Austria To Usa: Shipping Options And Challenges

Shipping from Austria to the USA can take anywhere from 2 to 25 business days, depending on the shipping method chosen. There are various companies that offer shipping services between the two countries, including FedEx, DHL, USPS, Planet Mail, MyUS, and Shipito. These companies offer different rates and delivery times, with prices starting at around $10 for small packages. When shipping from Austria to the USA, it is important to consider the restrictions on certain goods and the required customs paperwork to ensure a smooth delivery process.

Shipping costs and delivery times

Shipping costs from Austria to the USA vary depending on the weight and dimensions of the package, the delivery method, and the chosen carrier.

For example, Planet Express offers shipping prices starting at around $10 for small packages, with delivery taking between 3 to 25 business days. They offer express shipping methods that take 5 days, and economic methods that take 5 to 10 days.

FedEx offers next-day delivery to New York or LA, with weekly flights from Europe. Their International Priority® Express service offers midday delivery in 1-3 business days, while their International Economy® Freight service delivers within 2-5 business days.

Eurosender offers express shipping from Austria to the US in 24-72 hours, with basic insurance included.

MyUS offers shipping from the US to Austria starting at $11.38, with delivery times ranging from 2 to 14 days, depending on the chosen carrier and shipping option. For example, they offer:

• Budget Economy shipping in 8-14 days
• DHL Express Smallbox in 2-5 days
• FedEx Economy in 5-9 days
• UPS Expedited in 5-9 days

UPS also provides shipping quotes and delivery estimates, but requires users to log in to an account and provide shipment details such as origin, destination, shipment date, and weight.

Prohibited items

When shipping from Austria to the USA, there are several prohibited items that cannot be transported due to laws and regulations. These restrictions are in place to ensure safety and compliance with international trade agreements. Here is a detailed list of prohibited items:

• Hazardous materials and dangerous goods: This includes hazardous waste, defined as solid waste that meets hazardous waste criteria, and dangerous goods that require special documentation and handling.
• Bank bills, currency, and financial instruments: UPS prohibits the shipment of bank bills, notes, or currency (excluding coins). Letters of credit are also prohibited.
• Human remains and body parts: Shipments containing human remains, fetal remains, human body parts, or human embryos are not allowed.
• Marijuana and CBD products: Marijuana, including medicinal marijuana, and Cannabidoil (CBD) derived from marijuana, are prohibited.
• Vape products: UPS prohibits the shipment of vape products within, to, or from the United States.
• Alcohol and tobacco: The import of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products is restricted.
• Medicines: The import of medicines is restricted and requires an import license.
• Live animals and animal products: Austria restricts the import of live animals, and certain animal products like meat, dairy, or eggs may require special permits.
• Plants and seeds: Plants, seeds, and certain food products may need phytosanitary certificates for import.
• Weapons and firearms: Firearms, weapons, ammunition, and explosives are prohibited or restricted.
• Counterfeit goods and pirated materials: Importing counterfeit goods and pirated materials is prohibited.
• Narcotics and illegal drugs: Narcotics and illegal drugs, including controlled substances, are prohibited.
• Endangered species and products: Products made from endangered species are prohibited from import.
• Precious metals and stones: The import of gold, silver, platinum, and precious stones may be restricted and requires compliance with Austrian regulations.
• Personal effects: UPS prohibits the shipment of personal effects, except via MBE Centres to selected countries.
• Pornographic materials: UPS prohibits the shipment of pornographic materials.
• Money and negotiable items: Money and negotiable items like cheques are prohibited.
• Ivory and animal skins: Ivory and products made from ivory, as well as non-domesticated animal skins, are prohibited.
• Articles of exceptional value: UPS prohibits the shipment of items like works of art, antiques, precious stones, and gold and silver.
• Shipments with inherent vice: Shipments that are likely to soil, impair, or damage persons, merchandise, or equipment are prohibited.
• Restricted exports from the US: UPS has a separate list of restricted items for export from the US, including alcoholic beverages, animal products, firearms, and weapons.

It is important to note that these lists may not be exhaustive, and specific regulations can change. Always refer to the most up-to-date information from official sources and comply with the laws of both the origin and destination countries.

