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Understanding An Post Customs Charges: A Clear Guide

Navigating the world of customs charges can be confusing, especially with the recent changes brought about by Brexit and evolving EU regulations. If you’re an online shopper in Ireland, chances are you’ve encountered “an post customs charges,” “an post custom charges,” or pondered how to “an post pay customs charges.” This comprehensive guide is here to demystify the process and provide you with a clear understanding of An Post customs charges.

Table of Contents

What are An Post Customs Charges?

An Post customs charges are essentially fees levied by Irish Revenue on goods purchased from outside the European Union (EU). An Post acts as the collection agent for these charges, meaning they collect the money from you on behalf of Irish Revenue.

The charges generally consist of:

  • Customs Duty: A tax imposed on specific categories of goods imported from non-EU countries.
  • Excise Duty: An additional tax levied on certain goods like alcohol, tobacco, and fuel.
  • VAT (Value-Added Tax): A consumption tax applied to most goods and services, including those purchased online from outside the EU.

The amount you pay depends on the type of goods you’re importing, their value, and the country of origin.

Brexit’s Impact: It’s crucial to remember that the UK is no longer part of the EU. This means goods purchased from the UK are now subject to the same customs charges as purchases from any other non-EU country.

For precise information on duty and VAT rates, it’s best to consult the official Revenue website.

How do An Post Customs Charges Work?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Arrival and Assessment

When your package arrives in Ireland, it undergoes a customs assessment. Irish Revenue officials based at An Post’s Mail Centre examine the goods and determine if any customs charges apply.

Step 2: An Post Notification

If customs charges are due, An Post will notify you, usually in three ways:

  • Postcard: You’ll receive an official An Post postcard in the mail with details of the charges, including the amount due and a unique customs reference number.
  • Email: An Post will attempt to send an email notification if the sender (retailer or individual) has provided your email address.
  • SMS: Similarly, you might receive an SMS notification if your phone number is available.

Step 3: Payment Options

You have several convenient options to pay your An Post customs charges:

  • Online: Visit the An Post website, navigate to the “Pay Customs Charge” section, and use your credit/debit card along with the customs reference number to make the payment.
  • An Post App: Download the An Post app and pay securely through the app using your preferred payment method.
  • Local Post Office: Visit your nearest post office and pay the charges using cash or a credit/debit card. Remember to bring your notification postcard or email/SMS with the reference number.

Step 4: Delivery

Once your payment is processed, An Post will release your package for delivery. You can track its progress using the tracking number provided.

Important: An Post cannot deliver your package until all applicable customs charges are paid.

Special Cases: Gifts and Returns

Gifts:

Gifts sent from outside the EU with a value of €45 or less (including insurance, freight, and postage costs) are generally exempt from VAT and customs charges. However, the sender must correctly declare the package as a gift on the electronic customs declaration.

Returns:

If you need to return a package to a non-EU sender, ensure they provide accurate and complete electronic customs data. If the customs declarations are missing, incorrect, or insufficient, An Post may be forced to return the package to the sender. This is because they cannot modify or amend the customs declarations once the package arrives in Ireland.

Avoiding Customs Delays: Tips for Online Shoppers

To minimize the risk of encountering customs delays, follow these helpful tips:

Tip 1: Opt for Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)

Whenever possible, choose reputable retailers who use a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) shipping model. This means the retailer handles all customs charges upfront, so you won’t have to deal with additional payments upon delivery.

Tip 2: Be Informed About Shipping Policies

Before completing an online purchase, especially from a non-EU retailer, carefully review their shipping policy and terms. Look for information about potential customs charges and factor those costs into your overall budget.

Tip 3: Encourage Proper Customs Declarations

If you’re ordering from a smaller or independent retailer, particularly in the UK, advise them to utilize electronic customs data services like Royal Mail’s Click & Drop. This ensures the necessary customs information is readily available, reducing the chance of delays or returns.

Tip 4: Provide Accurate Address Details

Double-check that the sender has your complete and accurate address, including your Eircode. This helps prevent delivery complications and ensures An Post can efficiently process your package.

Identifying and Avoiding Customs Charge Scams

With the increase in customs charges, scammers have found opportunities to prey on unsuspecting online shoppers. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Red Flag 1: Suspicious Payment Links

An Post will never include payment links in SMS or email notifications about customs charges. If you receive a message asking you to click a link to pay, it’s almost certainly a phishing attempt.

Red Flag 2: Always Expect a Postcard

Legitimate An Post notifications about customs charges will always be accompanied by an official postcard sent to your address.

Stay Vigilant: Always exercise caution when dealing with emails or messages requesting personal information or payments. If you’re unsure about a communication’s legitimacy, contact An Post directly to verify.

For more information on identifying scams, visit the An Post security page.

FAQ Section

Q1: Why is the cost of postage included in the total value for customs charges?

When Irish Revenue calculates customs charges, they take into account the total value of the goods, which includes the cost of postage and insurance. This is in accordance with EU customs regulations.

Q2: What happens if I don’t pay the customs charges by the due date?

If you fail to pay the customs charges by the “Pay by Date” specified on your notification, An Post will return the package to the sender.

Q3: Can I amend the customs form if my address is incomplete?

Unfortunately, An Post cannot modify or amend the electronic customs declaration provided by the sender. If your address is incomplete on the customs form and the physical package, your delivery might be delayed or the package might be returned to the sender.

Q4: Why was my parcel stopped by Irish Revenue Customs?

Irish Revenue officials have the authority to inspect any international package entering Ireland. They may stop your parcel for various reasons, including verifying the declared contents, checking for prohibited or restricted items, or conducting random inspections.

Q5: Why do some items I buy from non-EU retailers not have customs charges at checkout?

Some larger online retailers use a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) shipping model. They estimate and include the applicable customs charges in the total price you pay at checkout, so you won’t be asked to pay additional fees upon delivery. However, it’s essential to note that if the retailer underestimates the customs charges, you might still be required to pay the difference to An Post before your package is released.

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