Brexit has had a distinct impact on Irish consumers, with 44% of online shoppers buying more from Irish website since the UK left the EU.

The findings are disclosed in research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), carried out by Ipsos MRBI.

A quarter of 1,000 respondents in the survey said they are purchasing more from local businesses than before the pandemic.

CCPC chair Jeremy Godfrey commented: "Our research shows there has been a steady growth in online shopping from Irish websites, and a reduction from websites based in the UK. "Consumers who buy from outside the EU have fewer protections, and this makes Irish and EU websites more attractive to them.

"Irish businesses should make sure they are familiar with consumer protection laws and how to comply with relevant requirements. This means they will satisfy their customers’ expectations and avoid the risk of enforcement action by the CCPC."

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Overall, 16% of the survey respondents have stopped buying from British websites, with 46% of consumers having experienced difficulties when shopping online with UK sites, and nearly half of them not having their issues resolved.

Unexpected costs such as customs charges that have come into effect since Brexit, and delayed deliveries. were the most commonly cited issues by consumers.

Four out of ten respondents said they would maintain changes to their online shopping behaviours post-pandemic, double the amount who indicated the same in 2020.

The CCPC has emphasised that businesses need to ensure that their online information, contact details and terms and conditions such as information on returns and refunds are compliant with consumer protection laws. 

The watchdog said it was more important than ever due to consumers' improved understanding of consumer rights, which is evident when comparing the results of the latest survey to those conducted in previous years.

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