CCPC issues fresh warning of customs payments scams

Ireland will apply new customs charges to all online purchases entering the country from outside the European Union starting July 1. According to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), these charges apply to items from the USA, China, and Great Britain, removing a previous exemption for packages valued under €150.

How will the new customs charges work?

Starting July 1, every unique item in a package arriving from outside the EU will incur a €3 charge plus VAT. Any purchase that reaches Ireland after June 30 is subject to these fees, regardless of when the order was placed.

The CCPC advises shoppers to check delivery dates carefully if they order before the deadline to avoid unexpected bills.

Did You Know? Packages with a value under €150 were previously exempt from these customs charges.

How can shoppers identify customs scams?

The CCPC expects a rise in fraud as scammers pose as delivery services to send fake payment links. Grainne Griffin, CCPC Director of Communications, noted that a similar spike in scams occurred during Brexit customs changes.

Griffin stated that any request for payment claiming to be from Revenue is “definitely a scam,” as these charges are never paid directly to the Revenue Commissioners. An Post has also confirmed they will never send click-through links for payment.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the primary risk for consumers isn’t just the initial fraudulent fee, but the potential loss of card details. Once a shopper uses a scam link, they may face significantly higher financial losses beyond the requested customs payment.

What are the additional costs for non-EU deliveries?

Beyond the government charges, delivery companies are introducing administrative fees. An Post has announced a €6.95 administration fee for each such order.

Griffin warned that if customs charges aren’t paid in advance, the addition of these administrative fees will push the overall cost even higher. She urged consumers to be cautious in the coming weeks to avoid being “stung” by these combined costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the new customs charges take effect?
The charges apply to all non-EU purchases entering Ireland after June 30, starting officially on July 1.

How much is the charge per item?
Each unique item in a package is subject to a €3 charge plus VAT.

How should I pay these customs fees?
Payments should not be made via click-through links from An Post or directly to the Revenue Commissioners, as the CCPC identifies such requests as scams.

Do you check the delivery dates of your international orders to avoid unexpected fees?