Shipping to EU problems - Comedy Card Company

Shipping to EU problems

Jul 19, 2021Alan Auld

Brexit really kicked in for us on 1st July when we had to stop offering delivery to EU countries. We are so sorry that this had to happen, and are sad for the many customers we had built up over the years, particularly in Ireland and France.

From 1st July 2021 all goods sold from UK to an EU country are subject to local taxes as well as customs duties. (Prior to this date, there was a threshold.) This is demanded (of the customer) by the receiving country prior to delivery, leading to extra costs for the customer as well as inevitable delays. The customs fees can be particularly high (so we have heard), sometimes doubling the original purchase price.

There was a scheme set up to deal with this - the IOSS scheme. This allowed companies to register to collect EU tax at the point of sale and then pay the taxes due to the EU, by registering and joining the IOSS scheme in any EU country. Once this was done, delivery would be as normal without extra fees or delays. We had tried to register for this scheme by applying to join in Ireland. Frustratingly, UK companies are not allowed to register without the use of a tax intermediary. Sadly, the cost of a tax intermediary makes sending to the EU unviable - we would be making a loss to continue.

Apparently, there is some negotiating going on that might allow companies to register and pay EU taxes directly, without the use of a tax intermediary. We hope this might happen in the future. Otherwise small online companies such as ourselves are stuck in a catch 22 situation. So sorry.

 

 

 

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Comments (2)

  • Thank you so much for keeping us updated and clearly explaining the problem. I will miss your service SO much – I have recommended your site to all my family and friends – you provide and EXCELLENT service and always a personal touch. Please let me know if the situation changes, in the meantime I wish you all the luck in the world for the continuation of a successful business, which is thoroughly deserved. 5 stars ⭐️
    Petra

    Petra Norroy
  • Would it be possible for you to post individual cards – at least one card and envelope per outer envelope – to France as if to a friend or relative. We could then open the outer envelope write in the card and post it in the enclosed envelope.
    I appreciate this is fiddly and not much good for, say multiple orders for eg Christmas. Costly too maybe.
    The only other option I can think of is to order for delivery to relative or friend in the UK who would then write the card and post it.

    Patrick McCormick

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