Etsy's Shipping Destinations: Does Austria Make The Cut?

Etsy is a popular online marketplace for unique and handmade goods, and many people in Austria enjoy shopping on the platform. However, there is no direct shipping option available for Etsy orders to be delivered to Austria. This can be a challenge for Austrian customers who wish to purchase items from Etsy sellers based in other countries, particularly the United States. Fortunately, there are some workarounds available to overcome this issue. One solution is to utilise freight forwarding services, which provide customers with a US address to receive their Etsy orders, and then forward the packages to Austria for a fee.

Etsy workaround for Austria shipping

Etsy does ship to Austria, but there are some workarounds to keep in mind to make the process as smooth as possible. Here are some tips for Etsy shipping to Austria:

Get a US Address

First, you'll need a real US address. There are companies known as Freight Forwarders that can provide you with one. These companies help with international shipping and will give you a US address to use for receiving packages. With an account from a Freight Forwarder and your US address, you can manage and ship your Etsy orders internationally. MyUS is a recommended Freight Forwarder that offers reasonable prices and doesn't charge extra taxes.

Use Etsy Shipping Labels

When you purchase an international shipping label through Etsy, it serves as both your shipping label and customs form. Etsy will guide you through the process and provide the necessary information. Ensure you enter accurate package weights and customs descriptions, and provide your full name and shop name as the sender. Include the full name of the buyer, even if the delivery address is a registered business. Keep in mind that documentation requirements vary by destination, so always confirm what is needed on the carrier's site before sending.

Customs and Taxes

When shipping to Austria, be mindful of potential customs and taxes. You can include information in your FAQs about customs, specifying that you are not responsible for additional taxes, fees, or packages opened by customs. Customs agencies may also require buyers to pick up their orders in person.

Tariff Numbers

Packages shipped to the European Union (EU) require tariff codes. Packages sent without these codes may be delayed or returned. You can look up the correct tariff numbers for your items using resources like the United States Census Bureau, European Taxation and Customs Union, or the World Customs Organization.

By following these steps, you can successfully ship your Etsy orders to Austria, ensuring a smooth process and a positive experience for your customers.

Freight Forwarder companies

Etsy does not directly ship to Austria. However, there is a workaround that makes it possible to order from Etsy and have the package shipped to Austria. To do this, you will need an account from a Freight Forwarder company and a U.S.-based address, which the company will provide. You can then manage your international shipments from the given address and ship your order from Etsy or any other U.S. company.

• Columbus-Cargo Intern: An international freight forwarder focusing on Central Europe. They have served major companies for 20 years and are well-respected.
• Nothegger Transport Logistik GmbH: This company's network covers the entire transport world in multimodal traffic, including food transport in refrigerated vehicles and transport with tarpaulin vehicles.
• IBC Internationale Spedition: A leading freight forwarder that has been around for many years. They are family-owned and their staff are well-versed in international shipping regulations, handling all types of cargo, including dangerous goods.
• Alpha Logistik Spedition GmbH: A leading freight forwarder in Austria that offers door-to-door delivery, whether by truck or ship, to any destination worldwide.
• Cargo-partner Spedition GmbH: A freight forwarder located near Vienna airport that helps businesses of all sizes. They provide customised solutions and prompt customer service.
• JCL Logistics Austria Spedition GmbH: JCL works independently across functional and divisional boundaries, maintaining integrity while developing innovation, tradition, mobility, and logistics.
• Scan-Cargo Spedition GmbH: An Austrian company with international ties that provides a range of warehouse logistics focusing on pharmaceutical, healthcare, personal service, and food distribution.
• UCS - United Cargo Spedition GmbH: UCS provides individual logistical and transport solutions with extensive worldwide experience. They develop logistics concepts designed to meet your requirements, offering flexibility and absolute reliability.
• Wolfsgruber Logistik GmbH: A privately-owned freight forwarding company that offers services such as the development and design of transportation schemes, storage and warehousing of goods, handling of customs-related documentation, freight forwarding, and logistics consulting.
• DHL Global Forwarding: A well-known international logistics company that provides airfreight, sea freight, and warehousing and distribution services.
• Kuehne Nagel: Offers airfreight solutions, sea freight transport, warehousing, and distribution.
• DSV: Provides door-to-door service, special project transport, transportation by air, ocean, and ground, as well as warehousing and distribution.
• Expeditors: Specialises in transportation by air, ocean, and ground, as well as warehousing and distribution, customs, and compliance.
• C.H. Robinson: Provides international airfreight services.
• UPS SCS: Offers international airfreight services.
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics GmbH: Specialises in air and sea freight transport.
• Bansar: Provides shipping services from China to Austria with competitive shipping rates.

Shipping rates to Austria

Etsy sellers based in the US can use calculated shipping rates provided by Etsy. To access this, the seller must enter their location and zip code when adding a listing. They will also need to select the countries they will ship to in order to see the calculated international shipping prices.

There is also a 5% shipping transaction fee on the shipping cost, which was introduced in July 2018.

Sellers are encouraged to be clear about their policies for shipping internationally. Buyers are usually responsible for paying any VAT or other taxes, but the seller should make this clear to the buyer before they make their purchase.

Sellers should also share product measurement information with the buyer, as size and weight will impact the shipping cost.

