Amazon.co.uk - No VAT on certain items under €22

amdaley28 · 04-01-2021 7:37pm

manutd2007 wrote: »

does anyone know whats the craic with buying from ebay, seem to have a huge import tax added now, is it over for buying from ebay now

A lot of the sellers on E Bay have business accounts so that may explain the tax.
Private sellers won't have the taxes.

harmless · 04-01-2021 7:59pm

amdaley28 wrote: »

A lot of the sellers on E Bay have business accounts so that may explain the tax.
Private sellers won't have the taxes.

That doesn't sound right.

Private sellers have the same tax added as business sellers.
Even on second hand items as it's assumed that VAT has never been paid anywhere in the EU on a used item from the UK.(except NI, you pay no import fee on items from NI)

jacksonsarm · 04-01-2021 8:16pm

harmless wrote: »

That doesn't sound right.

Private sellers have the same tax added as business sellers.
Even on second hand items as it's assumed that VAT has never been paid anywhere in the EU on a used item from the UK.(except NI, you pay no import fee on items from NI)

If my granny sends me a second hand jumper from the uk will I have to pay import taxes?

harmless · 04-01-2021 8:21pm

jacksonsarm wrote: »

If my granny sends me a second hand jumper from the uk will I have to pay import taxes?

No because she can mark it as a gift.

gingernut79 · 04-01-2021 8:37pm

manutd2007 wrote: »

does anyone know whats the craic with buying from ebay, seem to have a huge import tax added now, is it over for buying from ebay now

Ebay would want to sort themselves out, they are still including uk results in european union searches. its pretty complicated to filter just for results for a particular country using advanced search

hognef · 04-01-2021 8:37pm

bk wrote: »

Ok, so I think Amazon is also correctly applying the customs fees at checkout, at least on their own items.

I was trying to think of an item over €150 that would attract customs, many items over that amount, like mobile phones, headphones, laptops, game consoles, etc. are rated 0% for customs.

But then I thought of TV's, it seems they are rated as 14% for customs.

So I tried adding a TV that costs £319 on Amazon and at checkout it looks like so:

Items: £265.83
P&P: £0
Import Fees Deposit: £100.86
Order Total: £366.69

And this seems to work out correctly, the "import fees" is basically 14% customs + 21% VAT:

(265.83 + 14%) + 21% = 366.685902

So for some items, over €150 they maybe more expensive that they would have been before Brexit. But it depends on the customs rate, some things like heaphones that I looked at earlier are rates 0% for customs, so no change.

Basically you always need to double check on the final checkout page and check if that suits you or not.

At the moment I'm not worried about getting caught for extra fees when Amazon orders arrive in Ireland. But it still might be worth cross shopping between amazon.co.uk, amazon.de, amazon.com and of course other retailers.

According to TARIC, the rate for a TV is indeed 14% from a "third country", but 0% from the UK:

https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/measures.jsp?Lang=en&SimDate=20210104&Area=&MeasType=&StartPub=&EndPub=&MeasText=&GoodsText=&op=&Taric=8528724000&search_text=goods&textSearch=&LangDescr=en&OrderNum=&Regulation=&measStartDat=&measEndDat=

TheDriver · 04-01-2021 8:39pm

My next online order arrived today, dispatched from Crumlin distribution warehouse however items all had stg tags

harr · 04-01-2021 8:49pm

TheDriver wrote: »

My next online order arrived today, dispatched from Crumlin distribution warehouse however items all had stg tags

I had a delivery from next today as well and it was from Belfast .. I nearly sure it’s the first one I got from Belfast .
I wonder was yours crumlin, Belfast ?

04-01-2021 9:10pm

harr wrote: »

I had a delivery from next today as well and it was from Belfast .. I nearly sure it’s the first one I got from Belfast .
I wonder was yours crumlin, Belfast ?

