Parcelforce Worldwide issued an updated international service bulletin on 10 July flagging multiple headwinds affecting parcels bound for Italy. The advisory notes that Poste Italiane workers began a nationwide strike on 7 July with no end date announced, compounding delays already caused by a €2 customs administration fee introduced on 1 January 2026 and ongoing IT issues within Italian customs. UK online retailers and relocation firms shipping welcome-kits or household effects to assignees in Italy should expect extended transit times, particularly for consignments routed through Milan and Rome hubs. Logistics providers are advising senders to attach proof of payment for the €2 fee to avoid warehouse holds, and to consider express courier options until the industrial action is lifted. The strike coincides with severe weather in Sicily, further straining line-haul capacity. Supply-chain analysts warn that backlogs could spill into August if customs systems are not stabilised quickly once industrial relations improve. Parcelforce says it is “working closely with Italian partners and will share updates” but stopped short of offering service-guarantee refunds. Mobility managers with group moves scheduled for September semester starts should brief assignees to carry essential documents by hand and to pad lead-times for shipping personal effects.
