Austria will see a busy round of significant changes starting in October 2026, impacting various aspects of daily life. These new regulations encompass online shopping, transportation, healthcare, and workplace conditions. Moreover, strengthened consumer rights and innovative energy sharing initiatives are introduced.
A new €2 “Paketsteuer”, or parcel tax, targets large online retailers from October 1st. This tax applies to distance sales when a retailer’s Austrian turnover exceeds €100 million annually. Retailers can choose to pay €2 per parcel or per order. Consumers are not directly responsible for this tax; however, businesses may pass on costs through higher prices or delivery fees.
Significant adjustments also affect specific electric mopeds. Certain L1e-B e-mopeds, previously treated as bicycles, now fall under motor-vehicle regulations from October 1st. These vehicles will require registration, a number plate, and motor liability insurance. Riders must also hold an appropriate driving licence, wear a helmet, and can no longer use cycle paths. Regular roadworthiness inspections, known as “Pickerl”, will also be mandatory. Ordinary pedelecs, however, remain unaffected unless they fall into the L1e-B category.
Healthcare for families with young children also expands. The “Eltern-Kind-Pass” programme adds new health consultations during pregnancy and an additional ultrasound. Mental health support discussions are furthermore enhanced. Families with existing paper booklets will receive an additional “Zusatzheft” for these new services. Mandatory digital documentation for new medically confirmed pregnancies is slated for October 1st, 2027, not this year.
Consumers will gain stronger repair rights starting October 1st. Manufacturers of products covered by EU repairability requirements must now offer repairs for defects outside warranty obligations. These repairs must be free or reasonably priced and completed promptly. Furthermore, a repair under statutory warranty will extend the warranty period by an additional year.
Online shoppers benefit from easier contract cancellation. Websites and apps offering distance contracts must provide a clear online withdrawal function from October 1st. This button must be clearly labelled, for example, “Vertrag widerrufen.”
Meanwhile, hospitality and bakery workers will see pay increases. Minimum wages for hotel and restaurant staff will rise by approximately 3 percent on average. Apprentice pay also increases by about 3.44 percent. Bakery workers will also receive a 2.5 percent rise in minimum wages.
New rules will also simplify electricity sharing among active customers from October 1st. Individuals can now share self-generated electricity through contractual arrangements, including peer-to-peer models. Network operators must be informed, but suppliers cannot impose discriminatory charges.
Additionally, compulsory German summer school attendance is expanded for certain pupils. This includes those in formal German-support programmes or admitted as extraordinary pupils due to insufficient German skills. While the law changes in October, its practical impact will be seen in later summer school attendance.
Towards the month’s end, the local tourist tax in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau, and Obertraun increases from €3 to €4 per overnight stay. Austria also turns its clocks back on October 25th, ending daylight saving time. Finally, National Day on October 26th, a public holiday, combines with nationwide autumn school holidays to create a ten-day break for many students, lasting until November 2nd.
