Delivery tax on the cards for online shoppers

The government is considering imposing a tax on online shopping deliveries because of the rise of ecommerce – especially during lockdown – and its consequent contribution to carbon emissions, The Times has reported.

A report from the Department for Transport (DfT) found that free and next-day delivery options had led to “over-ordering”, because it is so easy for shoppers to return purchases they do not want free of charge.

Annual nitrous-oxide emissions from vans grew 43% to 99,300 tonnes between 2007 and 2017, according to the latest figures from DfT, whereas emissions from all other vehicles, including cars and HGVs, diminished over the same period.

Vans, in fact, caused a quarter of the nitrous-oxide emissions in 2017 – triple that of HGVs.

Concerns have grown about the number of delivery vehicles and their impact on the environment and congestion, especially with more orders being made. 

The report suggested that the delivery charge should be applicable to all such deliveries – Amazon’s fulfilment prowess has made delivery a key battleground – to encourage more sustainable behaviour. 

The DfT is understood to be considering options and may launch a public consultation.