How to ship to Austria with USPS as a reseller
A small package of goods to Austria, up to 4 lb and $400, goes by First-Class Package International Service: $24.47 for up to 8 oz with a label from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider, or $25.70 at the Post Office or through Click-N-Ship. From 33 oz, a Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope costs less if the item fits: $52.74 online, against $55.52 by First-Class Package International, though USPS offers no tracking on Flat Rate Envelopes. Heavier or pricier packages go by Priority Mail International, up to 66 lb, from $68.14 for 1 lb online, and every package of goods needs an electronic customs form with a 6-digit HS code for each item. The country's own rules to watch: toy guns and replicas banned.
Rules quoted from Austria's Individual Country Listing in USPS's International Mail Manual, read Oct 19, 2026. Prices from Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026; package prices are unchanged since the Jan 18, 2026 edition.
Rates verified on
- First-Class Package International, up to 8 oz, online
- $24.47
- Priority Mail International, 1 lb, online
- $68.14
- Heaviest package (Priority Mail International)
- 66 lb
- Prepaid duties (USPS DDP)
- Optional
What you can and can't send to Austria
Goods on a country's prohibited list can't be mailed there, and a country can return or seize mail that breaks its rules even if USPS never published them (IMM 131.32-131.33). Here is what Austria's listing says about the goods resellers ship most, quoted from it, next to USPS's rule for every country where there is one. Other items on Austria's lists include lottery material, human remains (ashes only under conditions), live plants and animals; meat and plants need certificates.
Books, magazines and other printed matter
- “Certain books and printed matter which are prohibited by order of the courts in Austria.” (IMM Austria listing, Prohibitions)
Every country: USPS treats books as goods, not documents: they need a customs form with a value (IMM 123.623). There is no Media Mail abroad: USPS's five international mail categories don't include it (IMM 141.1), so books pay the same package prices as other goods. Airmail M-bags (sacks of printed matter) are not offered to Austria (IMM Exhibit 261.3).
CDs, DVDs, records and film
Nothing on Austria's lists.
Every country: CDs, DVDs and other recorded or blank media always need a customs form and a value; USPS never counts them as documents (IMM 123.622-123.623).
Cosmetics, perfume and aerosols
Nothing on Austria's lists.
Every country: USPS lists aerosols, nail polish, perfumes containing alcohol and hemp-based (CBD) products among items that can't be sent to any country (USPS international restrictions). Dangerous goods, such as flammable materials and compressed gases, are banned in all international mail (IMM 136.1).
Electronics and batteries
Nothing on Austria's lists.
Every country: Only new lithium batteries installed in the device they run, at most four cells or two batteries per package and 100 Wh per lithium-ion battery; no spare batteries, and no used, damaged or defective devices with lithium batteries unless manufacturer-certified refurbished. The outside of the package must not carry lithium battery marks or labels (IMM 135.62-135.64).
Jewelry, watches, coins and precious metals
- “Articles made of precious metals (gold, silver or platinum) must be of the fineness required by the Austrian regulations.” (IMM Austria listing, Restrictions)
- “Austrian coins, gold coins require permission of the Austrian National Bank.” (IMM Austria listing, Restrictions)
Every country: Valuables can't go by Priority Mail Express International; inexpensive costume jewelry with little precious metal ships like any other merchandise, and USPS says it “is accepted to countries that prohibit jewelry, but only at the sender’s risk” (IMM 134.2).
Toys, games and playing cards
Austria's rule for these is under knives, replica weapons and toy guns.
Antiques, art, stamps and collectibles
Austria's rule for these is under knives, replica weapons and toy guns, jewelry, watches, coins and precious metals.
Knives, replica weapons and toy guns
- “Firearms including parts and accessories thereof, replica firearms, articles made to resemble firearms, and toy guns.” (IMM Austria listing, Prohibitions)
- “Arms, ammunition, and weapons, including parts and accessories thereof, and antique weapons that are more than 100 years old.” (IMM Austria listing, Prohibitions)
Every country: USPS says some knives and sharp instruments may be mailed to certain countries, under the conditions in each country's listing (IMM 137). Inert or replica grenades and military ordnance are banned to every country (IMM 136.2).
Brand-name, copyrighted and origin-marked goods
Nothing on Austria's lists.
Every country: Counterfeit or pirated goods are prohibited to every country (IMM 136.3).
Food, supplements, medicines and health items
- “A filtering facepiece (FFP) mask conforming to the EN 149 standard for class FFP2 is defined as personal protective equipment (PPE) and is subject to import restrictions” Each mask needs CE marking and German instructions, and the maker's EU declaration of conformity in German goes on the outside (the same applies to KN95 and N95 masks). (IMM Austria listing, Restrictions)
- “Medicines intended for personal use are permitted only under an import license.” (IMM Austria listing, Restrictions)
Tobacco, vapes and lighters
- “Cigars may be imported only by a business that holds a permit issued by the Austrian government.” (IMM Austria listing, Restrictions)
Every country: Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes can't be mailed abroad at all, whatever a listing says (IMM 136.4).
