Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…When you buy online, you have the right to the same protections under consumer law as buying in a shop.
As you are entering into a contract called a distance contract you have some additional protections under consumer law.
What are my rights to cancel?
You have a right to cancel within 14 days when a product is not bought in a physical shop. This is also known as a ‘withdrawal’ or ‘cooling off’ period.
This means you can cancel the contract up to 14 days from when the contract was agreed and get a full refund. You do not have to give a reason for cancelling. The 14 days starts once you physically receive the goods.
If the seller does not give you information on your cancellation rights, your right to cancel is extended by 12 months.
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If the seller gives you information on your right to cancel within this 12-month period, the cooling-off period ends 14 days from the date you get the information.
Who pays for the cost of return?
You are responsible for returning the product to the seller. The seller does not have to refund you for return postage costs. Some sellers will cover the return costs but it depends on the seller’s return policy.
The seller must tell you before you bought the product whether you will have to pay the return postage costs yourself.
If the seller did not tell you beforehand that you would be responsible for the return costs, then you can claim the costs back.
What are the Taxes and duties on online sales?
You should be told how much VAT you have to pay at checkout. If you buy a product from a seller based outside the EU, you have to pay VAT on all items, regardless of value.
You have to pay customs duty for products over €150. You may also have to pay VAT and excise duty for certain types of products such as alcohol and tobacco.
What are the new customs charges when buying online from outside the EU?
From 1 July 2026, a customs duty of €3 per item will be added to orders that (excluding delivery charges) are valued at €150 or less.
This charge applies when you buy online from outside the EU. If you buy 2 of the same items, you will be charged one €3 customs duty.
If you buy 3 different items like a notepad, pen and keyring, you will be charged €9 customs duty (€3 per item type).
Check the website’s terms and conditions to find out how the customs charge will be applied. It may be applied at the checkout or on delivery.
If you need to return the item, the €3 customs duty will not be refunded, unless the goods were faulty
You can read more about how the charge will be applied on the An Post website.
• For anyone needing information, advice or have an advocacy issue, you can call a member of the local Citizens Information team in Kerry on 0818 07 7860, they will be happy to assist and make an appointment if necessary. The offices are staffed from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie for further information.
