Chinese Import Charges Push Irish Shoppers to Rethink Online Buying

New import charges on goods bought from outside the EU are prompting Irish consumers to reconsider their online shopping habits, particularly as the Christmas buying season approaches. More shoppers are weighing whether to buy locally instead of ordering low-cost items from overseas platforms. In July, a flat €3 customs duty per product item was introduced for low-value consumer imports valued at €150 or less. Since November 1, an additional handling fee of €2, plus VAT, has also applied to shipments from outside the EU. On The Claire Byne Show, Newstalk reporter Simon Tierney examined how the fees are changing consumer…