There is nothing on Austria's lists about clothing or shoes.
USPS says the burden is on the mailer to follow every country's rules, whatever a USPS employee says (IMM 131.4). The full lists: Austria in the IMM.
USPS services to Austria and their limits
| Service | Price group | Weight limit | Size limit | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Package International Service | 9 | 4 lb | 24 in. long; length + height + thickness 36 in. | Value up to $400. Free electronic delivery confirmation to this country (IMM 252.22). No insurance. Customs form: PS Form 2976. |
| Priority Mail International | 4 | 66 lb; Flat Rate Envelope and Small Box 4 lb, Medium and Large Box 20 lb | 60 in. long; length + girth 108 in. | 6-10 business days to many major markets (USPS). Tracking included, except on Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes (USPS). Insurance: $200 included for merchandise; more can be bought up to $5,000. Customs form: PS Form 2976-A. |
| Priority Mail Express International | 4 | 66 lb | 60 in. long; length + girth 108 in. | No date-certain money-back guarantee to this country (IMM 141.3). No coins, jewelry, watches or other valuables. Customs form: PS Form 2976-B. |
| First-Class Mail International | 5 | 3.5 oz letters; 15.994 oz large envelopes | Letter and flat sizes | Documents and correspondence only: no merchandise of any kind (IMM 242.2). |
| Airmail M-bag | n/a | Not available | - | Not offered to Austria (IMM Exhibit 261.3). |
- Online prices need PC Postage. Commercial Base prices are for labels from a USPS-approved PC Postage product, “with the exception of Click-N-Ship service”, so Click-N-Ship labels pay the retail price for Priority Mail International and First-Class Package International alike (IMM 233.231, 252.25, 253.231).
- Valuables: coins, precious metals, jewelry and watches can't go by Priority Mail Express International, and Registered Mail isn't offered for First-Class Package International Service or Priority Mail International (IMM 134, 332). Austria's own rule is under jewelry above.
- Service alerts: USPS's international service alerts (updated Oct 2, 2026, checked Oct 19, 2026) don't list Austria among the 13 destinations where mail acceptance is suspended. Check it before a big shipment.
USPS prices to Austria
"Online" is USPS's Commercial Base price, for labels from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider. "Post Office" is the retail price, which Click-N-Ship also charges: USPS lists retail Flat Rate prices “at Post Office & Online” (USPS, IMM 233.231). Commercial Plus prices are the same as Commercial Base in this edition. First-Class Package International weights round up to the next ounce (IMM 253.12), so an 8.2 oz package pays the 9-16 oz price.
| Weight | Post Office | Online |
|---|---|---|
| 1-8 oz | $25.70 | $24.47 |
| 9-16 oz | $35.90 | $34.20 |
| 17-32 oz (up to 2 lb) | $40.20 | $38.30 |
| 33-48 oz (up to 3 lb) | $58.30 | $55.52 |
| 49-64 oz (up to 4 lb) | $75.55 | $67.51 |
| Weight | Post Office | Online |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | $70.40 | $68.14 |
| 2 lb | $74.00 | $71.62 |
| 3 lb | $77.85 | $75.31 |
| 4 lb | $83.75 | $81.05 |
| 5 lb | $89.70 | $86.80 |
| 10 lb | $120.10 | $116.20 |
| 20 lb | $180.95 | $175.10 |
| 30 lb | $213.40 | $206.50 |
| 44 lb | $263.10 | $254.57 |
| 66 lb | $355.45 | $343.92 |
| Packaging | Up to | Post Office | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Rate Envelope: regular, padded, legal, window or small | 4 lb | $54.55 | $52.74 |
| Small Flat Rate Box (also the DVD and Large Video boxes) | 4 lb | $56.35 | $54.50 |
| Medium Flat Rate Box (top- or side-loading) | 20 lb | $93.15 | $92.32 |
| Large Flat Rate Box (also the Board Game box) | 20 lb | $110.60 | $103.75 |
Three packages, priced
- A paperback in a padded mailer, 14 oz: First-Class Package International Service $34.20; Priority Mail International by weight (1 lb) $68.14; Priority Mail International Padded Flat Rate Envelope $52.74. Cheapest: First-Class Package International Service, $34.20 online.
- Jeans and a sweater, 2 lb 8 oz: First-Class Package International Service $55.52; Priority Mail International by weight (3 lb) $75.31; Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box $92.32. Cheapest: First-Class Package International Service, $55.52, as long as the value is $400 or less.
