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VIENNA — A wide range of new laws and regulations will take effect in Austria from October 1, affecting transport, online commerce, consumer rights, healthcare, education, energy and environmental sustainability.
Among the most significant changes are stricter rules for electric mopeds, a new levy on certain parcel deliveries, expanded parental healthcare services, stronger protections for online consumers and measures designed to encourage product repairs instead of replacement.
Stricter Rules for E-Mopeds
Electric moped riders will face substantially tighter regulations from October. E-mopeds will no longer be permitted to use cycling paths and must instead travel on public roads.
The vehicles will also be required to obtain road approval and display licence plates. Riders will be subject to mandatory insurance, driving licence and helmet requirements.
The measures form part of a legislative package approved earlier this year that amended Austria’s road traffic, motor vehicle and driving licence laws.
New Parcel Levy for Large Online Retailers
A new two-euro charge will be imposed on certain parcels delivered in Austria. The levy will be paid by large online retailers, digital platforms and electronic marketplaces rather than directly by consumers.
The measure applies to companies whose turnover exceeded €100 million in the previous financial year. Alternatively, affected businesses may choose to pay the fee on a per-order basis.
The government introduced the parcel levy as part of broader budget legislation and says it will help partially finance a reduction in value-added tax on selected basic food products.
Expanded Parent-Child Health Programme
Changes are also coming to Austria’s Parent-Child Pass programme. Although the full rollout of the electronic version has been postponed by another year, the range of health examinations will still be expanded.
New provisions include an additional ultrasound examination late in pregnancy, a second voluntary consultation with a midwife and a dedicated health discussion covering issues such as mental health and socio-economic challenges.
A new parental counselling service will also address work-life balance, childcare arrangements, labour law and financial matters. Until the digital system becomes operational, the additional examinations will be recorded in a supplementary booklet.
New Psychotherapy Degree Programme
Austria’s new master’s degree programme in psychotherapy will launch with the winter semester.
Around 500 study places are expected to be available nationwide at universities and universities of applied sciences, bringing further key provisions of the country’s new Psychotherapy Act into effect.
Teacher Training Shortened
Prospective secondary school teachers will benefit from a streamlined training pathway under reforms to Austria’s teacher education system.
The teaching degree programme for secondary education will be shortened by one year, with the new structure applying to students beginning their studies this autumn.
Easier Withdrawal From Online Contracts
Consumers will gain stronger rights when concluding contracts online.
New regulations improve the ability to withdraw from online agreements and introduce updated rules for distance financial services contracts, including banking, credit, payment and insurance products arranged online or by telephone.
Businesses will face expanded information requirements intended to help consumers better understand financial products before entering into contracts.
Incentives to Repair Rather Than Replace
Austria is also introducing measures aimed at promoting repairs and reducing waste, particularly for smartphones and household appliances.
Companies may voluntarily provide customers with a European Repair Information Form outlining details such as the defect, proposed repair, cost, estimated completion time and availability of replacement devices.
Under the new rules, consumers who choose to repair a defective product instead of replacing it during the warranty period will benefit from a one-time extension of the warranty by an additional year.
Greater Opportunities for Self-Generated Electricity
Further provisions of Austria’s Affordable Electricity Act will take effect from October, making it easier for households, municipalities and businesses to participate in energy markets.
So-called “active customers” will be permitted to generate, consume, store and sell their own electricity. They will also be able to participate in flexibility and energy-efficiency programmes.
The legislation also expands opportunities for energy communities to generate, share and sell electricity at a local level.
Simpler Digital Receipts
Businesses will be able to issue digital receipts more easily under Austria’s cash register regulations.
A receipt made electronically available immediately after payment will satisfy legal requirements. Customers who prefer a paper receipt will still be entitled to request one, which can be issued later, provided it is supplied before the end of the business day.
Fuel Price Measure Returns
While a planned receipt lottery has been abandoned by the Finance Ministry, legislative changes taking effect in October will also see the return of a fuel price monitoring mechanism known as the “fuel price brake.”
The package of reforms marks one of the broadest sets of regulatory changes introduced in Austria this year, affecting citizens, businesses and public institutions across multiple sectors.
- source: vienna-.at/picture:
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