Austria, a central European country and a member of the European Union (EU), follows the EU’s Common Customs Tariff (CCT) for regulating imports. This unified tariff system is applied uniformly across all EU member states, including Austria, and dictates the import duties for products from non-EU countries. Austria’s tariff regime aims to balance the protection of local industries with the benefits of international trade, ensuring that goods are available to consumers at competitive prices while supporting the country’s key economic sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and high-tech industries. Austria also benefits from various preferential trade agreements that reduce or eliminate tariffs on imports from specific countries or regions.
Custom Tariff Rates by Product Category in Austria
1. Agricultural Products
Agriculture is an important sector for Austria, although the country relies on imports for many agricultural products to meet domestic demand. As part of the EU, Austria implements the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which influences the tariffs on agricultural imports, often offering protection to EU farmers through import duties and quotas.
1.1 Basic Agricultural Products
- Cereals and Grains: Tariff rates on imports of wheat, corn, rice, and other grains vary depending on market conditions and domestic production within the EU.
- Wheat, corn, and barley: Typically face tariffs of 0% to 10%, depending on trade agreements and market needs.
- Rice: Imported rice can face duties of up to 65 EUR/ton, although preferential rates may apply under specific trade agreements.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Austria imports a significant portion of its fruits and vegetables, and tariffs vary depending on the seasonality of domestic production.
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits): Generally face tariffs of 5% to 10%.
- Apples, pears, and other temperate fruits: 5% to 15%, depending on the time of year and local supply.
- Potatoes, onions, and tomatoes: Often subject to tariffs of 5% to 20%.
- Sugar and Sweeteners: Tariffs on sugar imports are typically high, with rates around 40 EUR/ton, in part to protect EU sugar producers. Special import quotas may allow for tariff-free imports from certain countries.
1.2 Livestock and Dairy Products
- Meat and Poultry: Austria imposes tariffs on meat imports, with specific rates depending on the type of meat and its country of origin.
- Beef and pork: Tariffs can range from 12% to 20%, while certain cuts of meat may benefit from tariff-rate quotas (TRQs).
- Poultry: Duties for poultry products range from 15% to 25% to protect EU producers.
- Fish and Seafood: Fish imports into Austria are generally subject to tariffs between 5% and 10%, depending on the product and its source. Lower tariffs apply to countries with preferential trade agreements.
- Dairy Products: Austria applies tariffs on dairy imports, particularly on processed dairy products.
- Cheese: Import duties on cheese are generally around 8% to 15%, with variations depending on the type of cheese and origin.
- Butter and cream: 10% to 15% tariffs, though imports from certain countries may enjoy reduced rates through trade agreements.
1.3 Special Import Duties
Austria benefits from preferential trade agreements through its EU membership. This means many agricultural imports from countries with free trade agreements (FTAs), such as the EU-South Korea or EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), may face reduced or zero tariffs. Additionally, imports from least developed countries (LDCs) under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) often qualify for zero tariffs or significantly lower duties.
2. Industrial Goods
Austria’s industrial sector is diverse, encompassing machinery, electronics, and construction materials. Industrial imports are crucial to supporting the country’s manufacturing and infrastructure projects. As part of the EU, Austria follows the common external tariffs for industrial goods from non-EU countries.
2.1 Machinery and Equipment
- Industrial Machinery: Tariffs on heavy machinery, including construction and agricultural equipment, are relatively low.
- Construction equipment: Typically faces tariffs of 1.7% to 3% depending on the type of machinery.
- Agricultural machinery: Tariffs are generally around 3% to 5% for tractors and other farm equipment.
- Electrical Machinery: Imports of electrical equipment, including power generators, transformers, and other industrial-scale electronics, are generally subject to tariffs of 0% to 4.5%, depending on the product category.
- Manufacturing Equipment: Equipment used in Austria’s thriving manufacturing sector is often imported with tariffs ranging from 2% to 4%.
