New laws 2026: Electricity tariffs are falling, consumer protection is growing!

New laws 2026: Electricity tariffs are falling, consumer protection is growing!

In 2026, numerous new laws will come into force, primarily affecting consumers and companies. The legal changes aim to combat grievances such as greenwashing, parking scams and the use of deceptive packaging. This reports OTS.

From January 1, 2026, a “device saver bonus” will be introduced to replace the expiring repair bonus. It offers up to 130 euros per repair for selected household and electronic appliances. This is a crucial step in encouraging repair rather than new purchase.

Measures against parking rip-offs

Another central law that will come into force on January 1, 2026 concerns “parking lot rip-offs”. This law will reduce attorney fees and court fees and increase access to the Supreme Court, making it easier for consumers to fight back against unfair practices.

A social tariff for electricity will also be introduced in April 2026. This tariff stipulates that low-income households pay a maximum of 6 cents per kWh net for the first 2,900 kWh per year. This is expected to significantly reduce energy costs for the poorest households.

Transparency and labeling requirements

The anti-deceptive packaging law, which also comes into force on April 1, 2026, requires retailers to point out reduced product contents. The Economic Affairs Committee has already approved this law; It was introduced with the aim of informing consumers about shrinkflation - i.e. decreasing filling quantities while the packaging size remains the same. Dealers with more than 400 m² of sales space or more than five branches are responsible for the appropriate labeling.

Violations of the labeling requirement can be punished with fines of up to 2,500 euros per product. The changes to the price labeling law will also affect the font size of the price label - sales prices must be at least 8 mm and basic prices must be at least 4 mm in size in order to increase transparency. Economics Minister Hattmannsdorfer emphasized the need to enable consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, as stated by Parliament.gv.at reported.

Environmental and consumer standards

The regulations on environmental and sustainability advertising will be tightened from September 27, 2026. Retailers must then ensure that all terms used can be verified. In addition, stricter regulations for breakfast products will come into force across the EU from June 14, 2026. These include information about the origin of honey and higher minimum fruit contents for jams.

Significant changes for companies are also coming. From January 1, 2026, the sales tax rate for food in restaurants will be reduced to 7 percent, while taxes on drinks will remain at 19 percent. In addition, a new obligation for retailers comes into force that regulates the return of disposable and reusable e-cigarettes.

Changes for companies

Companies will face a number of new requirements in 2026. The obligation to issue electronic invoices will be introduced from January 1, 2027 for companies with an annual turnover of more than 800,000 euros. Stressed despite the challenges DIHK that there are also new opportunities, especially through the upcoming tax relief and an adjusted minimum wage regulation, which will rise to 13.90 euros on January 1, 2026.

In summary, it can be said that the legal changes in 2026 will bring both opportunities and challenges for consumers and companies by promoting more transparency and fairness in the market.