Buying a flag in Italy – price and what affects the cost

The price of a flag varies a great deal, even between flags that look the same in a photograph. The differences have explanations: size, fabric, make-up and finishing. This guide does not give prices, because they vary between sellers and over time. Instead it explains what affects the price of a flag, what distinguishes a Tricolore in the official colours and what rights consumers have.

What affects the price of a flag?

Size and the price of a flag

Size is often the most important factor. A flag of 200 × 300 cm has four times the area of one of 100 × 150 cm. The size depends on the height of the pole: an Italian flag maker gives, for example, 150 × 225 cm for a 6-metre ground pole. The subject is covered in the guide to flag sizes, and the flag size calculator shows the common size for each pole.

Fabric and make-up

• Polyester: the most common fabric for outdoor flags, light and quick-drying.
• Polyester bunting: the reference fabric named by the State Ceremonial Office for the definition of the Tricolore's colours.
• Nautical fabric: a heavier polyester used for flags exposed to the wind for long periods, including on boats.
• Satin or silk with fringes: for indoor and parade flags.

A printed flag has the design printed on the fabric. A sewn flag, with the three bands in separate panels, takes more work. A flag flown every day wears faster on the fly, which is why many have reinforced hems on that side.

The official colours

The D.P.C.M. of 14 April 2006 set the colours of the Tricolore with the textile Pantone codes green 17-6153, white 11-0601 and red 18-1662, on polyester bunting. D.P.R. no. 121/2000 also provides that flags flown by public bodies are in good condition and carry no writing. The price does not change these rules: a flag with different colours or proportions does not match the official model. The characteristics are described in the guide to flag types.

Custom flags

A flag with a company logo, a municipality's arms or an association's name is made to order. The price depends on the number of colours, the size and the quantity. On the Tricolore itself, under article 9 of D.P.R. no. 121/2000, no written figures or letters are applied. Company and advertising flags are covered in the guide to flagpoles for businesses.

VAT in the price

VAT is part of the price of a flag sold to a consumer. The standard rate is 22 %, under D.P.R. no. 633/1972; from 2027 the VAT rules move to the new Consolidated VAT Act (legislative decree no. 10 of 19 January 2026).

Consumer rights

• Online purchases: Under article 52 of the Consumer Code, consumers have 14 days to withdraw from a distance contract without giving a reason. Article 59 excludes withdrawal for goods made to the consumer's specifications or clearly personalised, such as a flag with a logo.
• Legal guarantee: Under article 133, the seller is liable for lack of conformity that becomes apparent within two years of delivery. For defects that become apparent within one year, article 135 presumes, unless proven otherwise, that they already existed at delivery.
• Remedies: Under article 135-bis, consumers can ask for repair or replacement and, under the conditions laid down, a price reduction or termination of the contract.

Wear on a flag exposed to sun, wind and rain is normal and depends on use. Durability is covered in the guide to flagpole maintenance.

Comparing offers

Because the price of a flag depends on several factors, offers are easier to compare when it is clear what they include: dimensions, fabric, type of make-up, conformity of the colours, finishing of the hoist, rings or snap hooks and delivery time. The price of a flagpole is covered in the guide to buying a flagpole.