2.2 Motor Vehicles and Transportation
Austria imports a wide range of vehicles, from passenger cars to commercial trucks, and tariffs vary based on the type of vehicle and its engine size.
- Passenger Vehicles: Austria, like other EU countries, applies a 10% import duty on passenger vehicles from non-EU countries. This standard rate may be reduced or eliminated for countries with specific trade agreements, such as South Korea or Japan under EU FTAs.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): EVs imported from non-EU countries may benefit from reduced tariffs under the EU’s climate action initiatives.
- Commercial Vehicles: Import duties for trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles are generally around 10% but may vary slightly depending on the vehicle type.
- Vehicle Parts and Components: Tariffs on automotive parts and components, such as engines, tires, and electronics, are typically between 2% and 4.5%, encouraging the import of parts for assembly in local industries.
2.3 Special Import Duties
Austria benefits from EU FTAs with several non-EU countries, such as Japan, Canada, and South Korea, where tariffs on industrial goods, including machinery and vehicles, are either reduced or eliminated. For example:
- Under CETA, tariffs on a wide range of industrial goods imported from Canada are zero.
- Imports from South Korea under the EU-South Korea FTA also benefit from zero tariffs on many industrial products.
3. Textiles and Apparel
Austria imports a significant volume of textiles and apparel, particularly from Asian countries. The tariffs applied to these goods are designed to protect the EU’s domestic textile industry while ensuring the availability of affordable clothing.
3.1 Raw Materials
- Textile Fibers: Imports of raw materials such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers generally face low tariffs (0% to 5%), encouraging the local textile and garment industry to source raw materials at competitive prices.
- Fabrics and Yarns: Fabrics and yarns used in textile manufacturing are subject to tariffs ranging from 4% to 8%, depending on the material and origin.
3.2 Finished Clothing and Apparel
- Clothing and Apparel: Finished clothing imported into Austria is subject to tariffs of 12%, which applies uniformly across the EU. This includes all types of garments, from casual wear to formal attire.
- Footwear: Footwear imports typically face tariffs ranging from 8% to 17%, depending on the material (e.g., leather, synthetic) and type of shoe.
3.3 Special Import Duties
Many textile products from countries with EU trade agreements benefit from reduced tariffs or zero duties. For example:
- Under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Japanese textiles and apparel face reduced tariffs when entering the EU market.
- The GSP scheme allows for reduced or zero tariffs on textiles and apparel from developing countries, including Bangladesh and Vietnam.
4. Consumer Goods
Austria imports a wide variety of consumer goods, from electronics to household items. The tariffs on these goods are designed to balance the need for affordable products with the protection of local manufacturers and the generation of government revenue.
4.1 Electronics and Home Appliances
- Household Appliances: Large home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners are subject to tariffs of 2% to 4.5%.
- Consumer Electronics: Electronics, including televisions, laptops, and smartphones, are generally imported with tariffs between 0% and 3%. Certain high-end electronics from countries outside the EU may face slightly higher rates.
4.2 Furniture and Furnishings
- Furniture: Imported furniture, including home and office furniture, is subject to tariffs of 5% to 10%, depending on the material (wood, metal, plastic) and the complexity of the design.
- Home Furnishings: Items such as carpets, curtains, and other home décor products are typically subject to tariffs ranging from 5% to 12%.
4.3 Special Import Duties
Consumer goods imported from countries with EU FTAs, such as Canada or South Korea, often benefit from zero tariffs, making these goods more competitive in the Austrian market. Additionally, under the GSP scheme, Austria imports many consumer goods from developing countries at reduced tariffs.
5. Energy and Petroleum Products
Austria is reliant on imports for much of its energy supply, particularly petroleum and natural gas. The country applies tariffs to these imports in line with the EU’s energy policies, aiming to balance energy security with climate goals.
5.1 Petroleum Products
- Crude Oil: Austria imports crude oil with low tariffs (0% to 5%), depending on market conditions and the source of the oil. The EU’s energy strategy aims to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies while encouraging a shift toward renewable energy.
