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Consumers are beginning to see the introduction of additional fees and taxes when shopping with UK retailers.
Since Brexit came into effect on January 1, new rules have been put in place that will make VAT and excise duties apply to many transactions.
Purchases below € 22 will face no 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 duties. The amount to be charged will vary according to the nature of the item.
Consumers are also being warned today that only products bought in the UK that are of British origin will avoid tariffs under the current Free Trade Agreement. Therefore, if a British seller sells goods from outside the EU to an Irish consumer, duties and other charges may apply.
The government advises consumers to improve their knowledge of the new agreements.
State Minister Robert Troy has said that some retailers are informing consumers about the changes, but says others are not.
“Some online retailers are alerting consumers to these charges and some include these additional charges in their final price,” he said. “However, consumers should check the policies of each retailer and also if there may be additional charges from the delivery company regarding the collection of fees, for example.”
The changes are a steep learning curve, not only for consumers, but also for retailers.
The Department for Business, Trade and Employment also advises consumers to request a refund if UK sellers apply a UK VAT charge to their transactions.
In a statement issued this morning, the department says consumers should seek a refund from the UK suppliers they are buying from.
Irish consumers who shop with UK retailers are also unable to enjoy EU consumer rights. Instead, purchases from UK retailers will only be subject to UK consumer protection legislation.
The Consumer Protection and Competition Commission has been highlighting the differences in recent weeks and is urging consumers to think twice and be aware of the changes when shopping on UK websites.
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