Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
Austria
Custom Regulations
Non Tariff Barriers
In accordance with its European Union membership, Austria complies with all the European Union rules. While the EU has a rather liberal foreign trade policy, there is a certain number of restrictions, especially on farm products, following the implementation of the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy): the application of compensations on import and export of farm products, aimed at favoring the development of agriculture within the EU, implies a certain number of control and regulation systems for the goods entering the EU territory.Certain non-tariff barriers also exist in the pharmaceutical, telecom, biotechnology, refrigerant, and legal and accounting services sectors.
Import regulations:
Free import to passengers arriving with goods for personal use, purchased in an EU Member State or in the United Kingdom:
1. tobacco products, for passengers aged 17 years of age and older:
- 800 cigarettes; or
- 400 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each); or
- 200 cigars; or
- 1 kilogram smoking tobacco;
2. alcoholic beverages, for passengers aged 17 years of age and older:
- 10 liters of spirits over 22%; or
- 20 liters of alcoholic beverages less than 22%; or
- 90 liters of wine (though no more than 60 liters of sparkling wine); or
- 110 liters of beer.
Free import to passengers arriving from non-EU Member States (incl. Aland Isl., Canary Isl., Channel Isl. and other similar territories) :
1. tobacco products, for passengers aged 17 and older:
- 200 cigarettes; or
- 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each); or
- 50 cigars; or
- 250 grams of tobacco; or
- proportional assortment;
2. alcoholic beverages, for passengers aged 17 and older:
- 1 liter of spirits over 22% volume, or non-denatured ethyl alcohol with more than 80% volume; or
- 2 liters of spirits or aperitifs made of wine or similar beverages less than 22% volume, or sparkling wines or liquor wines; or
- a proportional mix of these products; and in addition
- 4 liters of wine; and
- 16 liters of beer;
3. medicinal products sufficient for personal needs;
4. other goods (for air travelers) up to a total value of EUR 430.- per traveler or EUR 150.- (per passenger aged under 15 years).
Products of animal origin, not originating from an EU Member State, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino or Switzerland, are not permitted to be imported into an EU Member State, with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Faroe Isl., Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries.
Import Procedures
Imported goods are to be declared at Customs. A Single Administrative Document or SAD is used for this purpose. The Single Administrative Document (SAD) may be submitted to the Austrian Customs Administration physically or through an electronic declaration. For more information click here Hauptzollamt Wien (Central Customs Office, Vienna).
Imported products are subject to a value-added tax (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) as they enter the Austrian customs area. The VAT upon importation is calculated based on the customs value of imported goods. The importer is entitled to a VAT refund from the Tax Authority once the imported good is resold or re-exported in the distribution chain.
As a member of the EU, Austria requires import licences for most goods, especially agricultural products. This applies to all countries of origin, including the United States. Special rules apply to particular imports from certain countries, such as shoes made in China. EU import quotas are handled through the granting of import licences to qualified companies. Austrian importers are usually required to show an exporter licence from the supplier country and then obtain an approval to import from the Austrian authorities (Einfuhrbewilligung or import permit)
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy is the licencing authority for most other goods. The import of war material requires a licence and individual approval of each shipment by the Austrian Ministry of Interior.
Importing Samples
Goods that are used as and which qualify as samples are eligible for duty-free entry. In order to qualify, they must be of negligible value (EUR 45 or less), consumed or destroyed during demonstration and are packaged and properly marked in a manner which precludes their being used as other than samples. (i.e. foodstuffs, non-alcoholic beverages, perfumes and chemical products). There should not be more than one sample of each style or quality in a consignment.
Austria and the EU use the ATA Carnet Customs procedure used for temporary importation, transit and temporary admission of goods designed for specific purposes, duty-free and tax-free.
Dutable Items
Operations carried out within the EEA are duty-free.
The Common Customs Tariff of the European Union applies to goods originating outside Europe. Generally the duty is relatively low, ranging from 5.0% to 14% on industrial goods. However, many products have reduced duties or no duties at all by virtue of trade agreements (according to Eurostat, around 70% of the imports that enter the EU do so at zero tariff).
Agricultural products imported from outside the EU are subject to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with custom duties on these items being supplemented with a system of variable levies or other charges.
Prohibited item
- arms and ammunition from Russian Fed. and Syria. For more information
- Dngerous weapons such as pump guns or knuckle-dusters.
- Meat and milk and any items thereof from non-EU countries with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries.
- Protected species and products thereof as listed by the CITES (Washington Convention) for example ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests.
Restricted
- pets need to be identifiable (tattoo or an electronic identification system), vaccinated against rabies and have a health certificate. For more information please refer to the nearest embassy.
- maximum of 10 kg of meat, milk and dairy products coming from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland
- powdered milk for babies, food for children and special medical food (including pets food) may be allowed if they need not to be refrigerated prior opening and that it is brand packaged food and the packaging has original seal (unless in use at the time) and its quantity must not exceed the weight of 10 kg originating from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland, and of 2 kg if originating in other countries.
