Import Regulations

Packaging of food stuffs, wine, textiles and chemicals - among others - must meet the packaging and labeling standards.

The CE label confirms that EU health, safety and environmental standards have been met for the following product areas:

• Machines
• Building materials
• Telecommunication systems
• Medical apparatus
• Sports equipment
• Toys
• Explosive materials
  
  

The producer or EU importer can apply for the CE label. Products carrying a CE label can be freely sold and traded in all EEC countries and no further national product testing is necessary.

Austria adopted the EEC import regulations and customs system upon joining the European Union. There are no customs duties within the European internal market and, as a customs union, the EU operates a common customs tariff for external trade.

Customs Tariffs

Average EU import duty is around 2%, and around 70% of goods can be imported into the EU duty-free. Austrian customs tariffs are based on TARIC, the EU's integrated tariff. Imported goods produced outside the EU may be exempt from certain tariffs.

Preferential Duty

The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) specifies the conditions for preferential import duties for developing countries. A number of special agreements also exist between EU member states and developing countries. To take advantage of these preferential duties, a Certificate of Country of Origin must be submitted.

Information

General information about customs regulations can be found at the following addresses:

Special information about customs and duty: Competence Center Zoll

Information about customs and import duties in the EU:

Samples without commercial value may be imported duty-free in some cases. An appropriate designation or valuation may be required. An ATA Carnet can be used for temporary sample imports to Austria.

European Union Import Regulations are generally quite liberal, although there are a number of exceptions and restrictions:

Specific regulations apply to certain products such as:

and trading with China is also subject to special regulations.

Information about import quotas and licenses can be found at the following addresses:

Import licenses are necessary for certain agricultural goods, as defined in the catalogue of goods. In addition, regulations regarding labeling and packaging must be observed.

Licences are issued by:

A customs declaration must be completed in order to circulate goods originating outside the EU freely within the Austrian and European Union markets. The declaration must be made by an EU resident and must be submitted to the customs office where the goods are to be presented.

Exceptions:

• Transit goods or goods temporarily imported
• Goods where the total value does not exceed 1000 EUR
  
  

For goods originating outside the EU, the following documents are also necessary when importing to Austria:

Invoice

The invoice must contain a detailed description of the goods to be imported including:

• Weight
• Dimensions
• Quantity
  
  

and the following entries:

• Recipient
• Export Country
  
  

Two copies of the invoice must be submitted to the customs office along with a freight confirmation or bill of loading.

Certificate of Country of Origin

A Certificate of Country of Origin is necessary in order to apply for preferential duty. Textiles are subject to extra regulations. For some goods a non-preferential certificate is required.

Additional Regulations

Certain products require special licenses or certification, such as plant safety certificates and veterinary certificates. Endangered species of animal must not be imported and there are special regulations regarding the live transport of animals.