Irish Customs Declarations: What You Need to Know in 2026 and Beyond
-
Freya Jane
- Director of Customer's Success
Key Takeaways
- A customs declaration in Ireland is a legal requirement for all goods crossing international borders, submitted electronically through Revenue’s AIS (imports) or AES (exports).
- Since 1 January 2021, when the UK’s post-Brexit transition period concluded, goods moving between Ireland and Great Britain require full customs declarations on both sides: CDS declarations in the UK and AIS/AES declarations in Ireland.
- CN22 and CN23 postal customs forms are required when sending goods by post from Ireland to non-EU countries, including the UK since 1 January 2021 when the post-Brexit transition period ended.
- Northern Ireland is treated as part of the EU single market for goods under the Windsor Framework, meaning no customs checks apply on goods moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- iCustoms automates customs declarations for Irish importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customs brokers, filing directly with Revenue’s AIS and AES systems via a single platform.
Customs Declaration Ireland: Your Complete Guide
A customs declaration in Ireland is an official electronic document submitted to Revenue, the Irish Revenue Commissioners, that provides full details of goods being imported into Ireland from outside the European Union, or exported from Ireland to a non-EU country. It is a legal requirement for all commercial and many personal consignments crossing international borders.
The United Kingdom formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020. However, a transition period remained in place until 31 December 2020, during which the UK continued to participate in the EU single market and customs union as if it had never left. It was only from 1 January 2021, when that transition period expired, that full customs procedures began applying to goods moving between Ireland and Great Britain. This date is when customs declaration obligations became a legal reality for thousands of Irish businesses that had previously traded with the UK without any border formalities.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how customs declarations work in Ireland, which forms to use, how electronic declarations are submitted, what the CN22 and CN23 postal forms are, what post-Brexit UK-Ireland requirements look like, and how iCustoms automates the entire process.
What is a Customs Declaration in Ireland?
Ireland is very important to the international trade landscape. According to a study,
“Ireland is the 10th largest source of imports and the fourth largest export market for the UK. This profound trade relationship is highlighted by the fact that Northern Ireland exports 41% of its goods to the Republic of Ireland, a figure that is significantly higher than the UK’s overall 8%.”
A customs declaration in Ireland is a formal statement made to Revenue describing the nature, value, origin, and destination of goods entering or leaving the country. When goods cross an international border, customs authorities use declaration data to calculate any applicable duties and taxes, carry out safety and security risk analysis, and enforce trade restrictions or regulatory controls.
In Ireland, customs declarations are submitted electronically through one of two systems administered by Revenue:
- Ireland import declaration process is covered under the Automated Import System (AIS) that handles Ireland CDS for goods arriving from outside the EU
- The Automated Export System (AES) handles export declarations for goods leaving Ireland to a non-EU country
Both systems are connected to the EU’s wider customs infrastructure and exchange data with other member states for safety, security, and risk analysis purposes.
When Do You Need to Make a Customs Declaration in Ireland?
You need to make a customs declaration in Ireland in the following situations:
- You are importing goods into Ireland from a country outside the European Union, including Great Britain post-Brexit
- You are exporting goods from Ireland to a country outside the European Union, including Great Britain post-Brexit
- You are sending goods by post or courier from Ireland to a non-EU country using a postal customs form such as the CN22 or CN23
- You are moving goods in transit through Ireland from a non-EU country to another non-EU country
Goods moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland do not require customs declarations under the Windsor Framework, which treats Northern Ireland as part of the EU single market for goods. However, goods moving between Northern Ireland and Great Britain do require UK-side customs procedures.
Types of Customs Declaration Forms in Ireland
The type of customs declaration you need depends on how your goods are being moved and whether you are importing, exporting, or sending by post.
Import Declarations via AIS (Automated Import System)
The AIS is Ireland’s primary electronic system for processing import declarations. When goods arrive in Ireland from outside the EU, the importer or their customs agent must lodge an import declaration through AIS before or shortly after the goods arrive at the Irish border.
