Digital Business Ireland (DBI) is calling for stronger surveillance of online advertising of goods and products, in order to protect businesses in Ireland.
The online, ecommerce and digital representative body has said there is a lack of digital systems that allow for a comprehensive verification of all imports.
It said €33.97 million worth of goods were imported by Irish consumers between May and August of this year.
However, it said with many goods and products being sold from non-EU countries, the relevant tax rates are generally not applied.
According to DBI, as a result, they are advertised at a lower cost - ultimately putting these businesses at a competitive advantage.
"Despite best efforts, hundreds of thousands of packages remain uncontrolled which means the applicable taxes are not paid," said Lorraine Higgins, Secretary General of Digital Business Ireland.
"Furthermore, some products are not of merchantable quality, or contain harmful ingredients, incorrect labelling and are guilty of brand piracy, and this must be counteracted with effective market surveillance," she added.
When it come to online trading, Ms Higgins said Ireland does not have a regulatory problem, but an enforcement problem.
"It's time to implement digital tools and recruit more staff to effectively control non-EU e-commerce.
"Without the necessary checks and balances this has ramifications for businesses, jobs and the safety of consumers," she said.
