Aliexpress Shipping To Austria: All You Need To Know

Aliexpress is a popular online shopping platform that offers a wide range of products from various sellers around the world. While Aliexpress does ship to Austria, there have been reports of difficulties with shipping to this country due to changes in Austrian law. These changes include stricter import regulations and packaging laws, which have made it harder for Aliexpress sellers to complete the necessary applications and comply with the new requirements. As a result, some sellers have stopped shipping to Austria altogether, leaving Austrian shoppers to seek alternative options. However, there are still ways for Austrians to shop on Aliexpress, such as using a forwarding service like ColisExpat, which delivers purchases to their door in Austria.

AliExpress shipping to Austria stopped due to a new Austrian law

Overview

AliExpress, the popular online shopping platform owned by the Alibaba Group, has stopped shipping to Austria due to changes in Austrian law. This has left Austrian customers frustrated and seeking alternative options. However, it's important to understand the reasons behind this change and explore the available workarounds to continue shopping on AliExpress from Austria.

The Impact of the New Austrian Law

The new Austrian law, which came into effect on January 1, 2023, introduced stricter regulations for foreign distributors shipping to Austria. According to the updated Austrian Packaging Ordinance, foreign distributors can no longer register directly with a dual system in Austria. Instead, they must appoint an authorized representative if they ship to Austria and put packaging into circulation. This authorization must be notarized, and the representative is responsible for fulfilling the online retailer's packaging licensing obligations.

Challenges for AliExpress Sellers

The new law has presented challenges for AliExpress sellers, particularly those based in China. The complicated procedures and stringent requirements have led some sellers to give up on the Austrian market altogether. The increased costs and complexities associated with appointing an authorized representative have made it less feasible for sellers to continue offering shipping to Austria.

Workarounds for Austrian Customers

While AliExpress has stopped direct shipping to Austria, Austrian customers still have options to continue shopping on the platform. One popular solution is to use a package forwarding service like ColisExpat. This service provides customers with delivery addresses in Vienna and other parts of Austria, allowing them to bypass the AliExpress delivery restrictions. Customers can then use ColisExpat to forward their AliExpress purchases to their door in Austria.

Additionally, Austrian customers can continue to browse the AliExpress marketplace and place orders for goods to be shipped to other countries. While this doesn't solve the issue of direct shipping to Austria, it demonstrates the continued attractiveness of the platform for global shoppers seeking low prices and a wide selection of products.

Although the new Austrian law has disrupted AliExpress shipping to Austria, it has not completely deterred determined shoppers. With workarounds like package forwarding services and alternative shipping destinations, Austrians can still access the deals and products they desire. However, the convenience and accessibility of AliExpress in Austria have undoubtedly been impacted, and it remains to be seen if further adjustments will be made by either AliExpress or the Austrian government.

Austrians can use a forwarding service to receive their AliExpress packages

Due to a new Austrian law, AliExpress has stopped shipping to Austria. This law requires foreign distributors to appoint an authorized representative to ship to Austria and put packaging into circulation. The new regulations are strict and complicated, and many sellers have decided to give up on the Austrian market. However, Austrians can still use a forwarding service to receive their AliExpress packages.

One such service is ColisExpat, which offers a P.O. Box for free and forwards packages to Austria. Customers can create an account and get their own delivery addresses in Vienna and other parts of Austria. This allows them to bypass the delivery restrictions of AliExpress. Another option is to use a similar forwarding service called Borderlinx.

There are also alternative platforms that Austrians can use for online shopping, such as Amazon.de, eBay, Zalando, and Willhaben. These platforms offer a range of products and quick shipping within Austria.

It is important to note that when ordering from AliExpress to Austria, there may be additional costs such as customs fees, value-added tax (VAT), brokerage fees, and duty. These costs can add up, so it is crucial to be aware of them before placing an order.

AliExpress offers a range of shipping options to Austria

One of the most economical shipping options to Austria is AliExpress Standard Shipping, which usually takes between 20 to 40 days for delivery. For faster delivery, ePacket is a good choice, with shipping times ranging from 10 to 20 days. If you need your order as quickly as possible, express couriers like DHL and FedEx offer the fastest delivery times, typically within 5 to 10 days, but at a higher cost.

To save on shipping costs, Austrians can also consider using a package forwarding service like ColisExpat. This service provides customers with delivery addresses in Vienna and other parts of Austria, allowing them to bypass AliExpress's delivery restrictions. With ColisExpat, you can shop on AliExpress and have your purchases forwarded to your home address in Austria.

AliExpress is fully accessible in Austria

If you find that a particular seller does not ship to Austria, don't worry—there are usually multiple sellers offering the same or similar products who do. Additionally, Austrians can continue to browse the marketplace and place orders for goods to be shipped to other countries.

For those in Austria who want to shop on AliExpress, there are also forwarding services available, such as ColisExpat, that deliver AliExpress purchases to your door in Austria. These services provide customers with delivery addresses in Vienna and other parts of Austria, bypassing AliExpress's delivery restrictions.

Overall, while there may be some challenges due to recent changes in Austrian laws, AliExpress is still accessible in the country, and there are ways to get your desired products delivered straight to your doorstep.

AliExpress buyers in Austria may need to pay additional costs, such as customs fees and value-added tax (VAT)

When ordering from AliExpress to Austria, there are a few additional costs that you may need to consider. These include customs fees, value-added tax (VAT), brokerage fees, and duty charges. Here's a more detailed breakdown of these costs:

Customs Fees

Customs fees are levied by the Austrian customs authority on imports. The fee is calculated based on the value of your order. If your goods are valued at less than €1,500, you are exempt from paying any customs fees. However, for goods valued at €1,500 or more, a 2.5% customs fee is applicable.

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

In Austria, most goods and services are subject to a standard VAT rate of 20%. This tax is applied to your AliExpress orders and is calculated based on the total value of your purchase, which includes shipping and handling costs.

Brokerage Fees

These are charged by customs brokers who assist you in clearing your goods through customs. The amount you'll pay varies depending on the value of your order and the customs broker you choose to use.

Duty

Duty is a tax charged on specific types of goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, and luxury items. The amount of duty you'll need to pay will depend on the type of goods you're ordering.

Total Cost Calculation

Let's consider two examples to understand how these additional costs impact your total spending:

Order Value €100:

For an order worth €100, you would be subject to a 2.5% customs fee and a 20% VAT. The total cost, including all fees, taxes, and other charges, would be €150.

Order Value €1,000:

For a product worth €1,000, you would incur a 2.5% customs fee and a 20% VAT. The total cost for this order, including all additional fees and taxes, would be €1,250.

It's important to be aware of these potential extra costs when shopping on AliExpress from Austria, as they can significantly impact the final price of your purchases. By taking these costs into account, you can make more informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

Frequently asked questions