Bira said it was particularly concerned about the impact on independent retailers across Britain, who are already facing significant challenges in competing with online marketplaces that benefit from existing tax advantages.

Beyond the economic impact, Bira emphasises that this is also a critical health and safety issue.

Bira is calling for immediate government action on three fronts:

1. Remove the de-minimis threshold entirely to ensure all imported goods are subject to appropriate duty
2. Enforce existing VAT regulations to prevent fraud by online sellers
3. Implement stricter enforcement of safety standards for all imported products

Bira continues to champion the cause of independent retailers across Britain and is committed to working with the government to ensure a level playing field for all businesses.

Read the whole article and Bira's response here

Photo by Ian Taylor on Unsplash