It is.

https://www.next.ie/en/customs

amdaley28 · 04-01-2021 9:17pm

harmless wrote: »

That doesn't sound right.

Private sellers have the same tax added as business sellers.
Even on second hand items as it's assumed that VAT has never been paid anywhere in the EU on a used item from the UK.(except NI, you pay no import fee on items from NI)

Are we talking about Vat here or Import duty ?

harmless · 04-01-2021 9:20pm

amdaley28 wrote: »

Are we talking about Vat here or Import duty ?

Usually just VAT that Ebay lists as part of the Import Charge.
The list of items from the UK that have customs duty applied is fairly small.

wench · 04-01-2021 9:35pm

Leslie91 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Until Jan 1 the stick worked fine for me here in Ireland without a VPN. Are you saying since Brexit... the sticks we bought via amazon.co.uk should no longer work here, unless one uses a VPN?

By worked fine I mean both 'home' and the prime video app worked... now only content via the app plays ok on the stick.

Did you not get the email last week?

We noticed you have been watching Prime Video content from outside the UK and we want to notify you of upcoming changes to your experience. These are a result of the changing applicability of the EU regulation on cross border portability of online content services when the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit transition period ends. As a result of this, UK customers such as yourself will no longer have access to the full UK catalogue while traveling to EU countries, including Ireland starting 1st January 2021.

2lazytogetup · 04-01-2021 9:41pm

manutd2007 wrote: »

does anyone know whats the craic with buying from ebay, seem to have a huge import tax added now, is it over for buying from ebay now

just be careful buying stuff off ebay if the product is not a brand.

i bought 4 things from ebay from China. kids toys for xmas. all 4 were junk. so bad you wouldnt see them in a shop in ireland.

Quackster · 04-01-2021 11:00pm

Leslie91 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Until Jan 1 the stick worked fine for me here in Ireland without a VPN. Are you saying since Brexit... the sticks we bought via amazon.co.uk should no longer work here, unless one uses a VPN?

By worked fine I mean both 'home' and the prime video app worked... now only content via the app plays ok on the stick.

Yeah, they worked here without issue before Brexit (as long as your Prime Video location was set as the UK) as Amazon is pretty lax in allowing the unrestricted use of your home Prime Video catelogue throughout the EU.

But once the UK left, they geoblocked UK Prime Video in other EU countries and, as you've discovered, Irish Prime Video won't work probably with UK firesticks. But if you can get over not being able to play from the home screen and having to use the Prime Video app instead, then that's it.

machiavellianme · 04-01-2021 11:30pm

podgeandrodge wrote: »

Hi, no reason, just didn't want to be seen to be pushing a particular site. I got one of the chargers (a sumvision) from Amazon through NI address with Parcel Motel before and needed another one.

https://www.freetv.ie/usb-c-chargers/

I hope you used the old boards.ie discount code (BOARDS) for maximum bargain?

bfa1509 · 04-01-2021 11:30pm

Quackster wrote: »

Yeah, they worked here without issue before Brexit (as long as your Prime Video location was set as the UK) as Amazon is pretty lax in allowing the unrestricted use of your home Prime Video catelogue throughout the EU.

But once the UK left, they geoblocked UK Prime Video in other EU countries and, as you've discovered, Irish Prime Video won't work probably with UK firesticks. But if you can get over not being able to play from the home screen and having to use the Prime Video app instead, then that's it.

I didn't realise they geoblocked the UK content, what a disaster! There is literally nothing decent available to watch now.

Hopefully there will be a relatively simple "workaround"

TheDriver · 04-01-2021 11:31pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It is.

https://www.next.ie/en/customs

Indeed, you're correct. Check label again and it's Crumllin so not Dublin.
That link doesn't work by the way

bluestrattos · 04-01-2021 11:34pm

tadgho wrote: »

Ordered 2 clothing items off Amazon.co.uk last week and app is showing they have been dispatched from Leipzig, Germany. Is this standard procedure and does it mean they won't come shipped via the UK?

