Quick answer: For small parcels to Austria, Canada Post surface is cheapest, delivered by Austrian Post; couriers and air suit commercial freight. Canadian-origin goods enter duty-free under CETA with an invoice origin declaration, but Austrian VAT of 20 percent still applies, and since 1 July 2026 the EU applies a flat 3 euro interim duty per tariff line on low-value parcels.
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Trade between Austria and Canada is supported by the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU, whose lower tariffs and trade-friendly rules expand the opportunity for Canadian companies. Austria is a wealthy, stable economy in the centre of Europe, with strengths in chemicals, automotive, mechanical engineering, electronics, and life sciences. This guide covers shipping between Canada and Austria in both directions.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) if often referred to as the "Canadian European Free Trade Agreement."
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Best Options and Costs, Canada to Austria
There are four main ways to move goods between Canada and Austria. Cost depends on package size, weight, pickup and delivery address, carrier, and service.
| Mode | Best for |
|---|---|
| Air freight | Fastest; urgent and higher-value cargo |
| Ocean freight | Large commercial orders and bulk |
| Local post (Canada Post) | Individuals sending small packages and personal items |
| Couriers (FedEx, DHL, UPS) | Tracked commercial parcels and time-definite delivery |
For individuals shipping small packages, Canada Post surface is usually the cheapest option. For heavier shipments, commercial carriers and their partners are often the better choice. Get an international shipping rate.
Jet Worldwide can also ship frozen or refrigerated goods to Austria using dry ice; per-package quantity limits apply and vary by carrier and aircraft.
Shipping Cargo From Canada to Austria
Companies choose between air cargo and sea freight. Air cargo usually delivers within about a week. Ocean cargo averages 1 to 3 months door to door, typically arriving at a European port (often in the Netherlands) and then moving overland to Austria by truck or rail.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): shares container space with other consignments; allow extra transit time for consolidation and de-consolidation.
- FCL (Full Container Load): a full 20 ft or 40 ft container.
Air versus ocean: which is cheaper?
Ocean freight carries many surcharges that add cost to smaller shipments, so consignments up to around 100 kg are often cheaper by air. See ocean shipping from Canada.
Correction noted: an earlier heading read "ocean cargo versus sea freight," which are the same thing. The meaningful comparison is air versus ocean.
Canadian Parcel Options to Austria
Canada Post
Canada Post is the preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items. Items shipped via Canada Post are imported and deliver in Austria by the Austrian Post. Services include Small Packet International (surface, air, and tracked packet), International Parcel, and Xpresspost International.
FedEx and UPS Canada
FedEx and UPS are the largest carriers in North America and, with DHL, offer dependable express service to Austria. Contact our team for our lowest spot quote to Austria.
Purolator
Purolator Courier, a division of Canada Post, offers international parcel delivery to Austria through partners including those mentioned above.
Jet Worldwide
Jet Worldwide provides options for shipping between Austria and Canada plus logistics support, with transparency and independent, carrier-neutral advice. Share the type of goods, shipping volume, and any regulatory considerations for a tailored quote.
Canadian Export Declaration for Shipments to Austria
Shipments from Canada to Austria valued at CAD 2,000 or more, or otherwise regulated, require a Canadian export declaration filed in CERS. Read more about the Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS).
Shipping Terms to Consider
The common default for international parcels from Canada is DAP, formerly called DDU, which assigns import duty, taxes, and other fees to the receiver or importer. Shippers can instead choose DDP to prepay those charges, an option most commercial carriers offer. Verify shipping terms.
The drawback of prepaying is that most of the import charge is often VAT, which an importing business may otherwise reclaim.
By default, import duty and taxes are the responsibility of the consignee or importer.
Austrian Customs, CETA, and VAT
Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff rates generally apply between Austria and Canada. Goods that meet the CETA rules of origin qualify for duty-free import at any value. Goods must be accompanied by a commercial invoice. Other supporting documents for specific commodities may be required. Austrian customs assess duty and tax on the CIF value. Classification uses the EU Combined Nomenclature (CN); the classification is common across the EU, but duty rates can differ.
Austrian VAT (Umsatzsteuer, also Mehrwertsteuer) is 20 percent, with reduced rates of 13 percent and 10 percent on certain goods. VAT is charged on the CIF value plus duty.
Austrian businesses may be able to claim back VAT paid on imported goods.
