# Handelsverband Petition Fights Austria Parcel Tax

October 19, 2026 at 09:22 AM

> Over 17,000 people sign a petition against Austria's new parcel tax as retail leaders warn of job losses and declining shipping volumes.

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 **Austrian** 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 **Amazon** 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 **European Commission** is now investigating a complaint filed by the Handelsverband, alleging violations of free movement of goods, with a final decision expected by October 2027.


[#Austria](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/austria>) [#ParcelTax](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/parceltax>) #Handelsverband #Retail [#Economy](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/economy>)

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