Irish Examiner view: EU's €3 customs charge could curb our fast fashion habit

Callers to 'Liveline' expressed dismay about the charge — but if it makes us pause before filling the online basket with stuff we don’t need, it could be a great benefit to us all

We are generating mountains of waste textiles due to our habit of buying cheap clothes for one or two wears. The new €3 charge could be one of the most environmentally-beneficial taxes introduced in years. Picture: iStock 

The new €3 customs charge on imports from outside the EU, which comes into effect next week, had callers to Liveline riled up last week. Many were dismayed at the thought of paying at least €3 — with additional handling fees possibly pushing the cost higher — on items ordered from retailers such as Temu and Shein.

For many callers, affordability was the key issue; in the midst of a cost of living crisis, these websites offer prices that local retailers simply cannot match.