Customs Clearance Ireland

Moving goods into or out of Ireland should not become a paperwork headache. Unfortunately, customs can quickly turn into one when a declaration is incomplete, a commodity code is wrong or an important document is missing.

Green Routed Freight provides professional customs clearance services in Ireland for businesses, freight operators, importers, exporters and individuals. We deal with the customs side of your shipment, prepare the necessary declarations and help make sure the correct information reaches Irish Revenue before your goods need to move.

From regular commercial shipments to one-off imports, UK trade and more complicated movements, our aim is simple: get the paperwork right and keep your goods moving.

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Customs Clearance Services Across Ireland

Customs clearance is not just about filling in a form after a shipment arrives.

For goods entering Ireland from outside the EU, an electronic customs declaration is generally required. Depending on the goods and how they are moving, there may also be VAT, Customs Duty, Excise Duty, licensing requirements or safety and security declarations to deal with.

Exports from Ireland to destinations outside the EU also require the correct customs procedures.

We assist with customs movements throughout Ireland, including shipments passing through Dublin Port and other Irish ports and entry points.

Our customs clearance support includes:

• Import customs declarations

• Export customs declarations

• Customs documentation checks

• Commodity code and classification support

• Customs Duty and VAT information

• EORI related guidance

• Transit declarations

• T1 and T2 declarations

• Safety and Security declarations

• UK to Ireland customs clearance

• Ireland to UK customs movements

• Vehicle import customs documentation

• Commercial freight customs clearance

• Support with customs queries and documentation issues

If you already have a freight forwarder or transport company, that is not a problem. We can handle the customs element of the movement while working alongside the other parties involved.

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Import Customs Clearance In Ireland

Importing from outside the European Union means additional customs formalities.

This is now particularly relevant for Irish businesses buying goods from Great Britain. Since Great Britain is outside the EU customs territory, goods entering Ireland from GB normally require an electronic import declaration.

Before a declaration can be prepared, several pieces of information may be needed.

These can include:

• Commercial invoice

• Description of the goods

• Value of the shipment

• Commodity codes

• Country of origin

• Transport details

• Importer details

• EORI number

• Packing information

• Supporting certificates or licences where applicable

Getting these details together before the shipment reaches Ireland can prevent a lot of unnecessary scrambling later.

Our customs agents can review the information supplied and prepare the appropriate declaration for your shipment.

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Export Customs Declarations

Sending goods out of Ireland to a country outside the EU also involves customs.

For Irish companies exporting to Great Britain, the United States, Asia or another non-EU destination, an electronic export declaration will normally be required.

A correct declaration creates an official customs record of the goods leaving the EU and includes information such as the exporter, destination, goods classification and value.

Green Routed Freight can prepare and submit export declarations for businesses moving goods from Ireland to overseas customers.

This can be particularly useful for companies that export occasionally and do not have their own customs department, as well as companies dealing with frequent shipments that need a reliable external customs agent.

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Customs Clearance Between Ireland And The UK

Trade between Ireland and Great Britain changed significantly after Brexit.

A shipment that previously moved with relatively little customs administration can now require import or export declarations, safety and security information and additional documentation.

It is one of the areas where small mistakes can cause disproportionate problems.

An incorrect commodity code, mismatched invoice value or missing declaration can leave a vehicle or consignment waiting while everyone tries to establish what went wrong.

We regularly assist clients with UK to Ireland customs clearance and movements travelling in the opposite direction.

If your goods are travelling from Great Britain through Northern Ireland into Ireland, the route used can also affect the customs procedure required. Some movements are cleared in Northern Ireland, while others move under a transit procedure before customs formalities are completed in Ireland.

For that reason, it is better to check the planned route before the goods leave rather than trying to fix the customs side halfway through the journey.

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What Is An EORI Number?

An EORI number, or Economic Operators Registration and Identification number, is used by customs authorities to identify businesses and traders involved in customs activities.

Irish businesses importing goods from or exporting goods to countries outside the EU generally need an EORI number.

It is used on customs declarations and acts as a common identification reference throughout the EU.

If you are new to importing or exporting and are unsure if your business is properly registered for customs, speak to us before arranging the shipment. Sorting this out early is much easier than discovering a registration problem when the goods are already travelling.

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Commodity Codes And Customs Classification

Every product entering or leaving the EU through customs must be classified correctly.

That classification is represented by a commodity code.

It might sound like a minor detail, but the commodity code can determine:

• The Customs Duty rate

• Import restrictions

• Licensing requirements

• Additional measures applying to the product

• Information required on the customs declaration

Two products that look fairly similar can sometimes fall under different classifications.

This is why descriptions such as “parts”, “equipment” or “goods” are often not enough when preparing a declaration. Clear product information makes it much easier to establish the correct customs treatment.

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Customs Duty And Import VAT

Import charges depend on the goods, their origin, value and the customs procedure being used.

Some imports may attract Customs Duty as well as VAT. Others may qualify for preferential tariff treatment or a relief where the relevant conditions and origin requirements are met.

There is no single duty percentage that applies to every shipment.

That is why we do not recommend guessing what an import will cost based on another company's shipment or something found on an online discussion.

The goods need to be looked at properly.

Our team can help make sure the customs declaration contains the correct information so that the appropriate charges can be assessed.

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Transit Declarations For Goods Moving Through Ireland And Europe

Not every shipment is customs cleared at the first border it crosses.

