Marterbauer fights against the Austrian surcharge: prices are falling?

Marterbauer fights against the Austrian surcharge: prices are falling?

On September 19, 2025, Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) made an urgent appeal to the EU to demand the abolition of territorial delivery restrictions from European brand manufacturers. The focus is on the goal of ending the so-called “Austrian surcharge” on consumer goods, which puts a disproportionate burden on consumers in Austria compared to other EU countries. This issue was discussed at a meeting of EU finance ministers in Copenhagen, while ministers also discussed the 19th sanctions package against Russia.

Marterbauer criticized the excessive prices for branded goods in Austria, which are up to 20 percent more expensive compared to Germany. These price differences are primarily due to territorial delivery restrictions that limit the flow of goods between countries. It is estimated that the additional annual costs for EU consumers due to such restrictions amount to around 14 billion euros.

EU Commission plans to ban TSCs

The EU Commission has announced that it will introduce a legislative proposal against territorial delivery restrictions (TSCs) by the end of 2026. These have allowed international producers to offer products in different markets at different prices, which is particularly damaging to regional trading companies. Rainer Will, managing director of the trade association, supported this measure and noted that the creation of uniform purchasing conditions for retailers in all member states is essential.

A practical example illustrates the problem: an Austrian retailer pays 3.20 euros for a hairspray, while a German colleague only has to pay 2 euros for it. The trade association is calling for the ban to be implemented quickly at EU and national level. An EU study predicts that consumers could save up to 14 billion euros annually by abolishing TSCs.

Background and effects

Under current conditions, Austrian retailers pay up to 60 percent more for products than their colleagues in Germany. The Federal Competition Authority (BWB) has determined that the “Austrian surcharge” for branded goods is around 15 to 20 percent. The calls to end the country-specific pricing strategies of multinational manufacturers are supported by the GPA union and the trade association. These measures should also be seen against the background of high inflation of 3.3 percent in Austria in June, which is further reinforced by TSCs.

With this initiative, Marterbauer, supported by the EU, wants to ensure more equality and fairer prices. Close cooperation between the trade association, the union and the government could be crucial in implementing the internal market strategy in order to put an end to the “Austrian surcharge” and create fair competition conditions. The Draghi report on Europe's competitiveness has already highlighted the need for investments in the future, particularly in the area of ​​infrastructure.