Customs and Import Tax: China to Austria (2026)
What a parcel from China pays when it reaches Austria, and how tax-free lines work.
The standard VAT rate is 20%. Since 1 July 2021 every parcel from outside the EU pays VAT from the first euro. Since 1 July 2026 the EUR 150 customs duty relief is gone: low-value parcels pay a flat EUR 3 customs duty per item for now (Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382), and normal duty rates are planned from 2028. KakoBuy has 6 tax-free lines to Austria (the agent pays the import tax for you), the cheapest from $28 for 1 kg: Europe Tariffless Line -K, ups-Tariffless Line-electrified, Europe Tariffless Line - electrified.
Rules checked on 5 November 2026 on the official sources below. Rules change: check them before a big order.
Official sources
Tax-free shipping lines to Austria
| Line | Days | 1 kg | 2 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe Tariffless Line -K | 8 to 12 | $28 | $44 |
| ups-Tariffless Line-electrified | 9 to 18 | $29 | $48 |
| Europe Tariffless Line - electrified | 11 to 20 | $32 | $50 |
| DHL Duty-Free Fast Line J (No Battery) | 13 to 17 | $33 | $50 |
| DHL Europe Duty Free Route (allows batteries) | 13 to 17 | $33 | $51 |
| DHL Duty-Free Fast Line H (No Battery) | 13 to 17 | $33 | $51 |
All lines and prices: rep shipping to Austria · cheapest line $28 for 1 kg.
Questions
Do I pay import tax on a parcel from China to Austria?
The standard VAT rate is 20%. Since 1 July 2021 every parcel from outside the EU pays VAT from the first euro. Since 1 July 2026 the EUR 150 customs duty relief is gone: low-value parcels pay a flat EUR 3 customs duty per item for now (Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382), and normal duty rates are planned from 2028.
What is a tax-free shipping line?
A line where the agent pays the import tax and duty when the parcel enters the country, so nothing is asked at your door. It is part of the shipping price.
Is there a tax-free line to Austria?
KakoBuy has 6 tax-free lines to Austria (the agent pays the import tax for you), the cheapest from $28 for 1 kg: Europe Tariffless Line -K, ups-Tariffless Line-electrified, Europe Tariffless Line - electrified.
What is the VAT rate in Austria?
20% standard rate.