Online shoppers see extra charges due to Brexit
Consumers are beginning to see the introduction of additional charges and taxes when shopping with British retailers.
Since Brexit took effect on 1 January, new rules have been implemented which will see VAT and Excise Duty being applied to many transactions.
Purchases under €22 will not face additional charges, but anything over €22 will see the addition of an Irish VAT charge.
Goods valued at more than €150 will also be subject to customs duty. The amount to be charged will vary depending on the nature of the item.
Consumers are also being warned that only goods bought from the UK that are of UK origin will avoid tariffs under the Free Trade Agreement in place.
So, if goods sourced outside the EU are being sold by a British seller to an Irish consumer, tariffs and other charges can be applied.
The Government is advising consumers to improve their knowledge of the new arrangements.
Minister of State Robert Troy has said some retailers are informing consumers about the changes, but he said others are not.
“Some online retailers are alerting consumers to these charges and some are including these additional charges in their final price,” he said.
“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.”
The changes are a steep learning curve, not only for consumers, but also for retailers.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is also advising consumers here to seek a refund if British sellers apply a UK VAT charge to their transactions.
In a statement, the Department said consumers should seek a refund from the UK suppliers they are purchasing from.
Irish consumers shopping with UK retailers are also no longer able to avail of EU consumers rights. Instead purchases from UK retailers will only be subject to UK consumer protection legislation.
The Consumer Competition and Protection Commission has been highlighting the differences over recent weeks and is urging consumers to think twice and be aware of the changes if buying from UK based websites.
Article Source: Online shoppers see extra charges due to Brexit – RTE – Fran McNulty