An AIS import declaration requires:
- A minimum 6-digit Harmonised System (HS) commodity code for each product
- An accurate and complete description of the goods
- The customs value of the goods (transaction value including cost, insurance, and freight)
- The EORI number of the importer
- Full details of the exporter and any other parties involved in the supply chain
The Movement Reference Number (MRN) issued by AIS upon successful submission confirms that the declaration has been accepted by Revenue.
Export Declarations via AES (Automated Export System)
The AES is Ireland’s electronic system for processing export declarations. Exporters moving goods from Ireland to a country outside the EU must file an export declaration through AES before the goods depart. AES is also used for goods being placed under customs export procedures such as outward processing or customs warehousing before export.
AES export declarations require the same categories of goods data as import declarations, including commodity codes, accurate goods descriptions, and full party details. An Export Accompanying Document (EAD) or Movement Reference Number (MRN) is issued on successful submission and must accompany the goods to the exit point from the EU.
CN22 and CN23: Postal Customs Declaration Forms
The CN22 and CN23 are small customs declaration labels used when sending goods by post or parcel service from Ireland to a non-EU country. Both forms are required for postal items sent to Great Britain since 1 January 2021, when the UK’s post-Brexit transition period ended and Great Britain became a third country for EU customs purposes.
| Feature | CN22 vs CN23 Comparison |
| What is CN22? | CN22: A small customs declaration label for low-value postal items. CN23: A larger, more detailed customs declaration for higher-value or heavier items. |
| When is CN22 used? | For postal items valued at 300 SDR (approximately 370 euros) or less, and weighing under 2kg in most cases |
| When is CN23 used? | For postal items valued at more than 300 SDR, or when the CN22 fields are insufficient to describe the contents adequately |
| What information is needed? | Both forms require: description of goods, quantity, weight, country of origin, HS code (CN23), value, and sender and recipient details |
| Where to get the forms? | Available from An Post, courier companies, or as printable labels from postal authority websites |
| Common customs clearance delays Ireland causes to avoid? | Leaving the value or HS code field blank. Irishi customs authorities can reject or delay items with incomplete CN22 or CN23 declaration form |
For businesses sending large volumes of parcels internationally from Ireland, manual completion of CN22 and CN23 forms is time-consuming and error-prone. iCustoms generates postal customs labels automatically from your order or shipping data, ensuring every form is completed accurately and consistently.
How to Make a Customs Declaration in Ireland: Step by Step
Making a customs declaration in Ireland involves the following steps for a standard AIS import declaration. The same general process applies to AES export declarations.
- Step 1: Register for an EORI number with Revenue if you do not already have one. You cannot submit customs declarations in Ireland without a valid EU EORI number.
- Step 2: Obtain the relevant trade documentation for your shipment including the commercial invoice, packing list, and Bill of Lading or airway bill.
- Step 3: Classify your goods using the correct HS commodity code. Ireland uses the EU Combined Nomenclature (CN), which requires a minimum 8-digit code for EU customs purposes.
- Step 4: Calculate the customs value of the goods. For import declarations this is typically the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value.
- Step 5: Access the AIS system either directly through Revenue’s online portal or via an approved customs declaration software platform such as iCustoms.
- Step 6: Complete the import declaration form with all required data elements: commodity code, goods description, value, quantity, weight, parties involved, and transport details.
- Step 7: Submit the declaration to Revenue through AIS. The system will validate the data in real time and return a Movement Reference Number (MRN) on acceptance.
- Step 8: Retain the MRN and ensure it is presented or available at the point of customs clearance for the goods.
- Step 9: For safety and security purposes, if the goods are arriving by sea or air from outside the EU, an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) under ICS2 must also be filed before arrival.
- Step 10: Monitor for any Revenue risk queries or requests for additional documentation. Respond promptly to avoid delays to your goods.
Post-Brexit Customs Declaration Requirements Ireland
The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020, but a transition period kept trading conditions unchanged until 31 December 2020. From 1 January 2021, when that transition ended, the UK became a third country for EU customs purposes. From that date, full customs procedures have applied to all goods crossing the Irish Sea between Ireland and Great Britain, creating obligations on both sides of the border that did not previously exist.
