Sinn Féin TDs for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness TD and David Cullinane TD, have called on the Government to press the European Commission to suspend the new €3 customs charge on small parcels after many online shoppers found it is triggering an additional €7 An Post administration fee.

The Waterford TDs said the result is that people ordering low-cost items online are now facing unexpected charges of up to €10.

Conor D. McGuinness TD said:

“Families across Waterford are already under pressure from the cost of living. Many rely on online shopping to access affordable clothing, household goods and everyday essentials, particularly where local availability is limited.

“People are understandably frustrated to discover that a €3 customs charge is resulting in a total €10 bill because of an additional administration fee. For low-value purchases, that can make the item simply not be worth buying.

“Let’s be clear: this isn’t about supporting local businesses or SMEs. There are far more effective ways for the European Commission and governments to support local retailers. This measure does neither. It simply imposes another cost on hardworking families who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

“This is a poorly designed system that places the burden on ordinary consumers instead of the multinational online retailers importing these goods into the EU. The charge should instead be collected at source from the retailer, avoiding unnecessary administration costs for consumers and postal operators alike.”

David Cullinane TD said:

“This is not the fault of An Post. It has been handed responsibility for collecting these charges and warned about the consequences from the outset.

“The Irish Government must urgently engage with the European Commission to have this measure suspended and redesigned. Waterford consumers should not be left paying the price for a system that simply isn’t fit for purpose.”