Austria Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Austria customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of household goods into Austria. As a member of the European Union, Austria follows EU regulations along with its own national requirements for personal effects, vehicles and pets.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Austria, including export packing, freight services, customs guidance and destination delivery to Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck and other Austrian cities.

1. Moving to Austria – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

Austria allows the duty-free import of used household goods if:

You are transferring your normal residence to Austria
Goods have been owned and used abroad for at least 6 months
Items are for personal use only
Your shipment arrives within 12 months of relocation

Important: New or unused items may be subject to VAT or customs duties. Retain invoices when possible.

1.2 EU vs Non-EU Moves

From EU countries: No customs clearance needed for used personal effects
From non-EU countries like Canada: Full documentation and customs declaration required

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Residence permit, visa or employment contract for Austria
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed inventory (German translation recommended)
Proof of residence in Austria (lease, purchase deed, employer letter)
Austrian tax ID (if available)

2.2 Inventory Requirements

List goods by category or room for clarity
Include details for electronics—brand, model and serial numbers
Avoid vague descriptions such as “household goods”
Declare new items separately with receipts

H-H Relocations Tip: Austria prefers inventories in German. While not mandatory, translations vastly reduce inspection delays.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Austria

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Motor vehicles imported into Austria must meet EU roadworthiness and emissions standards. Duty, VAT and registration taxes may apply unless exemption conditions are met for transferred residence.

Vehicle must be owned and used abroad for 6 months minimum
Registration with Austrian authorities is required before driving
Additional “NOVA” vehicle tax may apply

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration documents
Bill of lading / airway bill
Proof of Austrian residence
Insurance documents and conformity certificates

Important: Importing a car into Austria can be costly due to NOVA tax. Evaluate local purchase options before shipping.

4. Bringing Pets to Austria

Austria adheres to EU pet entry requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compliant microchip
Rabies vaccination according to EU standards
EU pet passport or veterinary health certificate
Tapeworm treatment may apply depending on origin

Pet Travel Tip: Ensure pet documentation aligns with your travel dates to avoid quarantine or delayed entry.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Austria permits the import of alcohol for personal use under EU allowance limits. Quantities exceeding these thresholds are subject to customs duty and VAT. All alcohol should be declared to avoid penalties.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products must be declared and may incur duty based on quantity, product type and country of origin. Commercial quantities are not allowed in household goods shipments.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Austria follows EU regulations for food and agricultural imports:

Meat, dairy and other animal-origin products from non-EU countries are heavily restricted
Plant products may require phytosanitary certificates
Non-compliant food items may be seized or destroyed by authorities

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines require supporting documentation from a doctor
Chemicals and hazardous substances may need special authorization
Weapons, ammunition and similar items are strictly controlled and require permits

Important: All controlled or regulated items must be properly declared. Failure to declare may result in delays, fines or confiscation.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Austria

Austria prohibits the importation of certain items, including:

Illegal narcotics and controlled drugs
Weapons, explosives and ammunition without permits
Counterfeit currency, branded fakes and pirated media
Hazardous or toxic materials banned under EU law
Endangered species and wildlife products without CITES authorization
Obscene, extremist or otherwise prohibited publications

Attempting to import prohibited items can lead to seizure, penalties or criminal prosecution.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Austria

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to Austria, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Begin collecting documents (residence proof, contracts, IDs) well in advance
Ensure your inventory is detailed, structured and, where possible, translated into German
Separate new goods and keep receipts ready for customs review
Keep passports, visas and original documents with you—not in the shipment

7.2 Why choose an Austria relocation specialist

While Austria follows EU standards, customs officers expect precise documentation. Working with an experienced international moving company provides:

Accurate customs documentation and declarations
Reduced risk of customs inspections or clearance delays
Door-to-door logistics coordination, including destination services
Guidance on EU import tax rules and vehicle, pet or special cargo regulations

Relocation Tip: Shipments with clear, well-translated inventories typically clear Austrian customs faster and with fewer questions.

8. Useful Official Links – Austria

For the latest rules and formal guidance, refer to official Austrian and EU sources:

This guide is designed to support planning for your move to Austria. Final import decisions rest with Austrian customs authorities and other competent agencies.