The most common method for importing goods into Austria is to sell through wholesale-import firms, many of whom are engaged in both imports and exports.
Some importers deal with goods from all over the world.
Others are specialized in certain regions or countries. Sometimes an importer sells exclusively products of one particular foreign supplier and will therefore consider additional products only if they can supplement his established line of business. It is important to know that the Austrian business code allows imports not only to wholesalers but also to retailers. Apart from trading firms, imports are also done by industries and, to some extent, by small manufacturers. Due to the small market and the comparatively small quantities to be ordered, imports from overseas frequently are not done directly, but through an importer in another European country.