Austria's new package tax adds €2.40 fee per online order, retailers protest
Austria has introduced a package tax that adds a €2.40 charge per order, which online sellers say they will pass on to consumers.
Effective today, Austria’s package tax obliges qualifying online sellers to pay €2 per parcel, €2.40 including VAT, for each order. Retailers may apply the fee per package or per order, and Amazon and Otto have opted for the latter, meaning a single charge regardless of the number of parcels. The trade association lists major platforms such as Amazon, Temu, Zalando, Shop-Apotheke, Ebay, Best Secret, AliExpress, Mediamarkt, Apple, Universal, Ikea, Shein, XXXLutz and Refurbed as affected, and notes that thousands of Austrian businesses using large marketplaces will also be impacted.
Sellers intend to transfer the expense to customers, and several firms plan legal challenges, while the association is weighing a complaint to the European Commission. The finance ministry expects the tax revenue to help fund a VAT cut on selected staple foods.
Why it matters
The tax will raise prices for Austrian online shoppers and could trigger legal disputes affecting major e-commerce players.
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