Can Alcohol Be Sent To Austria? Austrian Shipping Guide

Austria has become a popular destination for holidaymakers and homeowners alike; there are plenty of things to like about this country, including its beautiful scenery, great food, and friendly people.

This has seen a huge rise in the number of items that are sent into Austria from overseas, including gifts and presents.

There are, however, still a number of questions over the items that can be sent into Austria – including alcohol. So, can alcohol be sent to Austria? We took a closer look at the facts you need to know.

Can I Send Alcohol To Austria?

The short answer is yes! You can send alcohol to Austria, but there are specific rules and regulations that will need to be followed.

Many couriers, such as UPS, will only agree to provide shipping services for wines and other alcoholic beverages on behalf of pre-approved customers, and these customers must be licensed to ship alcoholic beverages.

This may include restaurants, bars, and official suppliers who have been granted permission by their local authorities to sell alcohol. However, if you are not sure whether your business qualifies, it’s best to check with your local customs office first.

As a general rule, however, alcohol may not be imported into Austria, and there may be legal consequences if you are seen to be posting alcohol into Austria from elsewhere.

What Other Items Cannot Be Sent To Austria?

In addition to alcohol, there are a number of other items that are prohibited for import to Austria, and these include:

• Firearms (including ammunition)
• Explosives
• Ammunition
• Weapons
• Narcotics
• Dangerous animals
• Pornography, books or magazines containing nudity or sexual content, or any item deemed ‘obscene’ under Austrian law
•  Live plants
• Plants intended for cultivation
• Seeds or seedlings
• Cigarettes and tobacco products
• Perfume
• Pharmaceuticals and medicines

How Do I Address Mail To Austria?

One of the most important elements of sending mail to Austria is to ensure that it can reach your intended recipient, and this involves ensuring that you address the parcel in the correct manner. 

You need to make sure that the sender details are accurate, which means providing the full name and address of both the sender and recipient, as well as the destination country – in this case, Austria.

It is also common practice in Austria to include the door number, floor, and apartment building if appropriate – this will help to ensure that your package reaches its destination quickly. 

Do I Have To Pay Import Duty On Goods That Are Sorted By A Courier Company In Austria?

If you choose to use a courier service to deliver your goods to Austria, then you will likely incur an additional charge for doing so. This is because the courier companies will often sort out the duty themselves, and charge you accordingly.

However, if you decide to handle the duties yourself, then you will need to pay them directly to the relevant authority, and this can be a little more complex.

What Options Do I Have To Ship To Austria?

There are many options available when it comes to shipping goods to Austria, and they vary depending on what type of product you wish to send. The most common methods are listed below:

Trackable Courier Services

One of the most popular options for sending and shipping items to Austria is to use a trackable courier service. This involves using a company like DHL, FedEx, TNT, or UPS to transport your packages.

These companies offer tracking facilities, meaning that you can follow the progress of your shipment online at all times. They also offer insurance cover, which helps to protect against loss or damage during transit.

The main benefit of using a trackable courier service is that you can monitor the delivery process through the website provided by the company.

If something goes wrong with the delivery, you will have access to information about where the package is located, who has it, how long it should take to arrive, and whether it was delivered successfully.

Non-Trackable Courier Services

Another option is to use a non-trackable courier service,  such as those offered by Royal Mail, Parcelforce, Hermes, or Yodel (though it is worth noting that these services do also offer the benefits we have looked at above).

These services do not provide tracking facilities, but they do offer other benefits, including insurance cover, signature confirmation, and proof of postage.

There may be restrictions on the types of items that can be sent via these services, so check the terms and conditions carefully before choosing one.

Postal Packages

A postal package is another option for sending parcels to Austria, and it is usually cheaper than using a courier service. However, there are some downsides to this method, including the fact that it does not provide any tracking facilities.

It is also possible to lose your package while it is being transported, which could mean that you miss out on receiving it all together.

What Should I Look For When Choosing A Courier Service?

When choosing a courier service, there are several things that you should consider. Some of these include:

Insurance Cover

This is probably the most important factor to look at when choosing a courier service.

You want to make sure that you know exactly what level of insurance coverage you are getting, and that you understand what happens if anything goes wrong with the delivery.

Tracking Facilities

You should also ensure that the courier service offers tracking facilities. This means that you can see where your parcel is located at all times, and you can find out where it is going next.

Delivery Time

You should also consider how quickly the courier service delivers your item, and this will vary from business to business. Some businesses deliver within 24 hours, whereas others may take up to five days.

Check the terms and conditions of the courier service to find out more details.

Costs

Finally, you need to compare costs between different courier services. There are many factors that affect the price of a courier service, including the size of the order, the distance involved, and the type of packaging used.

Make sure that you get an accurate quote from each courier service before making a decision – it can be useful to contact a few different courier options initially, to ensure that you have plenty of choice, and can find the best deal.

How To Send Your Package To Austria

There are a few factors and steps involved in sending your package, and these include:

Check You Are Allowed To Send The Item

The first step is to ensure that the item you are planning to send is not prohibited from entering Austria.

Choose A Shipping Method

As we have mentioned, there are a number of options to allow you to ship your parcel safely, so take some time to research the best option.

Select An Address In Austria

Once you have chosen a shipping method, you will need to select an address in Austria – remember to include details such as building number and apartment block.

Package Your Parcel

Now that you have selected an address, you will need to pack your parcel correctly. You should use a strong box or padded envelope, and place your item inside.

If you are unsure about packing your item, then ask someone who knows about international shipping.

Send Your Parcel

After you have packed your parcel, you will need to post it!

Final Thoughts

Though sending alcohol to Austria is not permitted, there are still plenty of gifts and items that can be sent safely and legally, so you will still have plenty of options.