Customs Information


Ireland - All

NORTHERN IRELAND - Please refer to United Kingdom for importation information. Ireland

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Copy of Passport
  • Packing list
  • C&E1076 Transfer of Residence document
  • Transfer of Residency (TOR) - PPS Declaration Document
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) - Express Release Accepted or Alternatively (2 Original nonnegotiable copies showing the ocean freight rate) / Air Waybill (AWB)
  • Documentary evidence of residence abroad for at least one year
  • Two original copies of utility bills. (Electricity bill and a bank statement will do. Must not be older than 12 months).
  • Proof of residence in Ireland (2 forms)
  • Documentary evidence of taking up permanent residence in Ireland
  • Copy of property lease, rental agreement, or purchase in Ireland
  • Resident / Work Permit / Letter of Employment
  • Form 1076 (Diplomats)
  • Lease / Rental Agreement (Diplomats)
  • Travel itinerary returning to Ireland / copy of flight confirmation / copy of boarding pass
  • Letter from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Protocol Section authorizing release of the consignment from the port (Diplomats)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

  • All shipments inspected by Customs
  • All goods should be in the ownership of the shipper for at least 12 months prior to import
  • Required documents must be received by the agent prior to the arrival of the shipment to minimize any port charges
  • Owner of the goods does not need to be present for Customs clearance.
  • Owner of the goods should arrive in the country prior to the arrival of the shipment.
  • Used household goods may be allowed entry on a duty and tax free basis once the TOR has been verified.
  • Imports not deemed qualified as part of a TOR shipment will be subject to duty (variable) and value added tax (VAT) of approximately 23%
  • If they do not have a European Union country passport they must provide a copy of their Irish entry authorization visa.  
  • Letter from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Protocol Section authorizing release of the consignment from the port (diplomats).
  • Needs to be confirmed ahead of arriving into port as Ireland only extends the same privileges it receives in the country of origin.

MOTOR VEHICLES

Specific Information:

  • The OBL must include the chassis number, engine number, color, model, make, and weight of the vehicle.
  • Vehicles brought into Ireland under TOR rules are not subject to duty or tax.
  • The duty rate on vehicles imported outside of the TOR Protocol is 23% VAT of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value, and the vehicle registration tax is payable up to 35% of the vehicle value.
  • In order to avoid unnecessary delays and charges for demurrage and storage due to lengthy Customs procedures, the agent must receive a copy of the required documentation prior to arrival of the shipment; check with agent for specific timeframes.
  • Motor vehicles must be in the owners name for at least 6 months to be eligible for duty and VAT free import.
  • Only one vehicle per person may be imported.

Documents required:

  • Copy of passport
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Original Registration
  • Copy of current Insurance Certificate (copy of previous policy documentation is acceptable if no current insurance is in effect)
  • Bill of Sale showing date of purchase and price

ALCOHOL / SPIRITS / WINES

Detailed alcohol inventory to include the following:    

  • Size of each bottle
  • Percentage proof
  • Value
  • Brand
  • Red/white/blush description
  • Still/sparkling description
  • Country of manufacture for each bottle
  • Year of manufacture for each bottle
  • Total quantity

NOTE - Be informed that Irish Customs does not consider alcohol, spirits or wine to be part of household goods relocation.  Including alcohol, spirits or wine with a household goods shipment to Ireland can lengthen Customs inspections by as long as 5 days, and will guarantee the complete inspection of shipment.  Irish Customs will charge VAT and Duty on any alcohol, spirits or wine imported as part of household goods relocation.

PETS

Documents Required:

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Pet passport

Specific information:

  • Pets arriving from outside of the EU must be pre-booked and pass through the Quarantine Station at Dublin airport.
  • Prior approval from the Department of Agriculture must be received prior to import.
  • A 6-month quarantine is not required if the following conditions met: proof of rabies vaccination and follow up that this was effective (6 months after inoculation), Health Certificate, and electronic microchip.
  • Pets arriving from within the EU can usually enter without prior approval or examination at a Quarantine Station.

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • Alcohol is subject to duties (variable according to type, strength, etc.) and VAT (23%).
  • A Declaration Form is needed prior to arrival of the container and should be loaded at rear of the container for easy access if examination is required.
  • New furniture and household goods (items purchased within 6 months of the date of shipping are subject to Customs duties and VAT of 23%).

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Narcotics
  • Drugs
  • Explosives
  • Pornography
  • Firearms
  • Meat products
  • Live plants
  • Endangered species and any products or parts thereof as outlined by CITES (authorization from CITES is required)