Local production vs Asia import
EU/local production beats Asia import on lead time, CBAM/customs risk and CSRD reporting; Asia wins on unit cost above 5k units of simple promo.
When local wins
Local wins for lead time under 4 weeks, anything with CSRD Scope 3 reporting attached, CBAM-sensitive categories (steel/aluminium bottles), small/mid runs under 5k units, and any technology launch under NDA.
When import wins
Import wins for >5k units of simple promo (basic cotton tee, plastic pen, generic notebook), commodity gifts with 90+ day lead times, and clients without ESG reporting obligations. Customs, ADD (anti-dumping duty), CBAM and supply-chain Scope-3 reporting can erase the unit-cost saving.
Pricing — Italy
EUR pricing excluding VAT. Standard lead 5-8 working days, rush production +35% delivers in 3-5 days. Production hub serves the whole country. IVA 22%, e-invoices via SdI (Sistema di Interscambio). Milano hub.
FAQ
Real cost gap?
Asia FOB is 30-50% cheaper unit, but landed cost (freight, duty, customs, FX, demurrage, returns) closes gap to 5-15%.
CBAM impact?
From 2026 full phase-in: aluminium bottles, steel mugs imported get CBAM levy. Local production avoids it entirely.
CSRD Scope 3?
Local EU production: 4-8 kg CO2e/unit avg, fully auditable. Asia import: 12-25 kg CO2e with sea freight, partial documentation.
Lead time?
Local 5-15 days door-to-door. Asia 10-14 weeks if sea, 3-4 weeks air at 3-5x unit shipping cost.
Compliance risk?
Local production: REACH, EU GPSR, EU 2023/988 covered by default. Asia: per-batch testing, declarations, recall liability higher.