BUYING ONLINE FROM THE UK AFTER BREXIT
Advice from the Citizens Information Service
The impact of Brexit is now being felt by Irish consumers up and down the country. As a result of the UK leaving the EU, there are changes to consumer rights that everyone needs to be aware of when buying from online retailers in the UK.
In particular Irish consumers should be aware of the following changes when it comes to purchasing goods from a UK retailer online:
- The sale of goods from the UK to Ireland are now treated as imports to Ireland, this means additional import charges and VAT may apply when buying from UK websites
- EU consumer protection legislation may no longer apply, instead Irish consumer rights will be set down in UK law.
- It may be more difficult to resolve a dispute with a UK business
As a general guide, packages valued more than €22 are subject to import taxes and charges. The consumer will have to pay import taxes/customs duties and also VAT charged at the Irish rate of 21%. In some cases, the duty and tax for EU deliveries will be covered by the UK company, but this is completely up to the individual retailer. So, check the small print!
Speaking about the impact of Brexit on Irish consumers, Anne O’Donovan, West Cork’s Citizens Information Manager said, “From 1st January 2021, you should be especially careful when buying from a UK seller. It is very important to carefully check the terms and conditions on the seller’s website and familiarise yourself with their proceedings. If you have any concerns relating to buying online from a UK retailer please contact your local Citizens Information Centre, we remain open and are here to answer any questions you may have.”
For anyone needing information, advice or have an advocacy issue, they can call a member of the local Citizens Information team in West Cork on 0761 07 8390, they will be happy to assist and make an appointment if necessary. The offices are staffed from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm, and 10am to 4pm on Friday. Alternatively, you can email on bantry@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie for further information and contact details.
The South Munster Citizens Information Service
The South Munster Citizens Information Service is a regional service providing free, impartial and confidential information, advice and advocacy services to the public on their rights and entitlements through its 18 Citizens Information Centres located throughout Cork and Kerry.
During Covid19 the main centres are:-
Bantry CIC
Wolfe Tone Square,
Bantry,
Co. Cork, P75 TN96
Phone: 0761 07 8390
Email: bantry@citinfo.ie
Opening hours:10-5pm Mon-Thurs & 10-4pm Fri
Manager: Anne O’Donovan – West Cork Cork City Centre CIC
13-15 Cornmarket Street,
Cork City, T12 F773
Phone: 0761 07 6950
Email: cork@citinfo.ie
Opening hours: 10-4:30pm Mon-Fri
Manager: Yvonne Rayner – Cork City (South)
Fermoy CIC
66 Lower Patrick Street
Fermoy
Co Cork
Phone: 0761 07 7970
Email: fermoy@citinfo.ie
Opening hours: 9-5pm Mon Tues
9-12:30pm Weds / 9-1pm Thurs
Manager: Ciara O’Gorman (North & East Cork) Hollyhill/Knocknaheeny CIC
Community Building,
Foyle Avenue,
Knocknaheeny,
Cork, T23 KHE0
Phone: 0761 07 6850
Email: hollyhill@citinfo.ie
Opening hours: 09:30-4:30pm
Manager: John Beausang – Cork City (North)
Tralee CIC
4 Bridge Lane,
Tralee,
Co. Kerry, V92 XE22
Phone: 0761 07 7860
Email: tralee@citinfo.ie
Opening hours: 10-4pm Mon-Fri
Manager: Frances Clifford (Kerry)
Youghal CIC
128 North Main Street
Youghal
Co Cork
Phone: 0761 07 8040
Email: youghal@citinfo.ie
Opening Hours: 9-5 Mon-Fri / 10-5pm Tues
Manager: Ciara O’Gorman (North & East Cork)
