Navigating Austrian Customs: A Guide To Retrieving Your Packages

If you're looking to ship a package to Austria, there are a few things you should know about the country's customs regulations. Firstly, it's important to be aware of any restricted or prohibited items, as this list changes frequently. The primary goal of Austrian Customs is to prevent drugs, weapons, explosive materials, and other illegal products from entering the country. The shipping process can be lengthy, with paperwork, packaging, cross-border delivery, customs clearance, and local delivery within Austria potentially taking anywhere from three weeks to four months or more. It's also worth noting that the Austrian postal service has been known to lose small packages, so sending a larger package or insuring your item may be advisable.

Shipping gifts to Austria

When shipping gifts to Austria, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your package arrives safely and securely. Firstly, it is important to be aware of the customs regulations in Austria. While the list of restricted items changes frequently, the primary goal of Austrian customs is to prevent drugs, weapons, explosive materials, and illegal products from entering the country. Therefore, always check the official customs page prior to sending your gifts to avoid any issues.

Secondly, consider using a reputable courier service that offers tracking and insurance for your packages. This is especially important as there have been reports of packages being lost, damaged, or stolen by the local postal service in Austria. By choosing a courier service with tracking, you can ensure that your package is monitored throughout its journey. It is also recommended to send packages weighing 1 kg or more, as these are often processed separately and may be less likely to get lost.

Thirdly, if your gift contains gourmet items, make sure to only send non-perishable items. Perishable goods such as cheeses, fruits, cakes, or chocolates are not suitable for shipping to Austria, as they may melt or spoil during transit. Additionally, fragile items containing glass or other delicate packaging must be wrapped inconspicuously to avoid attracting unnecessary attention from customs, who may unwrap and damage the package further.

Furthermore, be mindful of the value of your gift. In most countries, including Austria, gifts over a certain value are taxable. To avoid any inconvenience or embarrassment, consider using a gift delivery service with a local presence in Austria to handle the paperwork, packaging, and customs clearance on your behalf. This way, you can ensure that your gift complies with all the necessary regulations and arrives at its destination without any issues.

Finally, remember to pack your shipments securely and check for any public holidays or non-working days in Austria before sending your gifts to ensure timely delivery. By following these instructions, you can confidently ship gifts to Austria, knowing that your packages will arrive intact and on time.

Using a package forwarding service

Forward2me and Forwardme are two companies that offer package forwarding services from Austria. Forward2me provides you with a European address, allowing you to shop from brands such as Amazon.de, Ebay.de, MediaMarkt.de, and Otto, as well as fashion brands like Chanel, Adidas, and Puma. They offer two package forwarding services: combine and repack, and package consolidation. The former allows you to combine multiple packages into one, reducing individual shipping fees, while the latter gives you the option to ship multiple items from their German warehouse.

Forwardme, on the other hand, provides a US shipping address for you to use when purchasing items to be shipped to Austria. They offer package consolidation and forwarding services, allowing you to combine items from different retailers into a single package, reducing the number of shipments and overall shipping fees. They also provide access to discounted shipping rates and have partnerships with major carriers for secure and timely deliveries.

Both companies offer excellent customer support and can guide you through the process of shipping to or from Austria. They also provide tracking services so you can always stay updated on the progress of your packages.

Customs declaration

When shipping items to Austria, it's important to be aware of the customs declaration process. All merchandise and documents shipped to countries outside the EU are subject to a customs declaration. While no customs documents are generally needed for items sent within the EU, there are exceptions for merchandise subject to consumption tax (e.g., alcohol, tobacco) and goods considered highly sensitive in terms of export control policy.

For non-EU countries and certain EU areas, customs forms are required. To pay customs duties, the authorities in Austria must know the exact content of the items being shipped. Therefore, it's essential to complete the declaration accurately to avoid delays or issues for the recipient. The required customs forms include a CN23 customs declaration, a CP71 parcel declaration, and, for valuables, a certificate of posting.

To complete the customs forms, detailed information about the contents is necessary. For example, instead of simply writing "clothes," specify "shirts made of cotton." Provide a detailed description and the unit of measurement for each article. In addition to the customs forms, invoices or pro forma invoices may be required. A pro forma invoice is proof for merchandise with no commercial value. The country of origin, where the merchandise was produced, manufactured, or assembled, should also be indicated. If multiple countries were involved in production, the country of origin is where the last substantial economically justified processing occurred.

It's important to be mindful of shipping costs and service charges for the customs declaration and duty advancement, as these can significantly impact the overall price. Goods should be reported and ordered at the net price to avoid double taxation, paying both foreign value-added tax and Austrian import VAT. Additionally, note that there is a general import prohibition for medicinal products into Austria.

Shipping regulations

Austria has a comprehensive set of shipping regulations that cover various aspects of the industry, from maritime shipping to packaging and customs requirements.

Maritime Shipping Law

Austria's maritime shipping law was established in 1981, and the country has ratified key international agreements setting standards for building, safety, and labour laws. While there are no longer any seagoing vessels under the Austrian flag, the country updated its maritime shipping law in 2012 to allow smaller yachts to obtain Austrian admission.

Inland Waterways

Austria also has regulations for shipping on its inland waterways, such as the Danube River. The Shipping Inspectorate, a nautically trained administrative police force, ensures uniform shipping administration and compliance with administrative provisions. They also issue orders, regulate shipping designations, and assist damaged vessels. Additionally, shipping companies have committed to voluntarily document the proper disposal of ship wastewater, sludge, and waste to protect the environment.

Packaging Regulations

Austria has strict packaging regulations, similar to those in Germany. The Austrian Waste Management Act (AWG amendment) and the Austrian Packaging Ordinance (VerpackVO amendment 2021) have been revised to include new obligations for online retailers and foreign companies that deliver goods to Austria. These regulations aim to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

One significant change is the requirement for international companies importing packaging materials into Austria to appoint an authorised representative based in the country. This rule applies to companies without a registered office or branch in Austria that sell products, including packaging, to private end customers.

Additionally, suppliers of commercial packaging must participate in a corresponding system, except for bulk collection points and own importers. There is also a comprehensive import ban on certain single-use plastic products, such as cotton buds, disposable cutlery, drinking straws, and food packaging made of expanded polystyrene.

Customs Declarations

When shipping packages to Austria, a customs declaration must be filled out. The cost of shipping varies depending on the delivery method, dimensions, and weight of the package. Cheaper methods typically range from $10 to $30, while more expensive options can exceed $50 for smaller packages.

Restricted items

The list of restricted items for Austria changes frequently, so it's important to check the official customs page for the most up-to-date information before sending your package. Some items may be prohibited from being exported to the country or may have specific restrictions in place.

Animals, Plants, and Other Goods from Non-EU Countries

If you are shipping from a non-EU country, special considerations apply to the import of animals, plants, and certain other goods.

Used Household Items for Individuals Relocating to Austria

If you are an individual relocating to Austria from outside the EU, you are permitted to bring certain used household items with you without paying duties and fees. This includes furniture, clothing, personal belongings, appliances, and computers. However, these items must have been in your possession for at least six months, and you may need to provide proof of this. Additionally, you must have resided at your current address for at least twelve months and provide proof of this as well. You are also not allowed to sell any of the used items you bring with you within twelve months of your relocation.

Motor Vehicles

If you are bringing a car or other motor vehicle to Austria, you will need to apply for a "Grundlagenbescheid" at one of the main customs offices.

Again, it is important to consult the official customs website for Austria to ensure you have the most current and comprehensive information regarding restricted items.

Frequently asked questions