BRUSSELS, Nov. 1 – Millions of products ordered online and imported into the European Union from non-EU countries will now be subject to a new €2 processing fee as part of the bloc’s efforts to tackle the growing influx of low-cost imports. The new charge, which comes into force on November 1, applies to parcels arriving from third countries such as China and the United States. According to EU member states, online marketplaces rather than consumers will be responsible for paying the fee, which will be collected by national authorities.…

VIENNA – Millions of people in Austria will notice an additional deduction on their November payslip or pension statement as the annual e-card service fee becomes due once again. The charge will increase to €26.85 in 2026, affecting not only employees but, for the first time, a large number of pensioners. The fee becomes payable on 15 November 2026 and is generally deducted automatically from November salaries or pensions. No separate application or bank transfer is required. Around 5.2 Million People Expected to Pay According to estimates by Austria’s umbrella…

VIENNA – Motorists in Austria are facing higher costs from January 1, 2027, as a series of new regulations take effect. The changes include increased vehicle taxes on new petrol and diesel cars, a more expensive motorway vignette, and new taxation rules for employees using electric company cars for private purposes. The measures are expected to affect a wide range of drivers, particularly those planning to purchase a new combustion-engine vehicle and workers who benefit from electric company cars. Higher NoVA Tax for New Petrol and Diesel Cars One of…

VIENNA – New rules for marginal employment (“geringfügige Beschäftigung”) will take effect in Austria from January 1, 2027. While the monthly earnings threshold for marginal employment will remain unchanged at €551.10, employers meeting certain conditions will face significantly higher payroll-related charges. According to financial information portal Finanz.at, the annual adjustment normally applied to the marginal employment threshold has been suspended for 2027. At the same time, the flat-rate employer levy (“Dienstgeberabgabe”) will increase from 19.4 percent to 23 percent, raising costs for affected businesses. Earnings Limit Remains Frozen In Austria,…

VIENNA – Austria’s seasonal winter tyre requirement comes into force on November 1, obliging motorists to ensure their vehicles are equipped for hazardous winter road conditions. The regulation remains in effect until April 15 of the following year and applies whenever roads are covered by snow, slush, or ice. Under Austrian law, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, and so-called “moped cars” must use suitable winter tyres when winter conditions prevail. The Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club (ÖAMTC) reminds drivers that compliant winter tyres must…