Shipping from Germany to Austria - what retailers should consider

Market information and tips on taxes, payments and returns management for shipping goods from Germany to Austria.

Shipping goods to Austria can be a real growth driver for German online retailers. To ensure a successful expansion, it’s crucial to understand the market and comply with legal requirements.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Austrian market so attractive and the specific details retailers need to keep in mind. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to successfully expand to Austria.

Shipping from Germany to Austria: Why is Austria an attractive e-commerce market?

Austria offers German online retailers an attractive combination of high purchasing power, short delivery routes and a growing preference for online shopping. This makes our neighboring country one of the most exciting markets within the European Union.

As one of the best developed economies in the EU, Austria boasts exceptionally high purchasing power per capita, which is well above the EU average. The Austrian market is characterized by teady growth in e-commerce: According to a study by the Austrian Trade Association, online spending in 2024 increased by 5 % to 10.6 billion Euro. Mobile shopping is growing particularly fast. In 2024, Austrians mostly bought toys, sports equipment, clothing and electronics online.

Austria’s geographical proximity to Germany also facilitates shipping: fast delivery times, low transport costs and a shared language simplify expansion. Germany is Austria’s leading import country. In 2023, imports from Germany to Austria amounted to 64.7 billion Euro,. accounting for 31.9 % of all Austrian imports.

Plus: German retailers are highly trusted in Austria. For example, a study from 2023 shows that 58 % of Austrian consumers' cross-border online purchases were made with German retailers.

Overall, the Austrian market is sending out many positive signals for cross-border e-commerce and German retailers can benefit from a stable and growing market.

Shipping to Austria: Key Basics

To establish yourself as an online retailer in Austria and successfully ship goods there, you need to be aware of some local specifics. This ensures your shipments reach your customers without any problems.

Here’s what you should pay attention to:

Choose the right carrier

The best way to send parcels to Austria is with reliable and well-known local carriers such as Post AT. This offers fast delivery times and is firmly established with Austrian customers.

Offer locally preferred payment methods

Austrian customers sometimes prefer different payment methods compared to German ones. These three are particularly popular in Austria:

• EPS (Electronic Payment Standard): This payment method is only available in Austria. The secure payment system was created by several Austrian banks together and is very popular. Customers log into their online banking portal directly after selecting the payment method and complete the transfer in real time.
• Credit Cards Visa and Mastercard are also frequently used.
• Purchase on account: In 2023, 69 % of Austrian consumers surveyed preferred to pay for their online purchases on account.

As an online retailer, it is best to offer a variety of payment options in order to meet different preferences and generate more orders via your store in the long term.

Establish a transparent returns management

It is inevitable that parcels will be returned. Clearly communicating your return conditions and making the process as easy as possible can turn this challenge into an opportunity. Offer a processing time of four to five business days, shipment tracking and clear instructions for returns to build customer trust and stand out from competitors.

Understand legal and cultural specifics

In addition to logistical and financial aspects, you should also consider legal requirements and cultural differences in the Austrian market:

• Tax Obligations: Make sure to monitor the delivery threshold and use the OSS procedure if necessary (more on that below).
• VAT Rate: While Germany has a standard VAT rate of 19 %, Austria’s standard rate is 20 %. This can cause your products to appear more expensive to Austrian customers at first glance. Consider the Austrian VAT rate early in your pricing strategy to protect your margins. Correct and transparent labeling of prices creates trust and prevents misunderstandings.
• Regional references in communication: Adapt your communication and marketing strategy to Austrian customers. Clear messages, authenticity and regional references strengthen trust and promote customer loyalty.

Image: © Österreichische Post AG

Tax requirements: Delivery threshold for Austria and OSS procedure

Taxes play a key role in cross-border sales. To comply with legal regulations and expand to Austria successfully, retailers should be familiar with the delivery threshold and the OSS procedure. These regulations ensure transparency and make the process easier across the EU.

What is the delivery threshold?

The delivery threshold indicates the turnover value at which companies in Austria become liable for VAT. Since 2021, the EU-wide delivery threshold for cross-border distance sales is 10.000 Euro per year. Once this amount is exceeded, the affected sales must be taxed in the destination country, in this case Austria.

Example:  If a German retailer sells goods worth 15.000 Euro to Austria in 2023, they become liable for VAT there and must pay the VAT directly in Austria.

How does the OSS procedure work for Austria?

