
New EU customs charges of €3 on items under €150 from non-EU countries take effect today. Consumers are warned to verify the true origin of online goods, even from .ie domains.
New EU customs charges took effect today, applying a €3 fee on all items under €150 entering Ireland from non-EU countries. The levy, widely referred to as the 'Temu Tax,' targets the flood of cheap Chinese goods onto the European market.
Consumers face confusion about how to tell if an online shop is genuinely based in Ireland. A .ie domain is not enough. Louise McKeown Doogan, chief growth officer of .ie, the national domain registry, said the registry validates every application. "You cannot have a .ie domain unless you prove a connection to Ireland," she told RTE's Morning Ireland. Proof can be a passport or driving licence for individuals, or a CRO or VAT number for businesses.
Still, she warned that a .ie address does not guarantee the goods ship from Ireland. "We can't guarantee that an Irish company with a .ie address is sending their online customers goods from Ireland," Ms. McKeown Doogan said. She called the domain "a layer of confidence" but said consumers should check the origin of products before ordering.
The registry has the power to take down a website if it is proven to be involved in illegal activity. It monitors complaints and works with government agencies and law enforcement. Ms. McKeown Doogan noted a "definite increase" in .ie registrations, which she linked to businesses maturing around social media and recognising that an algorithm can change overnight.
For shoppers, the practical step is to read product descriptions and shipping details before checkout. A .ie site can reduce the risk of fraud but does not shield customs fees if the seller ships from outside the EU. The €3 charge applies per package. Buyers will pay it at delivery.
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