Standard procedure. I had one item being dispatched from Italy, to UK and then sent to Ireland.

If you had bought from amazon.de then it could likely bypass the UK. I had a few items from .de and the details would say left Germany and the next update would be arrived at Dublin,IE...

04-01-2021 11:55pm

harmless wrote: »

No because she can mark it as a gift.

from what I read even gifts will not be exempt from Import Tax? I saw this somewhere only yesterday.

On a separate note I was trying to complete a few purchases on EBay today as an experiment and ALL had considerable Import tax added on so I didn't go ahead.

Quackster · 05-01-2021 12:06am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

from what I read even gifts will not be exempt from Import Tax? I saw this somewhere only yesterday.

Yep, only gifts under €45 value are exempt.

harmless · 05-01-2021 12:08am

Quackster wrote: »

Yep, only gifts under €45 value are except.

What's the current limit on gifts?

podgeandrodge · 05-01-2021 12:12am

machiavellianme wrote: »

I hope you used the old boards.ie discount code (BOARDS) for maximum bargain?

Haha actually I did - I googled for a code and found that! Thought it was years old but took about 2 quid off

05-01-2021 12:16am

TheDriver wrote: »

Indeed, you're correct. Check label again and it's Crumllin so not Dublin.
That link doesn't work by the way

Works fine for me.

Quackster · 05-01-2021 12:40am

harmless wrote: »

What's the current limit on gifts?

Apologies, typo. That's the current limit for gifts from outside the EU. Over that and the usual VAT & duty rules apply.

TheDriver · 05-01-2021 12:42am

Deleted User wrote: »

Works fine for me.

I get a next page but it's a page not found internal page

Aquos76 · 05-01-2021 11:47am

I have 4 items ordered between 26th and 29th, all initially had delivery dates of 4-6th Jan. All were ordered separately and as it was pre jan 1st I paid normal prices, ie items under €22 included vat. Anyway all 4 items were dispatched in one package on the 2nd with ETA delivery date of 11th Jan. I have just received delivery there now and what is strange is only the two electrical items were listed on the delivery label with their prices attached to them. No mention on the other two items

Asus X540L · 05-01-2021 12:53pm

Wow I ordered a bunch of things on the 1st - 2nd Jan and none of them have been sent with estimated delivery dates 15th to 19th January!

I'm on Prime and these delays are a joke tbh.

The Continental Op · 05-01-2021 12:56pm

Asus X540L wrote: »

Wow I ordered a bunch of things on the 1st - 2nd Jan and none of them have been sent with estimated delivery dates 15th to 19th January!

I'm on Prime and these delays are a joke tbh.

Yep exactly the same as me. I have half a dozen items ordered some since Saturday (2nd) and none have moved yet and its the 5th now :mad:

Sheep Shagger · 05-01-2021 12:56pm

While not VAT related, the Irish Times say today that Amazon have stopped free returns from Ireland too (another previous benefit of Prime)?

Asus X540L · 05-01-2021 1:06pm

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

While not VAT related, the Irish Times say today that Amazon have stopped free returns from Ireland too (another previous benefit of Prime)?

I never send anything back anyway.
Might be a good thing cause these morons who buy something then send it back if they don't like it (even though there's nothing wrong with it) probably increases the prices for everyone else.

Sheep Shagger · 05-01-2021 1:22pm

Asus X540L wrote: »

I never send anything back anyway.
Might be a good thing cause these morons who buy something then send it back if they don't like it (even though there's nothing wrong with it) probably increases the prices for everyone else.

I've only ever done it when they offer free returns, mostly on clothing from what used to be the case, probably as sizing can be difficult.

QikBax · 05-01-2021 1:32pm

There's going to be a few weeks while they adjust to a completely new way of doing business, the terms of which went down to the wire.

I think we can give them a bit of leeway for a month or two.

