What’s Changing for Traders This Week – Week 34, 2026
After our annual break, we are catching up on some of the developments that may be useful to market and street traders and other small businesses.
This week there is an urgent Galway trading deadline, a reminder about customs change that could affect the cost of stock bought from outside the EU, an energy-efficiency grant worth checking and an increase in Government support available following severe flooding.
Buying Stock from Outside the EU? Check the New €3 Customs Charge
A reminder on the change that was introduced on 1 July 2026 could increase costs for traders buying stock or supplies online from outside the EU.
Revenue advises that a €3 Customs Duty charge per distinct item type now applies to eCommerce packages valued at €150 or less coming into Ireland from outside the EU.
This is important because it is not necessarily just a €3 charge on the whole parcel. Revenue gives the example of a parcel containing a notepad, pen and keyring. Because these are three different types of item, the parcel attracts €9 in Customs Duty, in addition to applicable VAT and other charges. Two identical items, however, may count as one distinct item type for the purposes of the charge.
Many traders buy stock, packaging, craft supplies, jewellery components, accessories, display materials or other items from Great Britain, China and other countries outside the EU. These additional charges can increase the true cost of an order and reduce your margin if they have not been allowed for when setting your selling prices.
It is worth checking the full cost before placing an order, particularly where you are buying several different types of low-value items in the same parcel.
Revenue also advises checking at checkout whether customs charges are already included. Where they are not collected at checkout, additional charges may arise when the parcel is delivered.
More information from Revenue: https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/individuals/relief-low-value-consignments/index.aspx
Could Your Business Qualify for an Energy Efficiency Grant?
The Local Enterprise Office Energy Efficiency Grant remains available to eligible small businesses looking to invest in equipment or technology that could reduce energy use or improve sustainability.
The grant can cover 75% of eligible costs, from a minimum grant of €750 up to a maximum of €10,000.
Eligible businesses must generally have completed a Green for Business Report, GreenStart Report or SEAI Energy Audit before applying. The business must also meet other conditions, including being established and trading for at least six months and, in most cases, operating from a commercially rateable premises.
Examples of potentially eligible investment include smart energy controls, energy-efficient refrigeration, electric ovens, industrial dishwashers and some other energy-saving equipment.
This may be worth looking into if you operate from a commercial kitchen, workshop, studio, shop, production unit or other business premises and are planning to replace equipment or reduce your energy costs.
For example, an artisan food producer replacing refrigeration or cooking equipment, or a maker operating from a workshop with significant energy use, may be able to get help towards eligible improvements rather than funding the full cost themselves.
It will not suit every trader and eligibility depends on the individual business and proposed investment, so speak with your Local Enterprise Office before committing to expenditure.
Find out more: https://www.localenterprise.ie/energy/what-is-the-energy-efficiency-grant-/
Flood Support for Small Businesses Increased to €30,000
The Government announced changes to the Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme on 6 August.
The maximum support available to eligible SMEs has increased from €20,000 to €30,000. The scheme is designed for businesses affected by severe flood damage where flood insurance could not be obtained.
It is available to SMEs with up to 50 employees and can contribute towards restoring business premises to their pre-flood condition. This can include structural repairs, fixtures and fittings and replacement of damaged stock. An initial payment of up to €5,000 may be available, with further assistance for more serious damage following professional assessment.
Traders and small producers can have a considerable amount of money tied up in stock, equipment, workshops, kitchens and storage premises. If a qualifying severe flood damages a business premises and commercial flood insurance was not available, this scheme could provide important financial assistance towards getting the business operating again.
It is worth knowing that the support exists before an emergency happens, particularly for businesses based in areas with a history of flooding.
This is not a general bad-weather compensation scheme and would not apply simply because a market or event was cancelled due to rain or poor weather. The scheme must be activated following a qualifying severe flooding event.
More information: https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/news-and-events/department-news/2026/august/minister-burke-announces-improved-emergency-humanitarian-flooding-scheme.html
What We’re Keeping an Eye On
We are continuing to monitor developments that could affect market and street traders. Where something changes that requires traders to take action, we will include it in a future update.
As always, if you come across a council notice, licensing change or other development that you think could affect traders in your area, please let us know.
For more Information, Guides Help, Support or Advice. Get in touch with IOMST and become a member today!
Grainne & Greg
Just a little reminder:
This blog is here to spark ideas and help you think about your business in new ways. What works for one person might not suit another. Take what’s helpful, adapt it to your own style, and if you ever need more tailored advice, just get in touch. That’s what we’re here for, supporting you and your business every step of the way.