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Import from Ireland

At PACK & SEND, we have been managing shipments to and from Ireland for over 30 years. We handle every type of freight - large, small, awkwardly shaped or valuable – so you can trust us with all your imports from Ireland. You can get a quote now – just complete the form here.



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New Quote Teaser (May 2024)

Paperwork Needed for Importing from Ireland

You will need to complete the following paperwork in preparation for importing items from Ireland to the UK:

  • Customs declaration – This document provides details of the Irish goods you are importing. It can be submitted by you, your broker, or your freight forwarder.
  • Commodity code – This ten-digit number classifies imports, determines the rates of duty and VAT payable, and highlights any restrictions on your items.
  • EORI number – This registration and identification number is required for anyone importing goods into the UK.
  • Import licences – While most goods don’t require a licence, some items do. These include military goods, technology, art, plants, animals, medicines, and chemicals.
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Avoid Brexit paperwork delays

Import Duties and Taxes - Ireland to the UK

The duties and taxes payable on goods from Ireland depend on their commodity codes as well as the overall purchase and shipping value of the shipment.

As part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement and under the Northern Ireland Protocol, goods moving directly between Northern Ireland and Ireland are not subject to customs declarations, duties, or VAT adjustments. However, for goods imported into the UK from Ireland outside these conditions, customs duties may apply to goods worth over £135.

The exact rate depends on the commodity code of the goods in question. You can check the duty rates for each code on the Trade Tariff website.

If any required import duties are not paid, customs may hold your goods for approximately three weeks before returning them. In some cases, goods may be seized, and fines may apply.

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Plane check

VAT on Imports - Ireland to the UK

Value Added Tax (VAT) is payable on anything imported into the UK from Ireland, calculated on top of import duties. VAT is charged at the standard UK rate of 20%, the same as if the items were purchased domestically.

This VAT calculation also includes the door-to-port cost of shipping items to the UK, ensuring fairness regardless of the shipping distance.

If your EORI number is linked to your UK VAT number, you can reclaim VAT on your regular VAT return using HMRC form C79.

Avoid Double Taxation
Ensure you don’t pay VAT in Ireland for exports, as VAT is charged in the UK and should only be paid once. Confirm with your Irish supplier that VAT is not added to the export invoice to avoid difficulties in reclaiming it later.

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Keeping the Paper trail Intact

Road or Air Freight from Ireland?

Choosing whether to use road freight for your goods from Ireland will depend on how much you’re shipping and how urgently you need it. If your item is large or bulky, your best option is probably road freight. However, you should allow three to five days for your items to reach the UK from Ireland, so road freight isn’t ideal for urgent shipments.

If you want your item to arrive quickly, choose air freight

Note that smaller items may take longer to arrive via air freight because they will be part of a consolidated flight and may have to wait until a plane is full before departing.

International Shipping
Freight Ship at Sea

PACK & SEND Online Self-Service

Our Online Self-Service is an easy, cost-effective option when you want to import items from Ireland.

It gives you access to our full range of shipping capabilities at a lower price than you would pay for a bespoke solution in our service centres. Your items may be eligible if your shipment is pre-packaged and weighs less than 30kg.

Using our Online Self-Service option is quick and easy, and you’re in control of the whole process – packing your own items, scheduling the shipment, printing the labels and tracking the cargo all the way through.

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