Asus X540L · 05-01-2021 1:34pm

QikBax wrote: »

There's going to be a few weeks while they adjust to a completely new way of doing business, the terms of which went down to the wire.

I think we can give them a bit of leeway for a month or two.

Surely it's customs' problem and not Amazon's?

I would have thought they just throw your items into a box and ship as normal.

The Continental Op · 05-01-2021 1:37pm

QikBax wrote: »

There's going to be a few weeks while they adjust to a completely new way of doing business, the terms of which went down to the wire.

I think we can give them a bit of leeway for a month or two.

We are back to it being an Amazon picking problem nothing to do with Brexit.

PreCocious · 05-01-2021 1:44pm

The Continental Op wrote: »

We are back to it being an Amazon picking problem nothing to do with Brexit.

They may be suffering loss of employees due to Covid and finding it hard to fill those low-paid, high-pressure jobs.

The Continental Op · 05-01-2021 1:46pm

PreCocious wrote: »

They may be suffering loss of employees due to Covid and finding it hard to fill those low-paid, high-pressure jobs.

They may have also had staff taken on just for Christmas leave, but funny how I can get net day delivery still in the UK.

Sheep Shagger · 05-01-2021 1:57pm

PreCocious wrote: »

They may be suffering loss of employees due to Covid and finding it hard to fill those low-paid, high-pressure jobs.

Do they not use q lit of robots?

I can see an amazon parcel that had customs checks yesterday lunchtime still stuck and hasn't moved on since....

Ogham · 05-01-2021 1:59pm

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

While not VAT related, the Irish Times say today that Amazon have stopped free returns from Ireland too (another previous benefit of Prime)?

Irish Times are wrong (again).
No change to returns policy .

.nosferatu. · 05-01-2021 1:59pm

Asus X540L wrote: »

I never send anything back anyway.
Might be a good thing cause these morons who buy something then send it back if they don't like it (even though there's nothing wrong with it) probably increases the prices for everyone else.

How is that any different to returning an item you don't like to a bricks and mortar shop?

sibersha · 05-01-2021 2:02pm

Ordered a new Iron yesterday, still have my parcel motel address on there so was showing next day delivery. Then when I change it to my home address in Ireland it said, no delivery date available, we'll email you after order is placed with one.

So I placed order to my Irish address and received an email a few hours later saying delivery date with of 29th Jan. This is too long for me so I've updated the address to my Addresspal address and it is now down for next day delivery again. However, I am now going to have to pay customs fees and be delayed further, if I go down the route?

Asus X540L · 05-01-2021 2:11pm

.nosferatu. wrote: »

How is that any different to returning an item you don't like to a bricks and mortar shop?

That's just as bad.

Doodah7 · 05-01-2021 2:23pm

Ogham wrote: »

Irish Times are wrong (again).
No change to returns policy .

You are wrong (again?).

This is an email everyone received in early December. You can only return something for free that is an error/defective now. Everything else including change of mind will cost to return.

As you have placed an order on Amazon.co.uk and selected an EU delivery address in the past, we wanted to let you know that from 1 January 2021, when the Brexit transition period ends, you’ll see some changes when you shop on Amazon.co.uk and select an EU delivery address. These changes could include:

- VAT (or the regional equivalent, if applicable, https://www.amazon.co.uk/vatrates) being due in the country of delivery, or your package may be subject to customs duties, taxes and fees (“Import Fees”)
- the collection of VAT, or an estimation of Import Fees (“Import Fee Deposit” https://www.amazon.co.uk/ifd), which may result in a price change at checkout.

We will 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 or customs where applicable) will be payable by the person returning the goods https://www.amazon.co.uk/returnshelp.

We hope this helps and we see you again soon.