- Six hardcovers, 9 lb: too heavy for First-Class Package International. Priority Mail International by weight (9 lb) $110.27; Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box (if they fit) $92.32. Cheapest: Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box, $92.32.
Online prices, except the M-bag. Selling platforms and label services can charge their own rates. Domestic rates: postage calculator.
Customs form, HS codes and value
- Which form: PS Form 2976 for First-Class Package International Service (up to $400), PS Form 2976-A in a 2976-E envelope for Priority Mail International, PS Form 2976-B for Priority Mail Express International. All must be printed electronically, by your label software, Click-N-Ship, Customs Form Online or the Post Office counter; hand-filled forms with a barcode are obsolete (IMM 123.11, 123.61).
- What goes on it: full names and addresses, the category (gift, merchandise and so on), a detailed description with quantity, net weight and value for each item, and “the 6-digit WCO HS code for each item in the package unless otherwise specified in the individual country listing” (IMM 123.711). USPS's example: “Men's cotton shirts”, not “Clothes” (USPS).
- Books and media count as goods: books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs need a form and a value even though they're printed or recorded (IMM 123.623).
- Export filing: enter “NOEEI 30.37(a)” when each class of goods is worth $2,500 or less (IMM 526.2).
- Austria's listing: “All items containing goods must include the corresponding 6-digit harmonized system code for each article listed on the customs declaration form.”
- Austria's listing: “For Priority Mail International parcels, an invoice, in duplicate, is required for all commercial shipments regardless of value and all personal shipments valued at $300 or more.”
Addressing for Austria
- “A local telephone number for the addressee should be provided when the item is addressed to a street address and must be provided when the item is addressed to a post office box.” (IMM Austria listing, Observations)
Duties, taxes and fees: who pays
Normally the buyer, unless you prepay them with USPS Delivered Duty Paid. Austria's listing, under Delivered Duty Paid:
- “Except as provided below and in 362, available for dutiable items sent as Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, or First-Class Package International Service.”
- “Service is NOT available for items declared as gifts with a value up to 45 EUR.”
Where to buy it: USPS sells Delivered Duty Paid only at a Post Office counter, in Click-N-Ship, through USPS APIs or in its Global Shipping Software (IMM 362), and the counter and Click-N-Ship charge the retail price: $70.40 instead of $68.14 for 1 lb by Priority Mail International (IMM 233.231). A PC Postage provider or marketplace “may choose to use alternative solutions, other than USPS DDP service” (IMM 362), so if you want to prepay the duties, check that yours can before you buy a cheaper online label.
If you opt in, USPS says the duties, taxes, fees “and a third-party service fee will be added to the cost of postage” (USPS).
Without prepayment, USPS's manual says: “The duties, taxes, import fees, and other charges, if applicable, are not included in the postage paid by the mailer,” and most countries charge the recipient a customs clearance and delivery fee on top (IMM 131.34, as revised Oct 19, 2026). USPS's Delivered Duty Paid page puts it plainly: if you don't prepay, “the recipient will have to pay the required amounts before they can get their package” (USPS). Apart from Delivered Duty Paid and the invoices below, USPS doesn't give out information on what other countries charge (IMM 131.34).
If the charges go unpaid: since Oct 19, 2026, when duties, taxes or import fees on your package haven't been paid in full and the customs authority, postal operator or broker in Austria seeks them from you or USPS, “the Postal Service (or its representative) will send an invoice to the mailer for such amounts” (IMM 424.1). You have to pay the whole invoice by its due date “even if the mailer disputes the assessment,” whether the package was delivered, lost, damaged or returned, and anything not paid by the invoice's due date draws interest at 6% a year (IMM 424.2, 424.4). A challenge to the amount goes to the party that set it, not to USPS (IMM 424.5). USPS made these changes in an interim final rule effective Oct 19, 2026 (Federal Register, 91 FR 66000); its online manual, dated Sep 7, 2026, didn't show them yet when we checked on Oct 19, 2026. More: when USPS bills the sender for unpaid duties.
EU duty on low-value packages since Jul 1, 2026: Austria's listing points to the European Union's VAT rules, and USPS says countries that follow EU customs rules now charge import duty on business-to-consumer packages worth up to €150, which used to be exempt, and on gifts between consumers worth over €45 and up to €150. “The receiving EU country will assess a flat, nonrefundable €3 duty based on the contents of your package,” one for each unique HS code on the customs form, plus any national taxes and fees; “The rules for packages over €150 remain the same.” USPS tells shippers to these countries to use Click-N-Ship, a Post Office counter, certain USPS APIs or Global Shipping Software, which work out the duties from your item descriptions (USPS).
General information from USPS's manual, not tax or customs advice.
Questions
What's the cheapest way to ship a package to Austria with USPS?
