Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020
128. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has concerns regarding the communication of the impact that Brexit will have on Irish consumers in terms of online shopping from the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44121/20]
View answerFrom 1 January next, EU consumer rights will no longer automatically apply when EU consumers buy from UK based retailers including those operating online. After that date, EU consumers who purchase goods from UK based businesses will only have the protection of UK consumer legislation.
For these reasons, and especially in the run up to Brexit, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has published useful advice and information about the potential impacts of Brexit for Irish consumers. The CCPC has also engaged with other agencies to get the word out to consumers who may buy from UK websites after 1st January.
The CCPC has alerted Irish consumers to be cautious and advised them to:
- check the identity of the trader or UK website which they intend to deal with,
- familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions that apply to purchases they make from UK traders and,
- has also reminded consumers they may find it difficult to enforce consumer rights applying in the UK should issues arise with UK retailers in the future.
Last week, the CCPC published a consumer checklist and earlier this month published market research "Brexit and Covid-19: Consumer behavior and awareness when shopping online " which has informed communications with consumers through official channels. The market research highlighted uncertainty about consumer rights that apply when shopping online, and confirmed the high levels of online shopping from UK based sites.
The CCPC has a dedicated Brexit hub page on its website which provides consumer information about the impact of Brexit on shopping online, roaming charges, package holidays and consumer charges. The CCPC helpline also provides information to consumers on Brexit related queries and this will remain open over the New Year period to answer consumer queries that may arise. The handy and printable "Brexit checklist for online shopping " is also available on their website.
I would also welcome efforts by UK based retailers to forewarn their customers in Ireland about impending changes after the transition period expires and what these changes will mean for them.
Of course, it is timely to remember that we continue to enjoy our full consumer rights when we buy locally so I would encourage everyone to "Look for Local" when we buy and to support our local retailers.