The OSS procedure was introduced to reduce the tax burden for retailers. It simplifies tax processing for sales within the EU.  Companies can declare and pay VAT for all EU countries centrally through the German Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt). This saves time and eliminates the need for separate registrations in each EU country.

There are, however, some limitations: The procedure only applies to B2C sales and digital services within the EU. B2B transactions and goods from non-EU countries are excluded.

For German online businesses that want to sell to Austria, this means:

• Simplified tax declaration: Instead of submitting separate reports in each destination country, all sales can be handled through Germany’s Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt).
• Automation: Processes such as reporting the relevant VAT in the destination country can be automated by specialized providers, saving time and resources.

Benefits of the OSS Procedure

• Time savings: Centralized tax declaration significantly reduces bureaucratic effort.
• Transparency: Retailers maintain a clear overview of their tax obligations across the EU.
• Flexibility: Even with sales in multiple EU countries, tax handling remains simple and straightforward.

More information on OSS- and IOSS regulations is available on the website of the Federal Central Tax Office.

Difference between OSS and IOSS

While the OSS procedure is intended for intra-EU distance sales, the Import One-Stop-Shop (IOSS) procedure applies specifically to goods shipped to non-EU countries.

The IOSS-prodedure is valid for sales to third countries with a value of up to 150 Euro. It allows centralized submission of VAT declarations and requires an IOSS ID in the customs declaration. However, for German retailers who exclusively sell within the EU, the IOSS procedure is less relevant.

Support from exporto

With exporto, you handle your shipping to Austria easily and efficiently. We ensure that all the necessary processes run smoothly, guaranteeing reliably fast shipping and an outstanding delivery experience for your customers. Our services also include the preparation of tax data and ensuring legally compliant OSS reporting. Here, we rely on a broad partner network to provide you with seamless and automated processing of your tax obligations. As a result, you save valuable time and can focus on growing your business.

Tips for online retailers: optimize processes and scale sustainably

A successful market entry requires a solid strategy and well-functioning processes in addition to the right products.

We have summarized the four most important tips for successful cross-border sales and sustainable scaling as a checklist here:

1. Automate processes and offer the best delivery experience: Use specialized solutions for cross-border shipping, like exporto’s end-to-end solution, to automate complex tasks such as tax processes. This allows you to achieve maximum efficiency and create a first-class customer experience with the fastest delivery and seamless processes – from shipping to returns processing.
2. Meet local customer expectations: Offer preferred payment methods, fast delivery times and delivery through local carriers like Post AT. This ensures satisfied customers and builds loyalty.
3. Handle returns smoothly: Transparent and fast processes build trust and improve your reputation. Ensure that returns are back in your warehouse and fully processed within four to five business days. 
4. Fulfill tax obligations: Make sure to monitor the delivery threshold and register for the OSS procedure. exporto will assist you with this.

Parcel shipping Germany <> Austria: exporto as a reliable partner

With exporto, cross-border parcel shipping is simple and efficient. In 2025, online retailers will also be able to use our solution for Austria and seamlessly ship their products there while providing the best customer experience.

Instead of having to deal with individual process steps, exporto provides you with a seamless shipping solution, that optimizes the delivery experience for both you as a retailer and your customers. We handle the entire process of your sales to Austria - from collecting the orders at your warehouse to processing and managing returns.

• Fast and reliable delivery: Your customers expect a smooth and first-class delivery experience – and that is exactly what exporto offers. Thanks to optimized shipping routes and collaboration with Post AT, the preferred local carrier in Austria, every shipment arrives quickly and reliably, meeting your customers’ expectations.
• Transparency and monitoring: Keep track of delivery times, shipping status and administrative processes at all times thanks to real-time tracking in a transparent dashboard.
• Customer-friendly returns management: Your customers can return parcels as usual at Post AT. All returns are sent directly to your returns warehouse.
• Efficient tax processes: exporto ensures that you comply with all regulations and takes work off your hands. From registering for the OSS procedure to reliable logistics, you get all services for cross-border business from a single source – perfectly coordinated and without additional coordination effort. exporto is your central point of contact for all process steps.
• Scalable solutions: Whether you are just entering the Austrian market or already handling a large volume, exporto flexibly adapts to your existing setup and business case.

exporto makes it easy for you to enter the Austrian market and fully realize the potential of cross-border e-commerce in Europe. With optimized processes, reliable logistics and a service that sets new standards, our digital solution lays the foundation for sustainable growth.

Contact us today to learn how easy cross-border e-commerce can be!