Shoppers face extra charges when purchasing items online from the UK
AS Brexit finally becomes a reality and the UK parts way with the EU, new online retail arrangements are set to hit Wexford consumers hard.
Under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK there will be additional costs for Irish consumers when purchasing items online from the UK.
The Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy explained how it will work: ‘We are now operating under a new set of rules for online trading and I want to remind Irish consumers to be alert to potential additional costs and changed entitlements when buying from UK online retailers.
‘ The main concerns for consumers are the possibility of additional costs, by way of VAT and Customs charges that may apply depending on the value and origin of the goods in question.
‘Some online retailers are alerting consumers to these charges and some are including these additional charges in their final price. Consumers need to check out each retailer’s policies and also whether there may be additional charges from the delivery company in respect of fee collection, for example.’
Listing the terms of the agreement, Minister Troy said Wexford consumers should be aware that: only goods of proven UK origin are tariff free. That goods bought from the UK but not of UK origin which cost more than €150 may be subject to customs duty. Irish VAT will apply on goods bought in the UK that cost more than €22. Where UK VAT has been charged on the purchase of goods, Irish VAT will still apply when the good(s) is imported into Ireland.
If an Irish consumer is charged UK VAT, a refund of such VAT should be sought by the consumer from the supplier.
Minister Troy added, ‘We want consumers in Wexford to continue to enjoy the benefit from shopping online with the UK as one of our major trading partners, but I would urge Irish consumers to think ahead when buying from online retailers outside the EU and to visit the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission’s website (ccpc.ie) which has lots of clear and useful information on charges and consumer rights.
‘It also has helpful links to Revenue’s website (revenue.ie) which also provides essential information for Irish consumers who intend to purchase goods online outside the EU single market.’