As of January 1, 2023, important changes to the Austrian Packaging Ordinance of 2014 have come into force. The ordinance aims to create fair competition between collection and recycling systems in the household sector.
Foreign exporters, manufacturers and mail-order companies that deliver to Austria must comply with the new rules. If they deliver to Austrian commercial traders/importers, they must either appoint an authorized representative based in Austria, or the Austrian contractual partner/importer must take care of packaging disposal.
If they deliver to private end consumers, it is mandatory that they appoint an authorized representative in Austria, regardless of whether their company is located in the EU or a third country. The authorized representative must have a domestic delivery address and be responsible for compliance with Austrian administrative regulations. The appointment is made by a notarized power of attorney.
