Irish Customs Declarations: What You Need to Know in 2025
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Freya Jane
- Director of Customer's Success
Ever transported goods via Ireland’s borders?
Knowing Irish Customs Declarations is essential whether you’re a seasoned trader or a newbie in the field. It is essential to guarantee a seamless and legal procedure. This guide is your all-in-one resource for navigating the rules in 2025, especially in light of the most recent modifications that could affect your import/export declaration experience. We will cover everything you need to move your goods quickly and without unnecessary delays.
Why understand the Ireland Customs Declaration process?
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%.”
However, since the UK’s exit from the EU, the landscape of Irish customs has changed dramatically. With the information from this blog, you’ll be able to handle these changes and make sure that your import/export process runs smoothly and legally in 2025.
What are customs declarations, and why do we need them?
A customs declaration is a record that explains to Irish Revenue what products you are importing or exporting from the country. It enables them to determine any necessary duties or taxes by providing information on the kind, value, and origin of the items. Following the correct declaration processes can avoid delays and possible penalties.
What do you have to declare at customs in Ireland?
Declarations come in two primary categories:
1. Declarations of commerce: Any company that imports or exports goods must have these.
In the following situations, a commercial declaration is necessary:
- You are shipping items to Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) from Ireland.
- You are bringing products into Ireland from outside the EU.
- You’re shipping products through Northern Ireland, where Brexit-related regulations apply.
2. Declarations for Travel: These are usually used to carry personal items when you travel. Cash over €10,000 or products subject to duty or restriction may need to be declared.
Impact of Irish customs declaration on supply chain efficiency
Comprehending Irish customs declarations is essential for both compliance and ensuring seamless supply chain operations. Here’s how you can enhance the supply chain by mastering Irish customs procedures:
- Short lead time: Timely and accurate customs declarations reduce border delays and guarantee that goods arrive at their destinations timely.
- Reduced costs: Adhering to customs regulations will help you avoid fines, penalties, and additional storage fees.
- Improved inventory control: Quick customs clearance results in less inventory being kept at borders, which makes inventory control more effective.
You can maximise your overall logistics operations and maintain compliance by coordinating your customs ireland procedures with industry best practices.
Major Modifications Implemented in 2025
The following explains the significant modifications to Irish customs Declarations that were implemented in 2025:
New obstacles for Irish goods travelling to the UK
- There were less strict regulations for goods travelling directly from Ireland to Great Britain prior to January 31st, 2024.
- Now, there are more stringent protocols are in effect. The imported or exported goods must be fully declared in customs, including information about origin and duty rates. Compared to the prior system, this may introduce an additional layer of complexity to the process.
The changing terrain in Northern Ireland
- The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) went live in Northern Ireland on March 24, 2024. This implies that companies moving products between the EU, the UK, and Northern Ireland will have to use the new method for their declarations.
- Businesses used to outdated procedures may need to make some adaptations in order to fully utilise the streamlined, centralised CDS platform.
Stop guessing on new protocols for GB trade and master CDS in Northern Ireland. Ensure seamless compliance now. Watch a Demo
What information do Irish customs declarations require?
The following information is needed for a full declaration:
- EORI Number: All companies engaged in customs operations must have this special identification number. You can apply for an EORI number on the Revenue website.
- Commodity Code: This code identifies the goods you are declaring. You can use iCustom’s iClassification tool to find the correct code.
- Source of the Goods: Information about the country that created the products.
- Worth of the Goods: Declare the products’ value at the time of import or export.
- Duty Rates: There may be duties associated with the items, depending on where they came from. Use iCustoms’s AI-driven iCalculator to find the right duty and taxes.
- Essential Records: For some things (like food items), further documents, such as invoices, certificates, or permits, could be required.
How to declare goods under Irish customs?
The three methods for submitting an Irish customs declaration are broken down as follows:
Revenue Online Service (ROS)
ROS is the most practical choice for a simple declaration. The Irish Revenue provides a user-friendly online system where you can electronically submit all the information required for your items.
Customs agent or broker
Employing a certified customs agent can save your life, particularly in circumstances where complexity is involved. These experts can manage the complete customs declaration process for you and have an extensive understanding of customs laws using AI-driven Customs Declaration Software (CDS). This frees up time and resources, which can be especially useful for businesses that import or export goods on a regular basis.
Learn how CDS can streamline operations for customs agents.
Declaring in the port
Usually, this approach is applied to specialised or infrequent situations. You might be allowed to declare your products right at the port of entry or departure in certain circumstances. It’s crucial to remember that this might not always be possible and that there might be additional paperwork or waiting periods involved.
Recommendation for complex scenarios:
Getting stuck in customs declaration ireland is quite common, particularly when complex duty calculations and strict trading laws are involved. Thus, it is strongly advised to get expert help from a customs expert if you are unclear about the process; one such platform is iCustoms, which uses AI-driven software to navigate through the whole procedure. With their experience, you can reduce the possibility of shipment delays or problems by ensuring your declaration is correct and comprehensive.
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.
Stop Making Costly Customs Mistakes.
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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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iCustoms is an all-in-one solution helping businesses automate customs processes more efficiently. With AI-powered and machine-learning capabilities, iCustoms is designed to streamline your all customs procedures in a few minutes, cut additional costs and save time.
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