Post-Brexit customs requirements Ireland covers:
- AIS import declarations are required for every consignment from GB entering Ireland
- Import duties and VAT apply unless goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
- An EU EORI number (format: IE followed by the VAT registration number) is required
- Safety and security ENS declarations under ICS2 are required for most goods entering Ireland from the UK by sea or air
For UK businesses exporting to Ireland, the UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is the HMRC system through which UK-side export declarations are lodged. CDS replaced the older CHIEF system for most UK traders and processes UK import and export declarations.
Stop guessing on new protocols for GB trade and master CDS in Northern Ireland. Ensure seamless compliance now. Watch a Demo
UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS): What UK-Ireland Traders Need to Know
The UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is HMRC’s electronic customs platform for all UK import and export declarations. It replaced the previous CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) system and is now the only system through which customs declarations can be lodged in the United Kingdom.
For businesses involved in UK-Ireland trade, CDS is used on the UK side while AIS or AES are best as electronic customs declarations Ireland platforms for import and export. This means cross-border operators effectively have two declaration obligations for every GB-IE movement: one CDS declaration submitted to HMRC and one AIS or AES declaration submitted to Revenue in Ireland.
iCustoms covers both obligations in a single platform, allowing UK-Ireland traders to manage CDS declarations and AIS/AES declarations without switching between systems or maintaining separate data sets.
Northern Ireland and the Windsor Framework
Northern Ireland occupies a unique position in the UK-EU customs landscape under the Windsor Framework (the successor to the Northern Ireland Protocol). Under this arrangement, Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU single market rules for goods. This means:
- No customs checks or declarations are required for goods moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland
- Goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland for consumption in Northern Ireland may benefit from a green lane (for trusted traders) or go through a more detailed red lane process
- Northern Ireland businesses use XI EORI numbers (format: XI followed by the business identifier) for customs purposes relating to EU trade
For businesses operating across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain, understanding which customs regime applies to each leg of their supply chain is one of the most practically complex post-Brexit compliance challenges. iCustoms provides specific support for NI-IE and NI-GB customs declaration workflows.
EORI Number Ireland: How to Register
An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number is mandatory for any business making customs declarations in Ireland. It is a unique identifier used by Revenue and EU customs authorities to identify the business submitting declarations.
In Ireland, the EORI number is typically formatted as IE followed by your VAT registration number (e.g., IE1234567T). If your business is VAT-registered in Ireland, you can apply for an EORI through the Revenue Online Service (ROS) portal.
Steps to register for an EORI in Ireland:
- Step 1: Log in to Revenue Online Service (ROS) using your digital certificate
- Step 2: Navigate to the EORI registration section under customs registration
- Step 3: Complete the EORI application with your business details, VAT number, and the customs activities you will be undertaking
- Step 4: Submit the application; EORI numbers are typically issued within a few working days
- Step 5: Ensure your EORI number is registered with any freight forwarder or customs broker who will be filing declarations on your behalf
UK businesses exporting to Ireland who need a UK EORI number register through HMRC’s GOV.UK portal using their UK VAT number (format: GB followed by the VAT number).
How iCustoms Automates Customs Declarations for Irish Businesses
iCustoms provides a complete, automated customs declaration platform for Irish importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and courier operators. The platform connects directly to Revenue’s AIS and AES systems, as well as HMRC’s CDS for UK-side declarations, enabling businesses to manage all their customs declaration obligations from a single interface.
