Customers may have to pay more for Amazon online transactions

DUBLIN: Report shows that people may have to pay more for online transactions like Amazon after Brexit. Amazon has informed its Irish and EU customers about the changes in the context of Brexit in a letter published on the “co.uk” website. The mail clarifies that users will have to bear the cost of returning the products, except in cases of damage or receiving the wrong product. Amazon is also seeking for a response in this regard.

The company made it clear in an e-mail that it would continue to accept eligible returns. “If the reason for return is the result of an error (e.g. if the item is defective/damaged/incorrect), any costs incurred for the return will be paid by Amazon. Otherwise, any costs incurred for the return including transport costs, as well as any associated import fees of customs, will be payable by the person returning the goods,” it said.

This change applies to all customers of Amazon.co.uk who have a delivery address in a European country. The company also said in email that the packages, which will be delivered from January 1, will be subject to customs duties, taxes and fees.

Amazon also says that VAT and the “Import Fee Deposit” may change the price at the checkout on the website. The e-mail also suggests that UK retailers across the board should make similar changes to customers in Ireland and other EU countries.

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s advice to customers in Ireland

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has advised people to be aware of the changes and shop with EU-based retailers to get better consumer rights.

The Commission also warned that in the absence of a free trade agreement, EU users who shop on UK websites from January 1 will not receive the existing EU protections. The commission added that it could not refer any disputes to the authorities as it had done in the past.