Imprint Obligation
The imprint obligation requires operators of websites, online shops and other telemedia to make certain information publicly accessible, such as name, address and contact details. In Austria, this obligation arises from the E-Commerce Act (ECG) and the Media Act.
Explanation
Every commercial online presence in Austria must include an imprint. It must state the full name or company name, a registered business address (no post office box), an email address, the commercial register number (if applicable), the VAT number and the competent supervisory authority. Breaches of the imprint obligation can result in administrative fines. For e-commerce operators and webshop owners in particular, the correct imprint details are business-critical, as cease-and-desist warnings may follow. The address in the imprint must be an actual business address.
Why does this matter?
Online entrepreneurs and webshop operators need an official address for their imprint. Anyone who does not wish to publish their private address can use a professional business address. This protects privacy while appearing reputable to customers and business partners.
Legal basis
Section 5 ECG (E-Commerce Act), Section 24 MedienG (Media Act), Section 14 UGB (Business Code)
Relation to postservice.at
The business address of postservice.at in 1010 Vienna meets all requirements of the imprint obligation. You can use the address Seitenstettengasse 5/37 as a legally compliant imprint address for websites, online shops and social media profiles.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a virtual office address in the imprint?
Yes, a virtual office address is suitable for the imprint, provided it is a genuine physical address where post can be received. The address of postservice.at meets these requirements.
What are the consequences of a missing or incorrect imprint?
Breaches of the imprint obligation can result in administrative fines of up to EUR 3,000. In addition, competitors may file cease-and-desist actions. A correct imprint with a registered address protects against these risks.
Related terms
A registered address (capable of receiving service of documents) is an address a...
Business AddressA business address is the official address of a company under which it appears i...
Virtual OfficeA virtual office is a professional business address with associated services suc...
c/o AddressA c/o address (care of) is a delivery instruction in which post is addressed to ...