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VIENNA, Sept. 27, 2026 — Austria will introduce a series of regulatory and consumer-related changes from October, including a new package tax for large online retailers, stricter rules for certain electric mopeds, simplified online contract cancellations and a temporary fuel price relief measure.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new package tax from Oct. 1, 2026. The levy amounts to €2 per package and applies to parcel deliveries linked to distance-selling transactions with private consumers. The tax is primarily aimed at large mail-order businesses, with companies subject to the charge if their Austrian distance-selling turnover exceeded €100 million in the previous year.
Consumers will not automatically see an additional €2 charge on every online purchase. The tax is payable by retailers, which will decide independently whether and how to pass the additional costs on to customers.
E-mopeds face stricter regulations
Major changes are also coming for certain electric mopeds. From Oct. 1, vehicles in the L1e-B category, which under specific conditions were previously treated similarly to bicycles, will be legally classified as motor vehicles.
As a result, affected vehicles will require registration, licence plates and motor liability insurance. Riders must hold the appropriate driving licence and wear a helmet. The vehicles will no longer be permitted on cycle paths or bicycle lanes and must instead use public roads. Regular technical inspections will also become mandatory.
The changes are expected to have a particular impact on food delivery workers, many of whom use such vehicles. Lawmakers delayed the rules until October to give operators and owners additional time to comply.
Online contract withdrawal made easier
Online shoppers will also benefit from new consumer protection measures. From Oct. 1, online retailers must provide consumers with an easily accessible electronic option to withdraw from certain contracts concluded online.
The new “withdrawal button” is designed to make cancelling a contract nearly as simple as entering into it online. Retailers will face new information and design obligations as a result. Additional disclosure requirements concerning warranties, durability guarantees and environmentally friendly delivery options are also set to take effect in late September.
Receipt lottery to launch
Austria is also expected to launch a new receipt lottery in October. The initiative aims to encourage consumers to keep receipts issued by cash registers, supporting efforts to ensure sales are properly recorded and reported.
The scheme is scheduled to begin on Oct. 1, 2026.
Fuel price brake planned
Motorists are set to receive temporary relief through a new government-backed fuel price measure planned for October and November.
Under the proposal, petrol and diesel prices could fall by more than 12 euro cents per litre. The government intends to reduce the mineral oil tax by up to 6.7 cents per litre while also introducing a cap on fuel company margins worth 3.5 cents per litre. Lower fuel prices would additionally reduce the amount of value-added tax paid by consumers.
According to the government, the combined measures would result in savings of around 12.2 cents per litre at the pump.
Multiple changes at once
The October reforms will affect a broad range of consumers and businesses. While online shoppers will gain easier cancellation options, major retailers must adapt to the new package tax, and owners of affected electric mopeds face substantial new regulatory requirements.
Authorities advise e-moped users to ensure that registration, insurance, licence plates and driving licence requirements are in place before the new rules take effect.
- source: oe24.at/picture: pixabay.com
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