Revenue Warns Irish Shoppers of Hidden Costs When Buying from Outside EU

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, Revenue is urging online shoppers to check whether advertised prices include all tax and duty costs before purchasing goods from outside the European Union, as additional charges may apply on delivery.

The warning comes as Ireland prepares for two of the busiest online shopping periods of the year, with Black Friday falling on 28 November and Cyber Monday on 1 December.

Ms Maureen Dalton, Head of Revenue's South East Frontier Management Branch, said:

"We are again reminding consumers that when buying goods online from outside the European Union, including from the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland), additional costs can arise before your goods are delivered. Customs formalities apply, and VAT is chargeable on all goods imported into Ireland, regardless of their value."

Ms Dalton explained that shoppers should always verify whether the total price includes Irish VAT and any applicable Customs Duty. Some retailers include all taxes at checkout, indicated by statements such as "taxes and duties included", meaning no additional charges will arise on delivery. However, if this is not clearly stated, buyers will need to pay relevant charges to the postal service or courier before goods are released.

She advised checking the retailer's policy in the Delivery & Shipping, Terms and Conditions, or International Orders sections typically found at the bottom of websites.

Ms Dalton emphasised:

"Import VAT is payable on all goods arriving into Ireland from outside the EU, no matter how small the purchase. For example, if you buy a Christmas decoration online for €15 from a non-EU country, and the postage is €3.50, VAT at 23% will apply to the combined amount, resulting in €4.26 VAT to be paid before delivery.

If the purchase price of the goods alone exceeds €150, both Customs Duty and VAT may apply. For example, a pair of runners purchased from the UK for €250, with €12 shipping, could attract an additional €84.86 in Customs Duty and VAT."

Revenue also issued a warning about counterfeit goods and online scams, particularly during high-demand shopping periods. The organisation works closely with rights holders to protect consumers and legitimate businesses, detaining suspected counterfeit items for verification.

Ms Dalton said:

"We also encourage the public to remain vigilant against online scams and fraudulent sellers, particularly around high-demand shopping periods. Always ensure you are buying from a reputable source, and be cautious of prices that appear too good to be true."

She concluded by noting that no customs formalities apply when shopping from Ireland or other EU countries, but purchases from outside the EU may include additional administration fees charged by postal operators.

Cork shoppers looking to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are advised to factor in potential additional costs before confirming purchases to avoid disappointment or delays.

Further information is available at www.revenue.ie.