The question of whether Ireland will lose access to Amazon.co.uk after Brexit has been one of many concerns surrounding the UK’s departure from the European Union. For years, Irish consumers have relied heavily on Amazon UK for online shopping, often finding it more convenient and cost-effective than local alternatives. With Brexit now a reality, uncertainty has surrounded cross-border trade, customs procedures, and the availability of goods. While Ireland has not lost access to Amazon.co.uk, the relationship between Irish shoppers and the UK-based platform has changed in significant ways.
Amazon UK and the Irish Market
Amazon does not operate a dedicated Irish website, such as Amazon.ie. Instead, Irish customers have traditionally used Amazon.co.uk as their main platform. This made sense geographically and economically, as Ireland and the UK share close ties and similar product demands. Deliveries were generally fast, affordable, and uncomplicated before Brexit, since both countries were part of the European Union’s single market and customs union.
The situation shifted once the UK officially left the EU in 2020. Brexit meant that goods moving between the UK and Ireland were now subject to new trade rules, including customs checks, VAT adjustments, and potential import duties. These changes raised concerns about higher prices, longer delivery times, and the possibility of some products no longer being shipped to Ireland.
Immediate Changes Post-Brexit
From January 2021, Amazon UK began adjusting its operations to reflect new Brexit trade realities. The most immediate change for Irish consumers was the introduction of customs declarations on goods imported from the UK. While low-value items often passed through with minimal impact, higher-value purchases became subject to VAT and possible customs duties. This added extra costs for customers and sometimes created delays at the border.
Another complication was the decision by some UK-based third-party sellers on Amazon to stop shipping to Ireland altogether. Faced with the paperwork and costs of complying with EU regulations, smaller businesses often concluded that it was not worth the hassle. This meant that certain niche or specialty products, once easily available, became harder for Irish shoppers to purchase.
Delivery and Pricing Adjustments
For Irish customers, one of the key questions was whether delivery from Amazon.co.uk would remain affordable. Shipping costs did increase in many cases, especially for larger items. Additionally, estimated delivery times grew longer due to customs processing. While Amazon invested in streamlining its logistics, the overall experience no longer felt as seamless as it had before Brexit.
To counter these issues, Amazon began encouraging Irish consumers to use its other European platforms, such as Amazon.de (Germany). The German site has an option for shopping in English and supports deliveries to Ireland. This move allowed Amazon to maintain a smooth supply chain within the EU, avoiding the complications of UK-Ireland trade. However, this solution came with its own drawbacks, including higher delivery charges for certain items and fewer UK-specific product listings.
VAT and Duties Explained
One of the most confusing aspects for Irish shoppers has been the treatment of VAT. Before Brexit, Irish customers simply paid UK VAT on their orders, with no additional steps. After Brexit, goods shipped from the UK to Ireland became exports, requiring VAT to be paid according to EU rules. Amazon adjusted its platform to include Irish VAT at checkout, meaning customers typically saw the tax applied upfront rather than as a surprise bill upon delivery.
For items above certain thresholds, customs duties could also apply. While this does not affect every purchase, it has added a layer of uncertainty, particularly for those ordering high-value goods like electronics or home appliances.
Has Ireland Lost Access?
The short answer is no—Ireland has not lost access to Amazon.co.uk. Irish consumers can still browse, order, and receive goods from the platform. However, the process has become more complicated, and in some cases, less attractive. The convenience that once defined shopping from Amazon UK has been partially eroded by the realities of customs procedures, higher costs, and reduced availability of certain items.
Amazon’s Long-Term Strategy in Ireland
Amazon has shown signs of adapting to the post-Brexit landscape in ways that benefit Irish consumers. By strengthening its European sites and expanding logistics within the EU, it has attempted to reduce the friction caused by UK-Ireland trade barriers. There have even been discussions about Amazon investing further in Ireland, potentially through fulfillment centers or dedicated distribution networks. Such moves would allow the company to serve Irish customers more efficiently without relying entirely on UK-based operations.
Nonetheless, the lack of a standalone Irish Amazon site continues to be a limitation. While Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk remain accessible, neither is perfectly tailored to Irish shoppers. Currency differences, shipping costs, and product availability continue to present challenges.
The Consumer Perspective
For everyday shoppers in Ireland, the question is not so much about access but about value and convenience. Many still use Amazon UK for items that are competitively priced or uniquely available there. Others have shifted to Amazon Germany or alternative European sites to avoid customs complications. Some Irish consumers are also turning more toward local retailers or Irish-based online shops, recognizing that the Brexit changes make domestic shopping more appealing in certain cases.
Conclusion
Ireland has not lost access to Amazon.co.uk after Brexit, but the experience has changed significantly. The introduction of customs checks, VAT adjustments, and shipping complications has reshaped the way Irish consumers interact with the UK-based platform. While Amazon continues to serve the Irish market, shoppers must now weigh factors such as cost, delivery time, and product availability more carefully than before.
In the long run, the situation may encourage Amazon to deepen its presence in Ireland or expand its EU-based services further. Until then, Irish consumers will continue to have access to Amazon UK, though not with the same ease and simplicity that once made it their go-to online marketplace.