The 2026 EU low-value parcel rules
A flat 3 euro interim customs duty applies per customs-declaration line (per distinct tariff category) on consignments valued up to 150 euro. A separate EU handling fee of about 2 euro is expected around November 2026.
Duty-Free Is Not VAT-Free
This is the single most misunderstood point for Austria-bound shippers. Even when CETA makes a shipment 0 percent duty, Austrian VAT still applies on the CIF value plus any duty. Duty relief and VAT are two separate charges.
Worked example: a CETA-originating shipment, CIF value EUR 500
| CIF value | EUR 500.00 |
| CETA duty (0 percent) | EUR 0.00 |
| Austrian VAT at 20 percent (on CIF plus duty) | EUR 100.00 |
| Landed tax-inclusive total | EUR 600.00 |
The goods paid no duty, yet the consignee still owes EUR 100 in VAT. A VAT-registered business can usually reclaim import VAT; a consumer cannot.
For low-value e-commerce up to EUR 150, the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) lets sellers and marketplaces charge VAT at checkout and remit it directly, giving a smoother delivery. IOSS covers VAT collection; it does not remove the new 3 euro interim duty.
The EORI Number for Austrian Importers
Before shipping to a business in Austria, verify your consignee's EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification). It is part of the required customs data set across the EU, and it starts with the issuing member state's country code followed by a unique number. A missing or invalid EORI is a common cause of clearance delay.
Shipping From Austria to Canada
Carrier options from Austria include Austrian Post (preferred for individuals sending small parcels), DHL, and the North American majors FedEx and UPS.
- Austrian Post offers international parcel and parcel-light options to Canada (Pricing Zone 3). Goods must include a CN23 customs declaration, a CP71 parcel card, and two copies of the commercial invoice or value declaration. Goods valued over 1,000 euro require an export declaration.
- FedEx and UPS offer international air priority/express and international economy air to Canada.
Canadian clearance of parcels from Austria
- Imports valued at CAD 20 or less: duty-free and tax-free.
- Duty and taxes apply to goods valued over CAD 20.
- Shipments up to CAD 3,300 can use the Courier Low Value Shipment (CLVS) stream.
- Austrian-origin goods that qualify under CETA are duty-free at any value with a valid origin declaration.
Simplified origin statement for import to Canada
For imports to Canada not exceeding CAD 3,300, the requirement for proof of origin is waived. The importer must still keep records, such as the commercial invoice and the customs entry, even when a certificate of origin is not required or is waived.
Canadian Import Fees and CARM
Common import fees on air consignments to Canada include duty, tax, and carrier disbursement fees. Commercial importers must register in the CBSA CARM portal, assign a customs broker, and post financial security (a surety bond or deposit). Read more about CARM.
Jet Worldwide lane data indicates a greater percentage of shipments benefitting from duty free import.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship to Austria from Canada?
Canada Post surface is usually cheapest for individuals sending small packages and personal items to Austria, delivered by Austrian Post. For heavier shipments, commercial carriers or a third-party logistics partner such as Jet Worldwide are often the better choice.
Will the receiver in Austria pay import fees?
Most shipments to Austria are subject to duty and VAT, with an exception for low-value gifts. To ensure the receiver pays nothing on arrival, ship Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which most commercial carriers offer.
Can goods be imported to Austria duty-free?
Canadian-origin goods that meet the CETA rules of origin enter Austria duty-free at any value, with an origin declaration on the invoice. Since 1 July 2026 the EU removed the 150 euro low-value duty exemption, so other low-value parcels now carry a flat 3 euro interim customs duty per declaration line. VAT applies regardless.
What is the VAT rate in Austria?
Austria's standard VAT, called Umsatzsteuer or Mehrwertsteuer, is 20 percent, with reduced rates of 13 percent and 10 percent on certain goods. VAT is charged on the CIF value plus duty and applies even when goods are duty-free.
Does my Austrian consignee need an EORI number?
Yes, for commercial imports.
What does it cost to import goods from Austria into Canada?
Imports valued at CAD 20 or less are duty-free and tax-free. Shipments up to CAD 3,300 can use the Courier Low Value Shipment stream. Austrian-origin goods that qualify under CETA are duty-free at any value, and proof of origin is waived up to CAD 3,300.
Disclaimer: Jet Worldwide content is for general information only. Confirm current EU, Austrian, and Canadian customs rules with your customs broker before shipping.
