Everything you need to know as Irish shoppers face new charges from tomorrow

Online orders from the likes of Temu, Shein and AliExpress are about to get more expensive.

The measures form part of the EU's push for fairer trade, amid concerns that low-value imports enjoy an edge over domestic retailers.

Extra charges will affect millions of shoppers, particularly on orders from the likes of Temu, Shein and AliExpress.

How do the new charges work?

From 1 July, all goods bought online from outside the European Union worth up to €150 will be subject to new customs charges, including purchases from Great Britain, the United States and China.

The charge applies to each unique item rather than each parcel, although buying multiple identical items will only incur one €3 charge.

The fee is also included when calculating VAT, meaning shoppers will pay slightly more overall.

Revenue has warned consumers to check where their orders are being dispatched from, as some websites that appear to be Irish or European may actually ship products from outside the EU.

How will it be paid?

How the charge is paid will vary by retailer. Some will collect the fee at checkout, while others will leave it to An Post or courier companies to collect before delivery.

If your delivery company collects the charge, it may also apply an administration fee of around €7.

Does it affect returns?

Unfortunately, the new charge could also make returns more costly, as the €3 fee is non-refundable unless the goods are faulty.

Sad news for the shopaholics out there...