Transit procedures allow goods to move under customs control between different locations before the final customs procedure is completed.

GR Freight assists with T1 and T2 transit declarations for qualifying movements.

Transit documentation can be especially important for freight travelling through Great Britain, Ireland and other European countries where several customs territories may be involved in one journey.

A well-prepared transit movement helps keep the journey organised and reduces the chance of a driver reaching a port or customs office without the documentation required to continue.

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Safety And Security Declarations

Certain movements also require advance safety and security information.

For example, goods entering Ireland from Great Britain normally require an Import Safety and Security Declaration, commonly referred to as an ENS.

These declarations are separate from the main customs import declaration.

Because the information must be submitted at the correct stage of the journey, it is important that hauliers, importers, exporters and customs agents know who is responsible for each part of the movement.

We can assist with safety and security declarations as part of the wider customs process.

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Customs Clearance For Vehicles

Vehicle imports can involve another layer of paperwork.

We work with individuals, motor traders and businesses importing cars, vans and other vehicles into Ireland.

Customs clearance is separate from the later Irish vehicle registration and VRT process, so getting the customs documentation right at the import stage is important.

We can assist with customs matters relating to vehicles arriving from Great Britain and other non-EU markets.

If you are considering buying a vehicle overseas, contacting us before the vehicle is shipped can help establish which documents will be needed.

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Who We Work With

Our customs clearance service is not limited to large logistics companies.

We work with:

• Irish SMEs

• Importers and exporters

• Haulage companies

• Freight operators

• Manufacturers

• Retailers and wholesalers

• Motor dealers

• Construction businesses

• Online businesses

• Individuals importing vehicles or goods

• Companies dealing with occasional international shipments

Some clients send shipments every day. Others may only need customs clearance once or twice a year.

Both need the declaration completed correctly.

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Why Businesses Use Green Routed Freight

Customs terminology can make a relatively straightforward shipment feel far more complicated than it needs to be.

Our job is to deal with that side of the process.

You have a real point of contact who can look at the shipment, tell you what information is required and deal with the customs declaration rather than leaving you to work everything out yourself.

Green Routed Freight is based in Dublin and provides customs support for clients throughout Ireland.

We focus on:

Clear Communication

If something is missing, we tell you what is needed. You are not left trying to decipher customs terminology on your own.

Accurate Documentation

Customs declarations depend on accurate information. We review the details supplied before preparing the declaration.

Fast Turnaround

Freight does not make money sitting still. Once the required information is available, we work to process declarations promptly.

Practical Customs Knowledge

Imports, exports, transit movements and vehicle imports can all require different procedures. We deal with customs movements every day and can guide clients through the process.

Support Beyond One Declaration

For regular importers and exporters, we can become an ongoing point of contact for customs documentation rather than starting from scratch with a different provider each time.

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Need Customs Clearance In Ireland?

If you have goods entering or leaving Ireland and need help with the customs paperwork, contact our team before the shipment moves where possible.

Send us the shipment details, invoice and any available transport documentation. We can review what you have and let you know what else is required.

Call: 01 253 30 79

Mobile: 087 405 35 07

Email: info@grfreight.ie

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Frequently Asked Questions About Customs Clearance Ireland

Do I need a customs agent to import goods into Ireland?

You can complete customs formalities yourself if you have the appropriate registrations, software and knowledge to submit electronic declarations. Many businesses instead appoint a customs agent to prepare and submit declarations on their behalf.

Do I need an EORI number to import into Ireland?

Businesses trading goods between Ireland and countries outside the EU generally require an EORI number. The EORI is used to identify the trader in customs systems and on customs declarations.

Do goods coming from the UK need customs clearance in Ireland?

Goods arriving in Ireland from Great Britain are generally subject to customs formalities because Great Britain is outside the EU customs territory. Northern Ireland operates under different arrangements for certain goods movements, so the exact procedure depends on the route and circumstances.

What documents are needed for customs clearance?

The exact paperwork depends on the shipment. A commercial invoice, product description, commodity code, value, origin information, transport details and EORI number are commonly required. Certain products may also need licences or certificates.

How long does customs clearance take in Ireland?

There is no fixed clearance time for every shipment. Straightforward declarations with complete information can be processed quickly. Missing documents, customs checks, incorrect classifications or payment issues can cause delays.

Can you handle customs clearance for a one-off import?

Yes. We assist both regular commercial importers and clients who only need help with an occasional shipment.

Can you help with UK to Ireland customs declarations?

Yes. We assist with goods moving between Great Britain and Ireland, including import and export declarations and related customs documentation.

Do you provide customs clearance in Dublin only?

No. Although we are based in Dublin, our customs clearance services are available to businesses and individuals throughout Ireland.

Can GR Freight help with vehicle customs clearance?

Yes. We assist individuals and businesses with the customs side of importing vehicles into Ireland, including vehicles arriving from Great Britain and other non-EU countries.

What happens if information on a customs declaration is incorrect?

Incorrect or incomplete information can cause a shipment to be delayed and may result in additional queries, charges or compliance issues. Providing accurate documents and shipment information from the beginning helps reduce this risk.

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Speak To A Customs Clearance Agent

Not sure which declaration you need?

Send the details to Green Routed Freight and we will help you establish the correct next step. From a single vehicle or commercial consignment to regular import and export movements, our customs team is here to help you get the documentation sorted and your goods moving.

Contact GR Freight today for customs clearance services throughout Ireland.