The Royal British Legion's fundraising efforts in the EU are under threat after the organisation said they'd stop selling to EU customers from their online store.
The charity, which provides support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, is said to have sent an email to supporters stating it will “need to cease sales to customers in countries in the EU” for the foreseeable future until legislation surrounding Brexit is reviewed.
Benjamin Butterworth in the i newspaper reported that it could not justify the expense, including customs charges, to send merchandise overseas following Britain’s departure from the EU’s customs union on January 1.
Poppies are worn in October and November for Armistice Day, and the charity sells them to raise money for members of the armed forces, veterans and their families.
It also sells a range of poppy jewellery, clothing and accessories through its online Poppy Shop.
A Government spokeswoman has said: “We are focused on supporting UK organisations as they adjust to our new trading relationship with the EU.
“The work of The Royal British Legion and the money they raise through their annual poppy appeal is incredibly important and we will engage with them to ensure they get the support they need to operate in the EU.”
Businesses have faced tough new rules following Britain’s severing of ties with the EU.
Retailers, fishermen and fresh food companies have complained the new measures are delaying deliveries and increasing their costs due to the extra customs checks and paperwork.
London and Brussels are currently locked in a battle over the Northern Ireland Protocol following the unilateral action taken by the British government earlier this year to apply an extension to a transition period.
The action was aimed to try and help goods move more easily between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK after supermarkets’ shelves in Northern Ireland were stripped bare due to exporting and importing problems in early 2021.
The move was criticised by Brussels and on Thursday, the UK formally requested an extension, allowing sausages, burgers and mince to continue being sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland until September 30.
The European Commission is currently assessing the request.
A spokesperson for The Royal British Legion said: It is merchandise sold through our online Poppy Shop that will be impacted by new EU regulations around VAT and customs charges, and the annual profit from Poppy Shop sales in the EU is around £6,000 per year.
‘The RBL’s distribution of paper poppies to the EU is not affected. As a result of the UK leaving the European Union, goods sold by our online Poppy Shop to customers in the EU will be subject to the local rate of VAT and customs fees from 1st July. These costs are often higher than the value of the goods themselves and to pass them on to customers is not reasonable, therefore regrettably we are ceasing sales to customers in countries in the EU until such time as that legislation is reviewed. ‘
