Consumer's Telegram April 2026

Insert of n. 29 - Editorial office: Centro Europeo Consumatori (European Consumer Centre Italy - Bolzano office)

E-Commerce

Small parcels from outside the EU: Italy’s fee postponed, but everything changes from July

The application of Italy’s €2 fee on small parcels from non‑EU countries with a value below €150 has been postponed to 30 June 2026. The deferment was announced by the Ministry of Economy and Finance also to allow time for customs IT systems to be updated.
But that is not all: from 1 July 2026, a flat EU customs duty of €3 will apply to items contained in small parcels under €150 sent directly to consumers in the EU. The measure is part of the EU customs reform and aims to limit the current competitive advantage of low‑cost shipments, especially from non‑European e‑commerce.
In practice, for those buying on non‑EU platforms, it may become even more important to carefully check the origin of the goods, final costs and purchase conditions.
https://www.mef.gov.it/ufficio-stampa/comunicati/2026/Comunicato/


TRAVELLER RIGHTS

EU Parliament approves new rules for package holidays

The European Parliament has approved new rules on “all-inclusive” travel to strengthen consumer protection. The regulations clarify when a combination of services counts as a package holiday—particularly for online bookings—giving travellers greater transparency.
Among the key changes, the right to a refund is strengthened where applicable: consumers will be able to decline vouchers and receive their money back within 14 days. If they accept a voucher, it will have a limited validity period and must still be refunded if unused.
The rules also expand the possibility of cancelling a trip without penalties in the event of extraordinary circumstances affecting the journey—not only at the destination, but also at the point of departure.
The new rules will enter into force after formal adoption and publication in the Official Journal. EU member states will then have 28 months to transpose them into national law, followed by a further six months to begin applying them in practice.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20260306IPR37536/package-travel-parliament-greenlights-new-rules-to-protect-holidaymakers

TRAVEL

Jet fuel rationing at some Italian airports: possible disruptions for passengers

In recent days, fuel rationing for aircraft has been reported at four Italian airports: Bologna, Milan Linate, Treviso and Venice. According to QuiFinanza, the measure has been introduced at least until 9 April 2026 and could cause operational disruptions, especially for non‑priority flights. Intercontinental flights, flights within the Schengen area and certain priority categories (such as air ambulances, state flights and flights longer than three hours) remain guaranteed.
For consumers, the key point is this: if a flight is cancelled, the airline must offer the choice between a refund of the ticket within seven days or re‑routing on an alternative flight. If re‑routing is chosen, passengers are still entitled to assistance at the airport, meals, hotel accommodation where necessary and transfers. In some cases, monetary compensation may also be due. All this information is summarised in the Air Transport section of the European Consumer Centre Italy website.
https://quifinanza.it/lifestyle/travel-economy/razionamento-cherosene-aeroporti-italiani/972518/

CASE OF THE MONTH
A consumer from Austria had booked a three‑day stay in a villa with a swimming pool in Italy for 8 people. On arrival, however, she was given a simple holiday apartment, with a location and facilities very different from those promised: poorly maintained outdoor areas, inadequate cleaning, faulty equipment and insufficient sleeping places for the entire group. The alternative accommodation offered was not suitable, so the travellers decided to leave; despite this, the amount was still charged. After an unsuccessful complaint, the consumer contacted the European Consumer Centre in her country. Following the intervention of ECC Italy, the company finally offered a voucher for a two‑night stay for all 8 people in a five‑star hotel of the same chain: a solution which the consumer accepted.