Shipping To Austria: Safe Or Risky Business?

Shipping to Austria is generally considered safe, with many reliable courier services such as FedEx, DHL, and USPS offering competitive rates and efficient delivery times. However, it is important to be aware of the import and export restrictions imposed by Austrian customs, which prohibit or restrict certain items such as weapons, drugs, and counterfeit goods. Understanding these regulations and ensuring your shipments comply with customs declaration procedures is crucial to avoid complications and potential legal consequences. Additionally, duties and taxes may apply based on the value, origin, and classification of the shipped items, with Austria following the EU's TARIC system for customs regulations.

Prohibited items

When shipping to Austria, there are several prohibited items that you should be aware of to ensure your package reaches its destination without legal issues or delays. Here is a detailed list of prohibited items for shipping to Austria:

• Liquids and gels of any type, especially when combined with electronic devices.
• Animal skins, including non-domesticated and certain reptile, amphibian, and animal furs.
• Articles of exceptional value, such as works of art, antiques, precious stones, and items made of gold, silver, or platinum that do not meet Austrian fineness regulations.
• Dangerous goods and hazardous materials, including explosives, firearms, and certain chemicals.
• Ivory and ivory products, as well as items containing animal products regulated under the Endangered Species Act or requiring a permit under CITES.
• Money and negotiable items, including coins and currency notes.
• Prescription medications and medical devices that are not approved by the FDA or are prohibited by Austrian law.
• Perishable products, lab reagents, biologics, cultures, and medical specimens.
• Poisonous and toxic substances, including inhalation hazards.
• Infectious substances, radioactive materials, and products.
• Self-balancing boards (hoverboards), firearms, weapons, and related accessories.
• Tear gas, mace, pepper spray, and other law enforcement equipment.
• Body armour, helmets, and personal protection articles with ballistic ratings.
• Military equipment, uniforms, and items controlled under the US Munitions List or Export Administration Regulations.
• Counterfeit products, contraband, and illegal substances.
• Gambling devices and lock-picking tools.
• Live or dead animals, insects, and plants.
• Certain agricultural products, including specific seeds, untreated wood, and soil.
• Tobacco and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
• Foreign lottery tickets and related publicity materials.
• Certain books and printed matter prohibited by Austrian courts.

Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and it is essential to consult official sources and shipping guidelines for the most up-to-date information on prohibited items when shipping to Austria.

Import and export restrictions

When shipping to Austria, there are several import and export restrictions that you should be aware of. These restrictions are in place to protect the safety and lives of humans, animals, and plants, to safeguard national security, and to protect artistic, cultural, and intellectual property. Here are the key restrictions to keep in mind:

Restricted Imports

Austria restricts the import of certain items, including:

• Animals, plants, and other goods from non-EU countries.
• Medicines: These are permitted only under an import license and for personal use.
• Tobacco and alcohol.
• Precious metals and jewellery: Articles made of gold, silver, or platinum must meet Austrian regulations for fineness.
• Austrian coins: Gold coins require permission from the Austrian National Bank.
• Food, plants, and seeds: Meat, plants, and plant parts must be accompanied by a certificate of origin and plant health certificate. Processed meat products up to 3 kg sent to private individuals are exempt from this requirement.
• Lottery tickets and related publicity material.
• Books and printed matter prohibited by Austrian courts.
• Weapons and dual-use items: This includes firearms, ammunition, explosives, and military equipment.

Restricted Exports

Austria also has restrictions on the export of certain items, including:

• Military and dual-use items: These require an export license.
• Art, antiques, and cultural property: There may be restrictions on the export of certain artistic and cultural items.
• Drugs and pharmaceuticals: The export of certain medications and pharmaceuticals is controlled.
• Food and wine: There are restrictions on the export of certain foodstuffs and beverages.

Customs forms and regulations

When shipping to Austria, it is important to be aware of the customs regulations and requirements. Here are some key points to consider:

• Austria is a member of the European Union (EU), so its customs regime is based on the EU's TARIC system, which is determined in Brussels.
• There are restrictions on the import and export of certain goods, including foodstuffs, wines, drugs, pharmaceuticals, seeds, war materials, and antiques. These restrictions are in place to protect the safety and lives of humans, animals, and plants, safeguard national security, and protect artistic, cultural, and intellectual property.
• For commercial shipments of any value and personal shipments valued at $300 or more, an invoice in duplicate is required. It must be affixed to the outside of the parcel or enclosed in the customs declaration.
• Gifts shipments are exempt from charges and fees if the value does not exceed 400 Austrian Schillings. They may contain up to 40 cigarettes, 10 cigars, or 50 grams of tobacco. Gift shipments should be marked as "GESCHENKSENDUNG" on the customs declaration.
• Austrian customs require certain documents and information, such as order confirmations, invoices, payment receipts, import licenses, and import certificates.
• When sending goods from non-EU countries, duty exemptions exist for consignments up to a merchandise value of €150. However, import VAT must be paid.
• Private gift consignments from one private individual in a non-EU country to another private individual in the EU are duty-free up to a value of €45 if they are occasional, consist of goods for personal use, and are received without any payment.
• Certain items, such as alcoholic products, tobacco, perfumes, and eau de toilette, are exempt from duty exemptions for consignments up to €22.
• It is important to properly complete and file the necessary paperwork to expedite the customs process and avoid delays.
• Customs may open and inspect parcels, which may compromise the appearance and damage the packaging. This is more likely to occur for parcels with a declared value of over $100 or those with an unusual appearance.
• When sending gifts containing gourmet items, only non-perishable items are allowed. Fragile items must be wrapped inconspicuously.
• Shipping times can vary from 3 weeks to 4 months, so plan accordingly if the gift needs to arrive by a specific date.

Shipping costs

There are a variety of courier services available for shipping to Austria, including USPS, Hong Kong Post, Singapore Post, Aramex, DHL, FedEx, and UPS. These companies offer different rates and delivery times, so it is important to compare their services to find the best option for your needs. For example, UPS offers a range of services such as UPS Expedited (5-9 days) and UPS Worldwide Saver (3-6 days), while FedEx offers FedEx Economy (5-9 days) and FedEx Priority (3-6 days).

Additionally, some companies offer package consolidation services, which can reduce international shipping rates by combining multiple purchases into one package. This can result in significant savings, with some companies offering up to 80% off standard international shipping rates.

When shipping to Austria, it is also important to consider the customs regulations and prohibited items. Austria, as a member of the European Union, follows the EU's TARIC system for customs, which includes restrictions on certain goods such as foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and antiques.

Delivery time frames

For example, MyUS offers the following delivery time frames for shipping from the US to Austria:

• Budget Economy: 8-14 days
• DPD Powered by Aramex: 5-11 days
• DHL Express Smallbox: 2-5 days
• FedEx Economy: 5-9 days
• DHL Express: 2-5 days
• FedEx Priority: 3-6 days
• UPS Expedited: 5-9 days
• UPS Worldwide Saver: 3-6 days

MyUS members can expect their packages to arrive in Austria in 2-14 days after their facility receives the package.

Parcel Monkey offers the following delivery time frames for shipping from the US to Austria:

• Light Packet: 10-16 business days
• International Priority Express Pickup: 5-6 business days

Royal Mail offers the following delivery time frames for shipping to Austria:

• International Tracked & Signed: 3-5 working days
• International Tracked: 3-5 working days
• International Standard: 3-5 working days
• International Economy: 15 days

It's important to note that delivery time frames may vary depending on factors such as the weight and size of the package, as well as the specific destination within Austria.

Frequently asked questions