| iCustoms Capability | How It Helps Irish Businesses |
| Automated data extraction | AI-powered extraction of shipment data from commercial invoices, packing lists, and Bills of Lading, eliminating manual data entry into AIS and AES |
| iZap batch declaration filing | Batch-process hundreds of customs declarations simultaneously using iZap, the iCustoms automated filing module – essential for freight forwarders and large importers managing high volumes |
| iWiz guided declaration wizard | For businesses new to customs declarations, iWiz provides a guided step-by-step declaration builder with real-time data validation, reducing the risk of rejection by Revenue |
| iNCTS transit declaration filing | For goods in transit through Ireland, iNCTS handles NCTS (New Computerised Transit System) declarations, generating T1 transit documents and Transit Accompanying Documents automatically |
| iClassification HS code tool | Automatically classifies goods against the EU Combined Nomenclature (CN) to assign accurate 8-digit commodity codes, the most common source of declaration errors |
| Safety and Security (ENS) filing | Handles Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) obligations under ICS2 for goods entering Ireland from outside the EU, covering both H1 full dataset and H7 PLACI requirements |
| CN22 and CN23 generation | Automated generation of CN22 and CN23 postal customs declaration forms from order data, enabling high-volume postal operators to comply without manual form completion |
| UK CDS + Irish AIS dual compliance | Single platform covering both HMRC CDS declarations (UK side) and Revenue AIS/AES declarations (Irish side) for operators managing UK-Ireland cross-border trade flows |
Don’t let new GB protocols and the mandatory CDS switch cause delays. Use iCustoms’ AI to guarantee 99% accuracy. Watch a Demo
Common mistakes to avoid in Irish customs declarations
It is essential to avoid mistakes in customs declarations in order to avoid shipment seizures, fines, or delays.
The following are the most typical errors and tips for avoiding them:
1. Incorrect commodity codes
Using the wrong code can result in inaccurate duty calculations.
- Solution: Cross-reference with official tariff databases or use tools such as iCustoms’ iClassification.
2. Missing documentation
Incomplete documents, like certificates or invoices, lead to delays.
- Solution: Make a list of the paperwork needed for every shipment.
3. Misunderstanding duty relief schemes
Many businesses miss out on savings because they do not take advantage of schemes such as Inward Processing Relief.
- Solution: Research available schemes or consult with a customs expert.
4. Underdeclaring goods value
Underestimating the value of goods to reduce duties is illegal and easily detected.
- Solution: Always declare the correct value and maintain supporting documentation.
5. Ignoring SPS requirements
Food, plants, and animal products must comply with sanitary regulations.
- Solution: Refer to the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine (DAFM) guidelines.
6. Not staying updated
Regulations change frequently; falling behind can lead to non-compliance.
- Solution: Regularly check updates from the Irish Revenue Commissioners or trusted platforms like iCustoms.
7. Skipping safety declarations
Failure to submit an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) may result in a shipment being blocked.
- Solution: Submit the ENS in advance via iCustoms.
8. Choosing the wrong submission method
Complex shipments handled incorrectly (e.g., via ROS instead of a broker) can cause issues.
- Solution: Assess your shipment’s complexity and seek expert help if needed.
Additional things to consider for Irish importers and exporters
Tax and duty implications: Determining the accurate amount of taxes and duties on imported goods is essential for successfully passing through Irish customs. In some cases, the Irish Revenue provides some duty relief, so make sure to look into those possibilities.
Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements: Certain goods, such as animals, plants, or food items, may need special inspections. In this case, make sure you abide by applicable SPS guidelines established by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine (DAFM).
Penalties for failure to comply: Declarative errors or omissions may result in delays, penalties, or even the seizure of goods.
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The bottom line
Comprehending Irish customs declarations is imperative to ensure a seamless import/export process. One can guarantee compliance and prevent needless delays by adhering to the above-mentioned guidelines and remaining updated about any upcoming regulatory changes. Keep in mind that this blog is just meant to be a general reference; in complicated cases, it is always best to speak with a customs expert.
Having trouble completing your Irish customs declarations?
iCustoms is there to help! Our skilled staff of customs experts can handle the complexities of Irish customs laws and guarantee that your products pass through the system quickly. Among the many services we provide are:
- Sorting products and figuring out duty rates
- Handling import/export documentation and procedure
- Ensuring compliance with Ireland’s trade laws
- Submitting customs declarations through CDS
Get a free demo by contacting iCustoms right now! Allow us to confidently guide you through the maze of Irish Customs Declarations.
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