ID Card Printers & Tariffs – Understanding the Market Shift
In recent years, the ID card printer market has significantly shifted — for good reason. The cost of ownership has become harder to control, especially when machines are manufactured outside the EU. For Irish businesses, the impact of global trade pressures is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
From longer lead times to unexpected price increases, it’s clear that what used to be a straightforward purchase now requires much more consideration.
Why the Shift?
Many of the challenges stem from international supply chain instability. Factors like import tariffs, currency fluctuations, and delays at customs are pushing up prices and slowing deliveries. For Irish buyers, the effects are most visible when dealing with UK and US-manufactured machines, such as Magicard, Datacard, and Fargo card printers.
While we continue to support and supply these brands, more customers are asking for something simpler: predictable pricing, faster delivery, and fewer hidden charges.
The Tariff Effect: What’s Driving the Change
UK-Manufactured Printers (e.g. Magicard):
- Now subject to Brexit-related import duties
- Sensitive to Sterling-Euro exchange rates
- Slower delivery due to added customs checks and paperwork
US-Manufactured Printers (e.g. Datacard & Fargo):
- Affected by new EU tariffs on US-made goods
- Rising freight and shipping costs
- Pricing on machines and consumables is less predictable
In short, owning these machines often means dealing with extra fees, fluctuating costs, and potential delays — all of which add uncertainty to what should be a reliable part of your operations.
Why Evolis Makes More Sense..
That’s where Evolis stands out. Manufactured in France, Evolis printers benefit from tariff-free trade within the EU. For Irish businesses, this means a smoother, more cost-effective experience from day one.
When you choose Evolis, you benefit from:
- No import duties
- No customs delays
- No exposure to Sterling or Dollar volatility
- Consistent next-day delivery from Dublin
Simply put, Evolis offers stability. And in today’s climate, that’s a significant advantage.
Our Local Advantage
We’ve been the official Evolis distributor in Ireland since 2008, and we know these machines inside and out. Our long-standing partnership with Evolis means we don’t just sell printers—we provide after-sales support on ID card printers.
All models and consumables are stocked in our Dublin warehouse, which means:
– Immediate availability and fast nationwide delivery
– Local support from **Evolis-trained Irish engineers**
– Expert guidance to help you choose the right solution
– Full onboarding, setup, and long-term assistance
A Smarter, More Sustainable Investment for ID Card printing
“We never thought we’d see the day we would recommend a European partner over others. But when financial reality sets in, and you assess the actual cost and lifetime value of owning an ID card printer, the numbers speak for themselves. Choosing a European-made printer like Evolis now makes more sense than ever — not just for the upfront cost, but for long-term pricing, service, and supply.”
When assessing the total cost of ownership, it’s essential to look beyond the initial purchase price. Ongoing costs like service, support, and consumables can significantly affect long-term value. This is where Evolis truly shines—offering competitive pricing and consistent availability that helps keep running costs under control.
Buy Local. Avoid Tariffs. Print Smarter.
Whether you print a handful of cards per month or thousands per week, the right ID card printer should offer more than good print quality. It should also offer reliable service, stable pricing, and fast local support.
We continue to support Datacard, Fargo, and Magicard machines — and always will. But if you’re looking for a more sustainable, future-ready option, Evolis is the clear choice.
Contact us today at 01-460 2200 to find out how we can help you simplify your ID card printing — with European-made machines, local delivery, and expert Irish support.