New EU Customs Rules from July 1st Spark Scam Warning for Online Shoppers
New EU customs rules effective July 1st will apply charges to all non-EU deliveries, sparking warnings from consumer watchdogs about increased scam activity. Shoppers are advised to be vigilant against fake payment requests and understand that new charges apply to packages arriving in Ireland after June 30th, regardless of purchase date.
A consumer watchdog has warned of a new wave of scam messages targeting shoppers on non-EU websites due to significant rule changes effective July 1st. Deliveries from outside the EU, previously exempt, will now incur customs charges and a €3 fee per unique item, regardless of value. These EU-mandated changes, fast-tracked last December, will impact Irish consumers who currently pay no import duty on items under €150 from outside the EU, including Britain.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) anticipates increased criminal activity, similar to the spike seen after Brexit customs changes. Scammers posing as delivery services will exploit the situation with fake payment links. Gráinne Griffin, CCPC director of communications, stressed that all payment requests claiming to be from Revenue are scams, as charges are never paid directly to the Revenue Commissioners by consumers. An Post also advises against clicking payment links.
Shoppers are vulnerable when busy or distracted and should treat customs charge texts with extreme caution. Paying via a scam link risks card details and further financial loss. The CCPC also warns that purchases made before July 1st will still be subject to new charges if packages arrive in Ireland after June 30th. Consumers must check delivery dates carefully, as the new rules apply to any package reaching Ireland from midnight on June 30th.