Regards,

Customer Service Department
Amazon.co.uk

Buford T Justice · 05-01-2021 2:25pm

Availability of products that I used to commonly buy has fallen off a cliff. Practically nothing is available delivery to ROI

Has destroyed Amazon for Ireland

The Continental Op · 05-01-2021 2:32pm

Doodah7 wrote: »

You are wrong (again?).

This is an email everyone received in early December. You can only return something for free that is an error/defective now. Everything else including change of mind will cost to return.

As you have placed an order on Amazon.co.uk and selected an EU delivery address in the past, we wanted to let you know that from 1 January 2021, when the Brexit transition period ends, you’ll see some changes when you shop on Amazon.co.uk and select an EU delivery address. These changes could include:

- VAT (or the regional equivalent, if applicable, https://www.amazon.co.uk/vatrates) being due in the country of delivery, or your package may be subject to customs duties, taxes and fees (“Import Fees”)
- the collection of VAT, or an estimation of Import Fees (“Import Fee Deposit” https://www.amazon.co.uk/ifd), which may result in a price change at checkout.

We will 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 or customs where applicable) will be payable by the person returning the goods https://www.amazon.co.uk/returnshelp.

We hope this helps and we see you again soon.

Regards,

Customer Service Department
Amazon.co.uk

What other reason would you need for returning something?

machiavellianme · 05-01-2021 2:44pm

I had a battery charger ordered on the 3rd, dispatched on the 4th, then inexplicably turn around on the 5th and come back as "undeliverable" with my refund pending.

Yggr of Asgard · 05-01-2021 2:44pm

My VAT free items are still in Dublin since Sunday.

AnPost sending me the the text on Sunday that it will be delivered within 3 business days makes me hope it is here tomorrow.

Doodah7 · 05-01-2021 2:44pm

The Continental Op wrote: »

What other reason would you need for returning something?

People buy something, try it out, don't like it and return it. They change their mind. They see it cheaper elsewhere. They have buyer's remorse. It doesn't do what they thought. They decide they have no real use for it. And loads of others.

Pick one (or all).

Edit: of course I see what you mean but it depends on one's level of honesty I suppose!!

The Continental Op · 05-01-2021 2:46pm

Doodah7 wrote: »

People buy something, try it out, don't like it and return it. They change their mind. They see it cheaper elsewhere. They have buyer's remorse. It doesn't do what they thought. They decide they have no real use for it. And loads of others.

Pick one (or all).

Buyers remorse was never a reason for free returns to Amazon.

People got away with it yes but the actual reasons you can use for a free return haven't changed.

Ogham · 05-01-2021 2:47pm

Doodah7 wrote: »

You are wrong (again?).

This is an email everyone received in early December. You can only return something for free that is an error/defective now. Everything else including change of mind will cost to return.

As you have placed an order on Amazon.co.uk and selected an EU delivery address in the past, we wanted to let you know that from 1 January 2021, when the Brexit transition period ends, you’ll see some changes when you shop on Amazon.co.uk and select an EU delivery address. These changes could include:

- VAT (or the regional equivalent, if applicable, https://www.amazon.co.uk/vatrates) being due in the country of delivery, or your package may be subject to customs duties, taxes and fees (“Import Fees”)
- the collection of VAT, or an estimation of Import Fees (“Import Fee Deposit” https://www.amazon.co.uk/ifd), which may result in a price change at checkout.

We will 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 or customs where applicable) will be payable by the person returning the goods https://www.amazon.co.uk/returnshelp.

We hope this helps and we see you again soon.

Regards,

Customer Service Department
Amazon.co.uk

Did they allow free returns on unwanted items before Jan 1st ?
I thought they didn't (I could be wrong - probably am !)

Doodah7 · 05-01-2021 2:48pm

The Continental Op wrote: »

Buyers remorse was never a reason for free returns to Amazon.

People got away with it yes but the actual reasons you can use for a free return haven't changed.

Yes it was. Under EU distance selling regulations, you could change your mind up to 14 days.

Amazon.co.uk - No VAT on certain items under €22

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