Christmas shopping rights: refunds, faulty gifts, vouchers and UK parcels

What the law says about returns, refunds and faulty goods, how long gift vouchers must last, your 14 days to cancel online orders, and the new charges on parcels from outside the EU, including Britain.

A shop does not have to take back a gift just because you do not like it. Under consumer law, a change of mind gives you no right to a refund, even with a receipt. Generous Christmas return periods are the shop's own policy.

Changing your mind is not covered by law

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the State body for consumer rights. It says a shop does not have to give a refund or exchange when you buy in store and later change your mind.

“businesses are not legally obligated to accept an unwanted gift due to a change of mind”— CCPC, research on unwanted Christmas gifts, December 2025

Many shops still offer returns, some with longer periods into January. If a shop has a returns policy, it decides what you get. Most ask for proof of purchase, so a gift receipt helps.

Faulty goods: you have strong rights

It is different if something is faulty, of poor quality or not as described. If you find the fault within 30 days of buying or delivery, you can reject it and get a full refund. You do not have to accept a repair.

After 30 days, you can usually choose a repair or replacement. You may get a refund or a price cut if that fails, or if the seller cannot fix it in a reasonable time.

In the first year, the law assumes the fault was there from the start. After that, it is up to you to show it was. Your complaint is with the seller, and the seller cannot send you to the maker instead.

Sale items still have rights

If a shop told you about a fault before you bought a reduced item, you cannot return it for that fault. But if a different fault appears later, your normal rights apply. These rights do not cover misuse, accidents or wear and tear.

Gift vouchers must last at least five years

Gift vouchers sold since 2 December 2019 must either have no expiry date or last at least five years from the day they are issued. If there is an expiry date, it must be in writing.

• You do not have to spend a voucher all at once
• If more than €1 is left after a purchase, the balance must be refunded as cash, a transfer or a new voucher
• A seller cannot charge to change the name on a voucher
• Loyalty and promotion vouchers are not covered
• Vouchers given as a refund for returned goods are not covered

If a shop closes, your voucher may be lost. You can make a written claim to the administrator or liquidator. If you paid by card, ask your bank about a chargeback, which is a way to reverse a card payment.

Online: 14 days to cancel

If you buy online from a seller in Ireland or the EU, you can cancel within 14 days for any reason. The seller must refund you within 14 days of cancelling. You usually pay the return postage unless the seller's policy says otherwise.

Some items are not covered. These include personalised or custom-made goods, food that spoils quickly, and items that cannot be returned for health or hygiene reasons.

Buying from Britain or outside the EU

Since Brexit, Britain is outside the EU for shopping. That means England, Scotland and Wales, not Northern Ireland. Your 14-day EU right to cancel may not apply, as the seller follows UK law.

You pay VAT on goods from outside the EU at the Irish rate, often 23%, whatever their value. If the seller used Revenue's Import One Stop Shop system, the VAT is paid at checkout.

Two identical T-shirts count as one item, so the charge is €3. A notepad, a pen and a keyring are three items, so it is €9. VAT is charged on the €3 too.

From 1 November 2026, the EU adds a Union Handling Fee of €2 per item on all online orders from outside the EU. The seller or delivery firm pays it, and Revenue says it is not refundable, even for faulty goods.

If a courier collects charges on delivery, it usually adds an admin fee. Citizens Information says this may be €10 to €15. On parcels over €150, goods made in the UK pay no customs duty, but goods made elsewhere may.

If a problem is not fixed

Complain to the seller first, in writing. If that does not work and you paid by card, ask your bank about a chargeback. The CCPC can explain your options, including the Small Claims procedure.