For US-based sellers, FedEx, UPS, Canada Post, and USPS offer discounted rates.

If you are not based in the US, one workaround for receiving Etsy orders in Austria is to use a Freight Forwarder company. These companies give you a US address to use for receiving packages, and then forward them on to your address in Austria. One recommended company is MyUS, which offers a reasonable price without any extra taxes.

Customs paperwork

When shipping items from Etsy to Austria, it's important to accurately fill out the customs paperwork to ensure a smooth delivery process. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for handling customs paperwork:

• Use Etsy's Shipping Label: Etsy provides an option to purchase a shipping label directly through their platform. This is highly recommended as Etsy will automatically fill out the necessary customs forms for you, reducing the risk of errors. This option also provides guidance and information to help you navigate the process.
• FAQs and Policies: Consider including information about customs in your shop's FAQs. You can mention that you're not responsible for additional taxes, fees, or customs charges, and that customs agencies may require buyers to pick up their orders in person. This helps set clear expectations for your customers.
• Customs Forms: When filling out customs forms, ensure that you accurately declare the contents of the package, including a detailed description of the items. This helps customs officials assess whether the shipment complies with the import regulations of the destination country.
• Value Declaration: Declare the value of the goods accurately. This value is used to calculate any applicable duties or taxes. It's important to be transparent and honest in this declaration to avoid potential issues with customs authorities.
• Origin and Destination Information: Clearly state the origin of the goods, including the country of manufacture or production, as well as the destination address in Austria. This information is crucial for determining the applicable trade agreements and tariffs, if any.
• Item Classification: Properly classify the items being shipped. Different types of goods have different restrictions and tariffs associated with them. For example, certain items like electronics, food products, or hazardous materials may have specific regulations or requirements.
• Prohibited and Restricted Items: Familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited and restricted items for shipping to Austria. Some common examples include prescription medications, certain medical devices, hazardous materials, firearms, and perishable goods. Non-compliance with these restrictions can result in significant penalties.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: When shipping to Austria, duties and taxes may apply. These charges are typically calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the goods (item value, insurance, and shipping). You can use online calculators to estimate these charges, and it's important to be transparent about these potential additional costs with your customers.
• Commercial Invoices: If you're selling commercial goods, ensure that you provide a detailed commercial invoice. This document should include information such as the quantity, unit price, and total value of the goods, as well as any applicable discounts or taxes.
• Keep Records: Make sure to keep copies of all customs paperwork for your records. This helps with tracking and can also serve as proof of compliance in case any issues arise later on.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your shipments to Austria via Etsy are properly documented and compliant with customs regulations. Accurate customs paperwork helps prevent delays, additional fees, and potential legal issues.

Restricted items

When shipping to Austria, there are several restricted items that cannot be legally shipped due to customs laws and delivery company or airline restrictions. These include:

• Prescription medications, including dental and veterinary drugs.
• Prescription medical devices.
• Medical devices not approved by the FDA.
• Prohormones, human growth hormones, stem cell treatments, steroids, or synthetic versions.
• Non-prescription medications that are not labelled in English or without FDA-approved labelling requirements.
• Any food, supplement, drug, or cosmetic that has been issued a Consumer Safety Advisory Warning.
• Perishable products.
• Lab reagents, biologics, cultures, and medical specimens.
• Poisonous substances.
• Toxic substances, including inhalation hazards.
• Infectious substances.
• Explosives, fireworks, gunpowder, flares, or matches.
• Gasoline, diesel, or other fuels.
• Lighters containing fuel.
• Meals Ready to Eat (MRE).
• Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
• Radioactive elements or products.
• Self-balancing boards (hoverboards).
• Firearms, guns, and accessories, including replicas.
• BB, pellet, airsoft, and paintball guns, as well as parts and projectiles.
• Ammunition, magazines, and bayonets.
• Tear gas, mace, and pepper spray.
• Gas masks and gas mask filters.
• Law enforcement striking weapons, including saps, batons, and billy clubs.
• Handcuffs of any material, including plastic zip tie restraints and straitjackets.
• Body armour, helmets, or personal protection articles with kevlar or ballistic ratings.
• Military, tactical, or police shields.
• Government, police, or military uniforms, IDs, and badges, including replicas.
• Military training equipment.
• Military and/or dual-use flight helmets and flight jumpsuits.
• Military and law enforcement equipment.
• Thermal imaging, InfraRed, or other night vision devices.
• Rifle scopes, laser pointing, and aiming devices for firearms.
• Defense articles controlled under the US Munitions List as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
• Self-propelled vehicles.
• Any dual-use or commercial article controlled under the Commerce Control List (CCL) as per the Export Administration Regulations, where the control status mandates a Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) approved export license.
• Counterfeit products.
• Contraband or illegal substances.
• Gambling devices and accessories.
• Lock-picking devices.
• Live or dead animals or insects.
• Skin or leather of snakes, alligators, crocodiles, stingrays, and other reptiles or amphibians.
• Skin, fur, or leather of certain animals, including wolves, bears, elephants, rhinos, and some deer and foxes.
• Sturgeon or Beluga caviar.
• Agricultural products, including specific seeds, live or dead plants, unfinished or untreated wood, and soil.
• Items containing animal products controlled under the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, or requiring a permit under CITES.
• Any unidentifiable material, substance, or chemical.
• Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

Frequently asked questions