The Handelsverband launched an online petition on Friday titled "Österreichische Paketsteuer abschaffen!" to oppose the new parcel tax. Over 17,000 people signed by the first weekend, urging the federal government to withdraw the controversial levy.
Since the tax began on October 1, parcel volumes have dropped by ten percent. Managing Director Rainer Will notes that 4,000 retailers face heavy bureaucracy, while reports that customers are now bundling multiple items into single orders more often.
The tax could destroy 3,000 jobs and cut GDP by 360 million Euro annually. The is now investigating a complaint filed by the Handelsverband, alleging violations of free movement of goods, with a final decision expected by October 2027.