- Refined Petroleum Products: Tariffs on refined petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, typically range from 2% to 5%.
5.2 Renewable Energy Equipment
- Solar Panels and Wind Turbines: To promote renewable energy projects, Austria applies zero tariffs on equipment used in solar and wind energy installations. This aligns with the EU’s climate goals, which prioritize the transition to clean energy sources.
6. Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment
Austria, as part of the EU, ensures that essential medicines and medical equipment are available at affordable prices by applying low or zero tariffs on these products.
6.1 Pharmaceuticals
- Medicines: Most essential medicines are subject to zero tariffs within the EU, ensuring accessibility for the healthcare system. Non-essential pharmaceutical products may face tariffs of up to 5%.
6.2 Medical Devices
- Medical Equipment: The importation of medical devices, including diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and hospital equipment, is generally subject to zero tariffs or very low tariffs (0% to 2%).
7. Special Import Duties and Exemptions
Austria’s position as an EU member means that it applies the EU’s Common External Tariff for goods imported from non-EU countries. However, many products benefit from preferential trade agreements, reducing or eliminating tariffs on goods from specific countries.
7.1 Special Duties for Non-EU Countries
Imports from countries outside of the EU and without preferential trade agreements may face the full Common External Tariff. For instance:
- Imports from China, which do not benefit from an FTA with the EU, are subject to standard tariff rates on various products, including electronics, textiles, and machinery.
7.2 Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements
Austria benefits from the EU’s network of trade agreements, which provide preferential tariff rates for goods imported from partner countries. Notable agreements include:
- EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): Many industrial and agricultural goods imported from Canada benefit from zero tariffs.
- EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement: Industrial products, including electronics and machinery, enjoy reduced or zero tariffs when imported from South Korea.
- EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA): The agreement ensures lower tariffs on Japanese automobiles, electronics, and other goods.
- Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Austria imports many goods from developing countries at reduced or zero tariffs, particularly textiles and consumer goods from countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia.
Country Facts
- Official Name: Republic of Austria
- Capital City: Vienna
- Largest Cities:
- Vienna (Capital and largest city)
- Graz
- Linz
- Per Capita Income: Approx. $53,000 USD (2023 estimate)
- Population: Approx. 9 million (2023 estimate)
- Official Language: German
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Geographical Location: Austria is a landlocked country located in Central Europe, bordered by Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
Geography of Austria
Austria’s geography is dominated by the Alps, which cover about two-thirds of the country, making it a popular destination for winter sports and tourism. Austria has a total area of 83,879 square kilometers, and the Danube River, which runs through the country, plays a key role in its transportation and economy.
- Mountains: The Austrian Alps are a prominent feature, with the Grossglockner being the highest peak at 3,798 meters.
- Rivers: The Danube River flows through northern Austria, connecting the country to Germany and other Central European nations.
- Climate: Austria experiences a temperate alpine climate, with cold winters and warm summers.
Economy of Austria
Austria has a highly developed and diversified economy, with strong sectors in manufacturing, services, and technology. The country is known for its advanced industrial base and high standard of living, making it one of the wealthiest nations in the EU.
1. Manufacturing and Industry
Austria’s industrial sector is highly diversified, with a focus on automobiles, machinery, and chemical products. The country is home to major automotive manufacturers and suppliers, as well as industries specializing in metal production, machinery, and electronics.
2. Tourism
Tourism is a significant contributor to Austria’s economy, with millions of visitors drawn to its alpine resorts, historic cities, and cultural attractions. Vienna, in particular, is renowned for its rich history, architecture, and music heritage.
3. Finance and Services
Austria has a well-developed financial sector, with banking and insurance services playing a key role in its economy. Vienna serves as a financial hub for Central and Eastern Europe.
4. Agriculture
Though agriculture represents a smaller portion of Austria’s GDP, the country produces high-quality dairy products, grains, and wine, particularly in its eastern regions. Austria is known for its commitment to organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices.
