step by step process to help you save money.

Comparing Top Couriers for Italy Shipments

No single carrier is always the cheapest for every package. Your best choice will depend on your priorities: cost, speed, or tracking features. For broader tips beyond Italy, see our guide to the cheapest international shipping.

Below is a comparison of popular services for shipping a small 2 lb package from the USA to Italy. Keep in mind that these are example rates and can change based on package details and discounts.

Carrier

Service

Example Price

Delivery Time

Best For

FedEx

International Connect Plus

$25

2 to 5 business days

Great balance of speed and cost

USPS

First-Class Package Int’l

$28

11 to 21 business days

Very light, non urgent packages

USPS

Priority Mail International

$45

6 to 10 business days

Reliable service with tracking

DHL

Express Worldwide

$55+

1 to 3 business days

Urgent or time sensitive shipments

UPS

Worldwide Expedited

$60+

4 to 6 business days

Valuable items needing tracking

The only way to know for sure is to compare your options. Using a free online shipping calculator is the quickest way to see real time quotes from multiple carriers. You can enter your package details once and instantly see the cheapest and fastest services, helping you find the perfect balance of cost and speed. For a deeper look at two major players, our FedEx vs UPS comparison breaks down their strengths.

How to Ship to Italy: A 5 Step Guide

Shipping to Italy is straightforward when you follow a few key steps. This process ensures you get the best rate and avoid customs delays.

  1. Pack Smart and Compact: Use the smallest box possible for your items. This reduces dimensional weight, a key factor in shipping costs. Fill any empty space with lightweight padding to protect your items and prevent the box from crushing.
  2. Weigh and Measure Your Package: Get the final weight and dimensions (Length, Width, Height) of your packed box. Accuracy is critical for getting correct price quotes and printing a valid shipping label.
  3. Compare Shipping Rates Online: Instead of checking each carrier’s website individually, use a rate comparison tool. This allows you to see the cheapest and fastest options from couriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx all in one place.
  4. Complete the Customs Declaration Form: Fill out the customs form accurately. You must declare every item, its value, and its 6 digit HS (Harmonized System) code. Be specific, for example, “men’s cotton shirt” instead of just “clothing.”
  5. Print Your Label and Ship: Once you choose a service, you can buy shipping labels online to access commercial discounts. Then, drop off the package or schedule a free USPS pickup.

Key Factors That Determine Your Shipping Cost

Understanding what drives shipping prices can help you find ways to lower them. If you’re new to billable weight, start with our step by step guide on how to calculate shipping costs.

Weight, Size, and Dimensional Weight

Carriers charge based on billable weight, which is the greater of two measurements:

  1. Actual Weight: What the package weighs on a scale.
  2. Dimensional (DIM) Weight: A calculation based on the package’s size (Length x Width x Height / DIM Divisor).

Carriers like UPS and FedEx often use a DIM divisor of 139 for international shipments. A large, light box of pillows could have a dimensional weight of 42 pounds even if it only weighs 5 pounds. In that case, you pay the 42 pound rate. This is why using a compact package is key to finding the cheapest way to ship to Italy.

Delivery Speed vs. Cost

The fundamental rule of shipping is simple: the faster you want it to arrive, the more you’ll pay. Express services can easily cost three times more than economy options. If your shipment isn’t urgent, choosing a service with a 10 day transit time instead of a 3 day one is a surefire way to save money.

International shipping involves more than just a shipping label. You must account for customs duties, taxes, and rules.

Understanding Italy’s VAT and Import Duties

  • VAT (Value Added Tax): Italy charges a standard VAT of 22% on the total value of the goods plus shipping and insurance costs. This applies to nearly all imports, regardless of value.
  • Import Duties: These are separate tariffs that vary by product type. Shipments valued under €150 are exempt from customs duties, but not from VAT.

Who Pays Customs Fees? (DDU vs. DDP)

Typically, the recipient in Italy is responsible for paying these fees. This is known as Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU). However, this can create surprise costs and delays for the recipient. For a better customer experience, some businesses choose to use a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) service, where the sender pays these fees upfront. It’s important to inform your recipient about potential costs to avoid any issues.

Customs Paperwork and HS Codes

Proper paperwork is essential. For a full checklist, see our guide on how to ship internationally.

  • Customs Declaration: You must declare every item, its quantity, and its value.
  • HS Code: Italy requires a 6 digit Harmonized System (HS) code for each item. This code classifies the product for customs. You can find these codes using online lookup tools.
  • Commercial Invoice: For any commercial shipment (a sale), you must include a commercial invoice detailing the transaction.

What You Can’t Ship to Italy

Italy has a specific list of prohibited or restricted items. Shipping a banned item can result in it being seized and destroyed. Always check the latest regulations, but common prohibited items include:

  • Weapons, firearms, and explosives
  • Illegal drugs
  • Meat and dairy products from non EU sources
  • Perfumes and certain cosmetics
  • Counterfeit goods

The Easiest Way to Find Your Best Rate

With so many variables, finding the cheapest way to ship to Italy can feel overwhelming. The best strategy is to use technology. A rate comparison tool shows you quotes from USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and more, all on one page. These tools often display discounted commercial rates, which are significantly lower than what you’d pay at a retail counter. You can learn exactly how to unlock shipping discounts through online label providers.

For a fast and easy way to compare your options, try a free tool like the Online Shipping Calculator. It helps you instantly identify the best shipping deal for your package, ensuring you don’t overpay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the absolute cheapest way to ship a small package to Italy?
For a package under 4 pounds, the cheapest service is usually USPS First Class Package International or an economy courier service like FedEx International Connect Plus, which can sometimes be even cheaper and faster.

2. How long does it take to ship to Italy from the USA?
It varies widely by service. Express couriers like DHL can deliver in 1 to 3 days. Standard or economy services typically take between 6 and 21 days.

3. Do I have to pay customs fees when shipping to Italy?
Yes, almost all goods imported into Italy are subject to a 22% VAT. Shipments valued over €150 may also incur additional import duties. These fees are usually paid by the recipient.

4. Which courier is fastest for shipping to Italy?
DHL Express is generally the fastest option, often delivering in just 1 to 3 business days from the US to major Italian cities.

5. Can I ship food to Italy?
It is highly restricted. Many food items, especially meat products and certain agricultural goods, are prohibited. It is best to avoid shipping food unless you have verified it is allowed.

6. How can I find the cheapest way to ship to Italy for my specific package?
The most effective method is to use a multi carrier rate comparison tool. An online shipping calculator lets you enter your package’s weight and dimensions to instantly see prices from all major carriers, helping you find the lowest rate.