Revenue issues warning about 'unsafe' and 'inferior quality' products this Black Friday

Revenue has issued a warning to Irish online shoppers on Black Friday and ahead of Cyber Monday.

It is reminding consumers to check whether the advertised price of goods includes all tax and duty costs before making a purchase.

Where these costs are not included in the advertised price, additional charges such as VAT and Customs Duty may apply when the goods arrive in Ireland.

Outlining the continued importance of these rules, 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."

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Maureen explained how consumers can avoid unexpected charges when their goods arrive for delivery:

"Some online retailers include tax and duty meaning all taxes are included at the time of purchase, and no further Revenue charges arise on delivery. If a website states 'taxes and duties included' or shows import charges at the checkout, then no additional charges, should arise on delivery."

Even small purchases can be liable for import VAT if they are coming from outside the EU.

"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," Maureen said. 

"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," she added.

A warning about counterfeit goods and online scams was also issued, highlighting that they are often of "inferior quality" and in some cases, "unsafe."

"Always ensure you are buying from a reputable source, and be cautious of prices that appear too good to be true," Maureen concluded.

Further information on tax, duty, and import rules for goods purchased online for personal use can be found at www.revenue.ie.