Shoppers warned of UK online purchasing change
LOUTH Senator Erin McGreehan is reminding local consumers about the new arrangements now in place for online retail under the recently concluded Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK.
Senator McGreehan commented, ‘Now that we are operating under a new set of rules as regards online trading, I want to remind consumers to be alert to potential additional costs and changed entitlements when buying from UK online retailers.’
‘It is important that consumers exercise awareness to these changes and potential 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 though 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.”
Senator McGreehan stated that Irish consumers should be aware that: only goods of proven UK origin are tariff free, goods bought from the UK but not of UK origin that 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.
Senator McGreehan reiterated that consumers in Ireland need to be aware ‘ that the convenience and protections that we had enjoyed as EU consumers no longer automatically apply when buying from UK online retailers (as the UK formally exited the EU Single Market on 1 January 2021).
She added: EU consumer protection legislation that applies to goods bought in the EU Single Market do not apply to purchases made in the UK. Instead consumers will rely on UK consumer protection legislation, if something goes wrong with a purchase.’
‘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.’