Austria implemented a new parcel tax on Thursday, October 1, 2026, targeting 16 major online marketplaces including Amazon, Otto, Zalando, Temu, and Shein. The 2.40 Euro fee, which includes 0.40 Euro in VAT, affects roughly 4,000 domestic Austrian retailers.
Amazon now lists the Paketsteuer in Österreich charge once per order on invoices. While the tax applies to third-party platforms, it does not affect direct web shops. Entrepreneur Markus Giesswein reported a 20 percent sales increase on his own site this morning.
The tax aims to generate 280 million Euro to fund VAT reductions on basic foodstuffs. However, Amazon is seeking legal clarification, raising concerns about the law's constitutionality and its compatibility with established European Union internal market rules.