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Austria implements new package tax on large online retailers
A new package tax has come into effect in Austria, targeting large online retailers and platforms with annual relevant turnovers exceeding 100 million euros. The law mandates a fee of two euros per package or order, which, when including VAT, amounts to 2.40 euros for the consumer.
Major retailers including Amazon, Zalando, eBay, and Otto have already begun passing these costs directly to customers. While some companies like Amazon and Zalando plan to refund the fee for timely returns, others are facing criticism for the impact on low-cost items. For inexpensive products, the tax can significantly increase the final price, sometimes more than doubling the cost of the item itself.
The Austrian Ministry of Finance expects the measure to generate approximately 280 million euros annually, intended to partially fund VAT reductions on certain basic food products. However, the policy has faced intense backlash from political opposition and trade associations. Critics argue the tax disproportionately affects consumers and small businesses selling through large platforms, rather than achieving its goal of supporting brick-and-mortar retail. Several companies and trade groups have announced intentions to pursue legal action, questioning the tax's constitutionality and its compatibility with EU internal market laws.
Entities
Amazon · Austria · Austrian Ministry of Finance · OTTO · Temu · Zalando
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 16 major online retailers, including Amazon, Temu, Zalando, and eBay, are expected to be affected by the new rules. www.srpskadijaspora.info
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Exemptions from the package tax include click-and-collect services, newspapers, groceries, and pizza delivery.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A new package tax of two euros per package or order has been implemented in Austria. www.srpskadijaspora.info
- [● 2 SOURCES] The tax applies to large online retailers and platforms with an annual relevant turnover in Austria exceeding 100 million euros. www.srpskadijaspora.info
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The tax also impacts approximately 4,000 domestic businesses that sell through large online marketplaces.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The new package tax is expected to generate approximately 280 million euros annually for the Austrian Ministry of Finance. www.srpskadijaspora.info