October 5, 2026, 5:56 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Anyone shopping at Amazon, Zalando, Temu, or other major online retailers in Austria will have to pay an additional fee starting October 1. The new package tax has sparked criticism, but in some cases, it can be avoided.
Additional Costs for Many Online Orders
Austria has introduced a new levy for mail-order businesses. Since October 1, major online retailers like Amazon, Zalando, Temu, Ikea, Otto, Apple, MediaMarkt, Shein, or AliExpress charge an extra 2.40 euros per order. The regulation applies to companies with annual sales exceeding 100 million euros in the Austrian mail-order business.
For consumers, one detail is important: The tax is applied per order, not per package. If you order multiple products at once, you pay the surcharge only once, even if the delivery is split into multiple shipments later. The Finance Ministry expects to generate around 280 million euros annually from this. Among other things, the revenue will fund an already implemented relief on certain food items.
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These Exceptions Buyers Should Know
Not every online order will automatically become more expensive. Private sales through platforms like Vinted or Willhaben are exempt from the new levy. Deliveries of food, newspapers, and magazines also remain tax-free.
No package tax is applied when customers order goods online and pick them up in-store. This so-called click-and-collect model could therefore gain importance. Additionally, furniture purchased in-store and then delivered to the home, as well as orders from businesses eligible for input tax deduction, are not subject to the regulation.
Retailers Strongly Criticize the New Regulation
The package tax has already sparked intense debate shortly after its introduction. Numerous retailers see additional burdens for online commerce and fear declining sales. Otto Austria and Zalando have announced they will refund the levy to customers for complete and timely returns.
Moreover, the tax could end up in court. Zalando has already initiated legal action against the regulation, and other companies may follow suit. While proponents hope for benefits for brick-and-mortar retail, critics warn of negative consequences for retailers and employees. For many consumers, one thing is clear: Online shopping in Austria will become a bit more expensive with many providers in the future.