Today, Amazon threw Australia’s revised Online Goods Tax into the “too hard basket”, opting to block access to its US website so it would not have to collect GST. This left many wondering if eBay would follow suit. We just heard back from the globespanning e-commerce giant and we have good news – Aussies will still be able to buy items from overseas sellers. Hurrah!
eBay will continue to allow Australian shoppers to purchase across its global marketplace – and will apply GST to overseas purchases from July 1. A company spokesperson confirmed to Lifehacker that eBay is implementing a solution that will automatically collect the required GST when an Australian buys from an international seller.
“This requires major changes to eBay’s global systems and we are working to have these ready by 1st July,” an eBay spokesperson said.
With over one billion listings across its global marketplace, this is obviously good news for Aussie shoppers. Want to buy an el cheapo phone charger from China? You still can! (Although you probably shouldn’t do that. Just sayin’.)
“We won’t block Aussie buyers, redirect them or require them to pretend they are located overseas,” the eBay spokesperson explained. “Australians will continue to be able to buy from any eBay site.”
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/05/amazon-us-blocked-in-australia/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/05/20180522_174428-410×231.jpg” title=”It’s Official: Amazon US Website Blocked In Australia [Updated]” excerpt=”It was the move we all dreaded was coming. Australian shoppers will no longer be able to shop on Amazon’s US site as the company shifts focus to its local offering. You have one more month to make your final overseas purchases.”]
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