Customs paperwork

Commercial Invoice:

The commercial invoice is one of the most important documents when shipping to the US. It should include the following:

• A precise description of the goods, including specific details and avoiding generic descriptions.
• The Harmonized System (HS) code for the item, which can be found using an online HS code search tool or on the government website.
• The country of origin where the goods were manufactured, not the shipping address.
• The recipient's contact details, including name, address, phone number, and email address.

Air Waybill:

The air waybill is another crucial document for shipping. It serves as a receipt and includes details such as the sender's and recipient's information, a description of the goods, and the shipping terms.

Additional Documents for Regulated Goods:

If you are sending regulated goods such as alcohol, electronics, or medical devices, additional paperwork may be required. These could include import licenses, permits, or special certifications, depending on the type of goods being shipped.

Customs Declaration:

A customs declaration form is necessary to describe the contents of the package. This form is closely tied to customs procedures and allows customs officers to inspect the imported package.

Shipping Paperwork Format:

Shipping paperwork can be in paper or digital format. The preferred format may depend on the sender and recipient's countries and the type of goods shipped. While digital transfers are becoming more common, printed copies may still be needed for certain shipments.

Prohibited and Restricted Items:

It is important to be aware of prohibited and restricted items when shipping to the USA. Some examples include certain books, foreign lottery tickets, live plants and animals, and prescription medications. Always refer to the official customs website for the most up-to-date information.

Duties and Taxes:

Duties and taxes are calculated based on the value of the goods, shipping costs, and insurance. The standard VAT rate in Austria is 20%. It is the responsibility of the customer to complete the customs declaration accurately.

Courier companies

There are several courier companies that offer shipping services from Austria to the USA. These include:

• Eurosender: This company offers fast and reliable shipping solutions, with delivery times as quick as 24-72 hours. They offer basic insurance and live support via chat.
• MyUS: MyUS offers exclusive low rates, fast delivery times, and door-to-door tracking. They have partnerships with major global carriers, including Aramex, DHL, FedEx, and UPS.
• Parcel Monkey: Parcel Monkey offers a range of courier services to match different budgets and delivery time frames, including DHL and USPS. They also have a tracked EU parcel service to reduce delivery costs to Austria.
• ShipToBox: This company provides a tax-free US address to Austrian customers, allowing them to shop from any US seller and then ship to Austria at a cheaper rate. They also offer package consolidation services, which can reduce international shipping costs by up to 80%.
• Planet Express: Planet Express provides a free US address in California and a premium sales-tax-free address in Oregon. They offer quick and cheap delivery methods and additional services such as package consolidation.
• AEC Parcel Service: AEC Parcel Service offers budget-friendly shipping rates and free services such as insurance, pick-up, 24/7 tracking, and customer support.

When choosing a courier company, it is important to consider factors such as cost, delivery time, reliability, and additional services offered. Each company has its own unique features and advantages, so it is worth comparing and selecting the one that best suits your specific needs.

Shipping insurance

Some carriers, such as Planet Express, include insurance in their shipping prices, which can start from as little as $10 for small packages. This is a great option for those wanting a straightforward, inclusive service.

Other carriers, like MyUS, offer the option to pay duties at the time of shipping or to be billed directly by the carrier. This flexibility allows customers to choose whether they want to include insurance in their shipping costs. MyUS also provides exclusive low rates and fast delivery times through partnerships with major global carriers, including Aramex, DHL, FedEx, and UPS.

FedEx is another carrier option for shipping from the USA to Austria. They offer next-day delivery to major cities like New York and LA, with weekly flights from Europe to the USA. FedEx provides time and day-definite services for packages up to 68 kg, with midday delivery in 1-3 business days.

USPS is also an option for shipping to Austria, with services like USPS ePacket, USPS Priority, and USPS Express. Planet Express offers discounted rates on these USPS services, making it a cost-effective choice.

When choosing a carrier, it is important to consider the package's dimensions, weight, and delivery method and the level of insurance desired. Each carrier has its own pricing structure, with some charging based on weight, while others use dimensional weight (a calculation based on length, width, and height).

Additionally, it is worth noting that shipping insurance costs may be influenced by the type of goods being shipped. For example, shipping restricted or prohibited items, such as medical devices or firearms, may require additional insurance coverage due to the increased risk associated with these items.

Overall, when shipping from the USA to Austria, there are several reliable carriers to choose from, each with its own insurance policies and pricing structures. It is essential to research and select the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions