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The 2026 Budget Law introduces important improvements to the Italian tax‑free shopping system. The changes will significantly simplify the refund process for shoppers from non‑EU countries.
Overall, these updates make in‑store communication clearer, reduce customer confusion and make the entire journey easier to complete – helping to increase Tax Free sales.
What our leadership has to say:
“It’s great news for all parties involved,” says Stefano Uggeri, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Account Management for Retailers at Planet.
“Planet has proudly represented the needs of retailers and consumers throughout the discussions leading to these regulatory changes. We are uniquely positioned to balance the expectations of shoppers seeking a simpler refund process, retailers who need efficiency and accuracy, and authorities who require a secure and compliant tax‑free system.”
“It’s a double benefit for Italian retailers,” Stefano adds. “These changes will encourage tourism and luxury shopping – two increasingly connected sectors – and bring the Italian tax‑free model closer to the experience offered in the world’s most popular shopping destinations.”
The issue being addressed
- In the past, shoppers had to validate forms at the kiosk or desk of each tax‑free provider within four months of purchase.
- If they had vouchers from multiple providers, they were forced to visit a refund agent or digital kiosk for each provider.
- The inconvenience of multiple queues before departure often led shoppers to abandon the process or validate only the highest‑value vouchers.
What is changing
- A more accessible, seamless and fully digital refund process.
- By the end of April 2026, non‑EU shoppers will be able to process any tax‑free voucher – regardless of the retailer that issued it – at any refund point operated by any provider, located in major airports, ports and selected international railway stations across Italy.
How it works
- At present, Italian regulations require the shopper’s passport to be processed when issuing a tax‑free voucher in store. The passport acts as the link between multiple vouchers issued by different retailers or operators.
- When the shopper visits a validation point operated by any provider and scans their passport, all forms associated with that passport – regardless of the issuing operator – are automatically validated by the Customs Agency’s OTELLO system.
- Shoppers can continue to use Planet desks and kiosks not only for Planet‑issued vouchers but also for vouchers issued by any other operator.
Extended deadline for returning validated vouchers
With immediate effect, the 2026 Budget Law extends from four to six months the deadline for returning customs‑validated invoices to the Tax Free operator.
Any questions?
If you are already a Planet customer and would like to know more, contact your Account Manager or our Support Team. If you are not yet a Planet customer and want to learn how tax‑free shopping can grow your business, get in touch.
