We explore the experiences of postal users in Northern Ireland
05 January 2023
Exploring the experiences of postal users in Northern Ireland
The Panel commissioned research to explore and understand the experiences of postal users in Northern Ireland following the EU exit. We heard from our stakeholders in Northern Ireland that the cost of purchasing goods to be delivered to Northern Ireland from Great Britain (GB) has increased, in terms of the costs of items and the cost of postal surcharges. We also heard that people have encountered problems with obtaining some items from GB as companies have stopped sending certain goods to Northern Ireland.
Our research objectives were:
- to find out more about Northern Ireland consumers’ experiences of the parcel service since EU Exit.
- to discover any effects of additional customs paperwork and surcharges that are placed on some parcels being delivered within the UK context.
- to understand whether some retailers have stopped delivering to Northern Ireland following EU Exit and if there are items NI consumers are missing out on/having to source elsewhere.
Based on our findings, we make a series of recommendations aimed to improve consumers’ current experiences.
You can read our full findings and recommendations here.