- fish only if it is disembowelled and does not exceed the weight of 20 kg,
- currency – no restrictions if coming from EU country. Declarable for all travelling outside EU when the amount exceeds 10.000 euro or equivalent in another currency.
- coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals will need special authorization
Miscellaneous
Pets
Cats and dogs are subject to Regulation (EC) No. 998/2003 and Regulation (EU) 576/2013 .
Additionally, pet cats and dogs arriving from the following countries do not require a serological test for rabies (anti-body titration)
You can carry up to two healthy pets in an approved carrying container.
Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old (16 weeks from or to the USA). Young animals must be weaned from their mother.
Your pet may be carried in the cabin and/or the cargo hold depending on your pet’s size, weight (including carrying container) and the applicable regulations in the country concerned. You will find the respective details on this page below.
Special conditions apply to the carriage of your assistance dog (for example guide dog or hearing dog).
The carriage of large animals to certain destinations in the cargo hold is not possible due to local conditions and restrictions.
Please note that the carriage of dogs and cats belonging to short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds has been restricted since 1 January 2020. Existing, confirmed bookings will continue to be valid even after 1 January 2020.
Please notify us in good time if you wish to bring your pet with you. We will check the conditions of carriage and the space available.
General information and registration by telephone on +43 5 1766 1000 or by email to our Service Centre.
Small pets in the cabin
The carrying container must:
- be soft, bite-proof and leak-proof.
- insulated against odours.
- be adequately ventilated even when closed.
- be large enough to accommodate the pet in a natural position.
- The total weight of the pet and the carrying container must not exceed 8 kg, a maximum size of 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so that it can be stowed easily under the seat in front of you.
Large animals in the cargo hold
Animals for which there is no space in the passenger cabin may be carried in the cargo hold subject to compliance with the relevant conditions of carriage. Please inform us of the size and weight of the carrying container you are providing at the time of booking. The container must comply with the IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. We will check the availability of space and the loading options in the aircraft.
A maximum of two pets, who must be accustomed to one another, with a maximum individual weight of 14 kg per animal may be accommodated in a single carrying container.
Austrian Airlines reserves the right to check the condition of the carrying container and the pet’s behaviour at check-in to ensure it is carried safely and securely throughout the entire journey.
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At the moment, a lockdown is in effect in Austria. Tourism and leisure travel are not possible.
The following measures are currently in effect :
- Hotels are closed to leisure travellers/tourists.
- Restaurants and bars can only offer takeout/delivery services. Dining in is not permitted. FFP2 masks are required when picking up food.
- A landing ban for flights from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil is in effect.
- Entry regulations are in effect, including special rules for the province of Tirol.
- Shops, museums, libraries, and zoos are open. All shoppers and visitors must wear FFP2 masks.
- All other culture and leisure facilities such as theatres, cinemas, gyms, pools, and amusement parks are closed.
- Events such as concerts, plays etc. are cancelled.
- Hairdressers and similar service providers have been allowed to reopen; negative COVID-19 tests are required for customers.
- Cable cars and ski areas have been allowed to reopen. Hotels and restaurants are however still closed and entry regulations (quarantine requirement – see below) are in effect. De facto, skiing is only possible for locals.
- A stay-at-home order is in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- You are required to keep a minimum distance of 2 m (6.5 ft) to people from other households.
- FFP2 masks are required on public transport and in other public spaces.
- In early March, the situation will be evaluated to decide next steps.
- We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Please note: The following information has been researched with the utmost care. However, we can provide no guarantee of accuracy.
Latest News at a Glance
- 2 March: The Austrian government have announced that from 15 March, certain rules will be relaxed in the province of Vorarlberg. Pub gardens throughout Austria will be able to open from 27 March (COVID tests required). Details to follow.
- 22 February: The landing ban for flights from the UK, South Africa, and Brazil has been extended until 7 March.
- 11 February: Travel to the province of Tirol should be limited to essential trips only. From 12 February, you will need to show a negative COVID-19 test (no older than 48 hours) when leaving Tirol. Exemptions for children under 10, transit journeys, and journeys to East Tirol, Jungholz, and the Rißtal valley apply.
- 4 February: From 10 February, people entering Austria from any country except Australia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, and the Vatican will need to show a negative PCR or antigen test AND commit to self-quarantine. If you cannot show a negative test, you are required to get tested within 24 hours after arrival.
- 2 February: From 8 February, new rules will go into effect. Non-essential shops will reopen with an FFP2 mask requirement for all customers. Hairdressers and similar service providers may reopen; negative COVID tests will be required for customers. Museums and zoos may reopen with an FFP2 mask requirement for all visitors. Hotels and restaurants will stay closed.
- 12 January: From 15 January, all travellers entering Austria will need to register electronically in advance and obtain a so-called pre-travel clearance (PTC). At the border, they will have to show their PTC (either digitally or as a hard copy). There are exemptions for unexpected travel due to emergencies.
- 8 December: From 19 December 2020, if you are travelling from a risk area, you will have to
