Custom Duties In Italy

Hi,
I've ordered 3 Tote Bags and they have been shipped to Italy.The UPS delivery agent asked to pay a huge Customs Fee (more than a half of the full order price).
Is that correct?
Anyway I don't think it is correct regard to the customer.
He needs to know how much will be the total expense.
The increase of the whole price in this case has been huge, and I don't think the order would be placed anyway.
the most strange thing is that for the first order (2 bags instead of 3) have not been charged the customs fees. And I've paid exactly the amount FAA was showing.
What happened this time?
Thanks