The Irish competition authority has addressed common consumer inquiries regarding the new €3 customs charge that came into effect on July 1. This charge applies to parcels valued at €150 or less arriving from outside the EU, including Great Britain.

Consumers purchasing knitting and crochet kits should note that the customs charge is not applied per ball of wool. Instead, it is based on unique product types within a parcel. If a knitting kit is sold as a single item, it will incur just one €3 charge. However, additional items ordered separately may attract extra charges.

Shoppers are advised to check the dispatch location of their goods. Orders shipped from EU warehouses will not incur these customs charges. Additionally, consumers should be aware of how retailers collect these charges, as larger retailers may include them at checkout, while smaller ones might leave it to the delivery service.

Lastly, caution is advised against potential scams related to customs charges. The Revenue will not demand payment via text, and any legitimate charges will typically be collected by An Post or the courier upon delivery.