Consumers could be subjected to very different rules when buying from UK sites post-Brexit. This is according to Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune who said that post-Brexit it could be the case that UK based sites will be classed at non-EU operations and subjected to different rules than before. This in turn would affect consumers and their rights.

MEP Clune said:

“UK shopping sites are very popular with Irish consumers but shoppers must ensure that they know their rights in a post-Brexit world. Firstly I would encourage shoppers to be fully aware of where they are buying from and where the business is based. There are excellent protections for consumers buying from EU websites but this could all change for UK sites in January. Things like return policies could be different as could an appeals process if a shopper is not happy. It is important that consumers check the small print and the terms and conditions before shopping on non-EU sites.”

In addition to this the rules around taxes and charges if buying from UK sites could also change. Shoppers could be facing hefty custom charges as a result of Brexit, MEP said.

MEP Clune has urged people to ‘shop local’ as much as they can this festive season in order to support the businesses that have been closed for the last few weeks.

MEP Clune said:

“Businesses all around Ireland have suffered this year and it is important that we all do what we can to support them. I am delighted to see so many businesses move online to sell their products and I hope that over the coming weeks shoppers will support those businesses in their local area.”