Austria's €2 parcel levy on online orders sparks retailer backlash
A new parcel levy is set to take effect in Austria at the end of September. The government has drafted legislation requiring a €2 fee on each domestic delivery from businesses to private consumers. The measure has already sparked debate among retailers and online platforms. The proposed law targets mail-order companies with annual revenues over €100 million. It applies to all business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions, but exempts business-to-business (B2B) sales. Retailers must pay the fee, even if they sell through large platforms like Amazon, which are classified as retailers under the new rules.
Austrian businesses using major marketplaces, such as Temu or Shein, will also face the charge—even if their own revenue falls below the €100 million threshold. The levy covers all remote orders, though in-store pickups with home delivery and non-remote purchases remain exempt. Originally, the government planned to tax only non-EU shipments. However, legal concerns forced a shift to domestic deliveries instead. Retailers can choose to calculate the fee per order or per individual package, but the responsibility for payment lies with the seller.
The €2 charge will apply from late September, affecting both international giants and domestic firms like Otto Austria Group and Electronic4you. Companies must now prepare to adjust their pricing or delivery models. The government’s draft legislation is currently under review in parliament.
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