Online shoppers warned about taxes and duties if buying from outside EU for Black Friday

"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 said consumers can avoid unexpected charges when their goods arrive for delivery."

"If you plan to take advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday offers, always check whether the total price you are paying includes Irish VAT and any Customs Duty that may apply. She said 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, Ms Dalton said."

Goods bought from sites outside the European Union are often priced excluding tax and customs duty costs. Purchases that do not include duties and taxes in the advertised price may incur additional VAT and customs duty when the goods arrive in Ireland. Customs formalities apply and VAT is chargeable on all goods imported into Ireland regardless of value. Consumers are advised to check whether the total price includes Irish VAT and any applicable Customs Duty before purchasing, especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If taxes and duties are shown at checkout no further Revenue charges should arise; otherwise couriers will collect charges on delivery.

Read at Irish Independent