Anti-Shrinkflation Law Austria 2026: Unit Price Requirements
Anti-Shrinkflation Law 2026: Unit price labeling becomes mandatory in Austria. What changes for consumers? Everything about shrinkflation and price transparency.
What is the Anti-Shrinkflation Law?
The Anti-Shrinkflation Law (also known as the Unit Price Transparency Act, or "Anti-Mogelpackungs-Gesetz" in German) comes into effect in Austria in 2026. It requires retailers to provide better unit price labeling and combats so-called shrinkflation – when products become smaller but the price stays the same.
The Key Changes in 2026
| Area | Previous Rule | From 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Unit price display | Required but often in small print | Minimum 50% of sales price size |
| Shrinkflation notice | Not required | Mandatory notice for quantity changes |
| Online shops | Inconsistent | Same rules as physical retail |
| Fines | Up to €3,630 | Up to €10,000 |
What is Shrinkflation?
Shrinkflation (from "shrink" + inflation) describes a hidden price increase:
Examples of Shrinkflation
- Chocolate bar: 250g → 220g, price stays €2.49
- Laundry detergent: 30 wash loads → 26, price increases slightly
- Chips bag: 175g → 150g at the same price
- Toilet paper: 200 sheets → 180 sheets per roll
Effective price increase: Often 10-20%, without consumers immediately noticing!
The New Unit Price Requirements
How Must Unit Prices Be Displayed?
| Product Category | Unit Price Per | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Food (solid) | 1 kg or 100 g | €12.50/kg |
| Beverages | 1 liter or 100 ml | €1.80/l |
| Laundry detergent | 1 kg or per wash load | €0.25/WL |
| Toilet paper | Per 100 sheets | €0.42/100 sheets |
Minimum Requirements from 2026
- Font size: At least 50% of the sales price
- Placement: Directly next to the sales price
- Contrast: Clearly legible, not hidden
- Online: Equivalent to product view
Mandatory Notice for Quantity Changes
New Requirement for Retailers
When a product contains less content at the same or similar price as before, this must be marked on the shelf for 3 months!
How Must It Be Labeled?
- Notice sign: "Less content than before" (Weniger Inhalt als zuvor)
- Duration: 3 months after the change
- Size: Clearly visible, not hidden
- Digital: Also in online shops
How to Use This Law as a Consumer
Tips for Price Comparison
- Always check the unit price (€/kg, €/l)
- Use apps: e.g., Geizhals, Barcoo
- Monitor your regular products: Notice size changes
- Compare store brands: Often same quality, less marketing
Complaint Options
For violations of unit price requirements, you can file complaints with:
- Arbeiterkammer (AK) – Austrian Chamber of Labour
- Verein für Konsumenteninformation (VKI) – Consumer Information Association
- Bezirksverwaltungsbehörde – District administrative authority
Common Deceptive Packaging Tricks
| Trick | Description | How to Detect |
|---|---|---|
| Large package, little content | Lots of air in the package | Check weight, compare unit price |
| Odd quantities | 473g instead of 500g | Pay attention to quantity info |
| "New recipe" | Often excuse for less content | Compare before/after photos |
| Bottom/lid tricks | False bottom, hollow lid | Weigh the packaging |
EU Regulations and Austria
Austria goes beyond the EU minimum requirements with the Anti-Shrinkflation Law:
| Aspect | EU Minimum | Austria 2026 | |--------|------------|--------------| | Unit price size | No specification | Min. 50% of sales price | | Shrinkflation notice | Not regulated | 3 months mandatory | | Online retail | Generally regulated | More strictly controlled | | Fines | Nationally regulated | Up to €10,000 |
FAQ
When does the new law take effect?
The Anti-Shrinkflation Law takes effect on January 1, 2026. Retailers have a transition period until June 30, 2026 to adjust all price labels.
Does the law apply to online shops?
Yes. Online shops must follow the same unit price rules as physical retailers. The unit price must be clearly visible in the product view.
What can I do if a retailer violates the law?
You can report violations to the Arbeiterkammer, the VKI, or the responsible district administrative authority. Photos as evidence are helpful!
Which products are affected?
The law applies to all products sold by weight, volume, or quantity. This includes food, beverages, laundry detergent, cosmetics, and many other goods.
Conclusion
The Anti-Shrinkflation Law 2026 is an important step toward more price transparency in Austria. The improved unit price labeling and mandatory shrinkflation notices help consumers recognize hidden price increases. For more on how these changes affect your budget, see our cost of living guide Austria 2026. This law is one of many changes in Austria for 2026.
Our tip: Get in the habit of always checking the unit price (€/kg, €/l) when shopping – it's the only way to truly compare products!
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- Everything That Changed in Austria 2026 - New laws and regulations
- Rent Control Austria 2026 - Mietpreisbremse explained
Updated: February 2026 | All information without guarantee
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