For a light package, First-Class Package International Service (up to 4 lb and $400 in value): $24.47 for up to 8 oz with a label from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider, or $25.70 at the Post Office or through Click-N-Ship, which charges the retail price (IMM 252.25). From 33 oz, a Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope costs less if the item fits: $52.74 online, against $55.52 by First-Class Package International, though USPS offers no tracking on Flat Rate Envelopes. Heavier or more valuable packages go by Priority Mail International, from $68.14 for 1 lb online (Notice 123).
Can I ship books to Austria?
Yes, but check this entry in Austria's listing. Prohibited: “Certain books and printed matter which are prohibited by order of the courts in Austria.” Books need a customs form with a value (IMM 123.623). Airmail M-bags aren't available to Austria (IMM Exhibit 261.3).
Can I ship used clothing to Austria?
Yes. Austria's IMM listing has no rule on clothing, shoes or used goods. Describe each piece on the customs form (USPS's example: “Men's cotton shirts”, not “Clothes”) (USPS customs forms).
Can I ship electronics with lithium batteries to Austria?
Only within USPS's limits: new batteries installed in the device, at most four cells or two batteries per package, 100 Wh per battery for lithium-ion, and no used, damaged or defective devices with lithium batteries unless manufacturer-certified refurbished (IMM 135.62-135.64). Austria's listing adds nothing on batteries.
Who pays duties and taxes on a package to Austria?
Normally the buyer, unless you prepay them. USPS Delivered Duty Paid lets you pay duties, taxes and fees when you buy the label (IMM 361); Austria's listing: “available for dutiable items sent as Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, or First-Class Package International Service.” Otherwise duties aren't included in postage, most countries also charge the recipient a clearance fee (IMM 131.34), and “the recipient will have to pay the required amounts before they can get their package” (USPS). If the charges go unpaid and the destination seeks them from you or USPS, USPS will invoice you, and you have to pay it by its due date even if you dispute the amount (IMM 424, effective Oct 19, 2026).
Do I need an HS code to ship to Austria?
Yes. Every customs form needs at least the 6-digit HS code for each item unless the country listing says otherwise (IMM 123.711). With USPS's own tools (Click-N-Ship, Customs Forms Online or Global Shipping Software) you can skip the lookup: give a specific description, such as “Men's cotton shirts” instead of “Clothes”, and USPS assigns the code (USPS customs forms). Whatever tool picks the code, “the mailer remains solely responsible” for it being right (IMM 537.4). Austria's listing repeats it: “All items containing goods must include the corresponding 6-digit harmonized system code for each article listed on the customs declaration form.”
Can I mail a trading card or other small item I sold to Austria in a letter?
No. First-Class Mail International takes only correspondence and documents: “No merchandise, whether dutiable or nondutiable, may be mailed using First-Class Mail International service” (IMM 242.2). The lowest-priced USPS service for goods is First-Class Package International Service, $24.47 online for up to 8 oz, with a customs form; the package has to be at least 6 inches long and 4 inches high (IMM 251.22).
Sources
Rates verified on from each official page below.
- USPS International Mail Manual: Individual Country Listing for Austria (fetched Oct 19, 2026)
- USPS Notice 123 price list, effective Oct 4, 2026: international prices and country price groups
- IMM Country Price Groups and Weight Limits table (fetched Oct 19, 2026)
- USPS International Service Alerts (updated Oct 2, 2026, checked Oct 19, 2026)
- IMM 123: customs forms, documents vs. goods, HS codes
- IMM 131: individual country prohibitions and the mailer's responsibility (131.34 revised Oct 19, 2026 by the rule below)
- IMM 134: valuable articles
- IMM 135: mailable dangerous goods, lithium batteries
- IMM 136: nonmailable goods (dangerous goods, replica explosives, counterfeits, tobacco, e-cigarettes)
- IMM 137: knives and sharp instruments
- IMM 141: the five international mail categories
- IMM 232-233: Priority Mail International eligibility, insurance and Commercial Base prices
- IMM 242: First-Class Mail International (no merchandise)
- IMM 251-253: First-Class Package International Service size, value, tracking and prices
- IMM 261: Airmail M-bags (printed matter)
- IMM Exhibit 322.2: merchandise insurance limits by country
- IMM 332: Registered Mail availability
- IMM 361-362: USPS Delivered Duty Paid
- USPS interim final rule, Customs Requirements and Payment Procedures for Certain Customs Charges (91 FR 66000, effective Oct 19, 2026): revised IMM 112, 131.34 and 361.13, new IMM 424
- IMM 526: AES exemptions
- IMM 537: HS codes and the mailer's responsibility for them
- USPS: International shipping restrictions
- USPS: Customs forms and detailed item descriptions
- USPS: Delivered Duty Paid and the EU duty on packages up to €150
- USPS: Priority Mail International (tracking, delivery days, Flat Rate packaging)
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