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Packing, shipping and postage

Goods may be supplied packed for sale with no separate charge made for the packages which contain the goods. In such cases, the rate of Value-Added Tax (VAT) chargeable is the rate which applies to the goods.

If containers are charged separately from the goods, the transaction consists of separate sales of goods and of containers. Each separate sale is chargeable at the appropriate rate.

If the containers are returnable

Containers may be returnable, with a separate charge in the nature of a deposit, raised for them on an invoice. These containers are the property of the supplier and are not subject to VAT at the time of handing over.

However, VAT at the appropriate rate is payable on the value of containers which are not returned to the supplier. You should account for this VAT when the containers' account is being balanced. A charge is raised by the supplier for the value of containers not returned.

Postage

If postage is charged separately and paid entirely to An Post, then these charges are not subject to VAT. 

  • Example

    A trader charges an extra €5 for posting an order. This full amount for postage is paid over to An Post. The €5 is exempt from VAT.

    A charge is made for postage that is less than the amount paid over by the supplier to An Post. The postal charge made to the customer is part of the total price of the goods or service supplied. This is subject to the VAT rate applicable to the goods or service in question.

    A business providing a distribution service for magazines receives a volume discount for the postage from An Post. This situation depends on a number of factors. The discount from An Post is not passed on in full to the customer.

Published: 25 June 2024 Print this page

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