CE Phoenix Cart Forum

With the new implementation of new VAT rules in the EU starting today (1st July 2021), I was wondering if there is a way to show a message to all EU based customers that just for now will show a message or warning that Taxes and Duties may be payable before delivery.

I send very few orders into the EU so rather than have to comply with all the new rules and the administration that will involve I want to leave things as they are for now until things settle and then possibly do something different. If people think that it is possible I would probably have to contact a developer to code something.

-Edited to add date rather than leaving as 'starting today' for easier future reading.-

If you want that message during the check out, it should be rather straight forward:
A hook in templates/override/includes/hooks/checkout_shipping (or /checkout_payment or chekout_confirmtion or all of them just to make sure the customer will notice) that checks if the delivery-address is within the EU, and if so shows a message.

The User Guide has an example of how to load a hook on a certain page, and the logic behind the code needed for outputting a message under these circumstances is not too bad. Let me know if I can help! Of course the result from a professional will be better than what I can help you with, but this one should not be too difficult to achieve

//Daniel

I was thinking about using a header message pop up to turn it into a positive by exclaiming "we ship worldwide" which then links to our postage page. Here it will explain import duties and shipping costs - its not only EU members but also every one outside the EU have always had to pay duties any how.

It saves being negative, plus you can point out they are buying things from you ex VAT to begin with (so cheaper then I can buy it from you in because I'm in the UK)
That way they will see the message before they start shopping and looking about.

Also like Daniels idea of a reinforcement message during check out, just to remind them.