🇦🇹 Import Customs & Duties: Austria
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
20%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 10% for food, books, newspapers, accommodation. Super-reduced 5% for certain cultural events.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% (smartphones 0%, laptops 0%, TVs 14%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% (knitted garments 12%, woven shirts 12%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% (leather shoes 8%, sports shoes 16.9%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-26% (meat 12.8%, cheese 9-36%, coffee 7.5%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% (industrial robots 0%, pumps 1.7%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% (perfumes 6.5%, skincare 2.5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% (video game consoles 0%, dolls 4.7%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
e-zoll electronic customs portal for declarations and payments. AES (Automatisiertes Export System) for exports. Dual channel (red/green) at Vienna Schwechat airport. EU Union Customs Code applies. Since July 2021, €22 VAT threshold abolished, IOSS for VAT from €0, duty exemption remains at €150. Austrian Post charges ~€5 handling fee on customs-liable parcels.
What to Actually Expect
Austrian customs is highly efficient. Part of EU single market, no duties on EU-origin goods. Third-country shipments processed quickly at Vienna Schwechat airport, a major entry point for cargo from Asia and the Middle East. Express couriers typically clear same day. Austrian Post parcels 1-2 days.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EU-standard licensing: required for agricultural quotas, dual-use items (controlled by BMAW), weapons, certain chemicals. Austrian-specific: strict veterinary controls via AGES (Agentur fur Gesundheit und Ernahrungssicherheit) for food supplements and animal products. CE marking mandatory for applicable categories.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by WKO (Wirtschaftskammer Osterreich, Austrian Federal Economic Chamber). EUR.1 movement certificate for preferential trade partners. EUR-MED for Pan-Euro-Mediterranean zone. REX system for registered exporters above €6,000 annual threshold.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Austria:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $10 | $13 |
| $100 | $4 | $21 | $25 |
| $200 | $8 | $42 | $50 |
| $500 | $21 | $104 | $125 |
| $1000 | $42 | $208 | $250 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Austria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Austria?
Austria has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Austria?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Austria is 20%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 10% for food, books, newspapers, accommodation. Super-reduced 5% for certain cultural events.
How long does customs clearance take in Austria?
Typical customs clearance in Austria takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Austria?
To import into Austria, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Austria?
Austria prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.