01 877 4060 | enquiries@irishcustomsagents.net | 2A Eklad Close, Malahide Industrial Estate | D17 PH98
VEHICLE CLEARANCE
Navigating the customs clearance process is essential when importing a vehicle from a third country, such as Japan or the UK, into Ireland. Whether you're purchasing a brand-new car or a used vehicle from abroad, it's crucial to understand the associated duties and taxes that may apply.
When importing directly from a country outside the EU, not through an Irish dealer, individuals are responsible for arranging payment of additional charges themselves. These charges can include customs duties, VAT, and vehicle registration taxes, which vary depending on the vehicle's value and specifications. Individuals can smoothly import their vehicles by ensuring compliance with Irish customs regulations and promptly addressing any clearance requirements while avoiding potential delays or penalties.
The following must be paid for vehicle clearance:
A customs duty if the vehicle is arriving from outside of the EU.
VRT when the vehicle is registered (unless it is exempt)
VAT on all new cars, and on used cars imported from all third countries.
If you are buying a vehicle from Northern Ireland which was previously registered in Great Britain, you should make sure that you get documents to show that customs duties were paid on arrival into Northern Ireland. If dealer cannot provide this you may need to complete customs clearance and pay taxes to the Revenue.
Customs declarations and duties for vehicle clearance:
Under the trade agreement between the UK and the EU, items originating in the UK can be exported to the EU (including Ireland) without customs duties or tariffs. But the rules on country of origin are complicated and mean that even new vehicles bought from Great Britain may be liable to customs charges if, for example, the car was imported into Great Britain from another country before being sold.
Similarly, there is an agreement between Japan and the EU.
Northern Ireland continues to be treated as part of the EU under the trade agreement. This means vehicles imported from Great Britain to Northern Ireland have to go through customs and may have customs duties applied to them.
You must make a customs declaration if you import a vehicle from Great Britain or Japan. This is where our team of highly trained staff can assist you.
Paying the customs charge
You must pay the customs charge at the time the vehicle arrives in Ireland from Great Britain. This means you have to declare the vehicle with customs when you are entering Ireland or Northern Ireland at the ferry port. At Irish Customs Agents we have the expertise to assist you in the customs clearance process. Click here to discuss with our team.
VAT
You have to pay VAT on all used and new cars imported from all third countries.
Transfer of Residence for vehicle
You can claim a relief from customs if you are transferring your residence to Ireland from the UK and you were using the vehicle for more than 6 months in the UK before you moved to Ireland. At Irish Customs Agents we would complete a Transfer of Residence application to Revenue on your behalf once you meet the criteria laid out by competent authorities. Click here to discuss with our team.
Vintage Cars Imported to Ireland
As an avid car lover and in the interest of assisting my clients on importation of Vintage vehicles 30+ years I have researched the requirements and the advantages of purchasing old vs new.
One advantage is they attract zero duty and a very low VRT charge.
The second advantage is the VAT rate on vintage is the standard 23% unless it has a specific historical value and has not been driven on the roads here but classed as a collectors piece the VAT rate is 13.5 %.
Generally the V5 registration book is accepted as age , however you will also be asked to provide proof of payment between you and the seller.
For those post declaring ( cars that have arrived ) cars we need the following
1. Invoice
2. V5 registration book
3. Photos of interior, exterior & engine
4. Proof of payment
5. Shipping details


Agricultural Vehicle imports
The importation of agricultural vehicles and machinery while very similar to importation of cars and vans has an added element to it of requiring clearance from the department of agriculture. For brand new vehicles it is an easy enough process, however, for used Agri vehicles a d machinery they will need CHED clearance via Traces system and notification of arrival via INIS AFIT portal. These are more specialised clearances and not all brokers can provide this facility, we at Irish Customs Agents have the knowledge and expertise to assist in the most complex of clearances.
Vehicle Clearance FAQ
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I am looking for customs agents in Ireland, where are you located?We are conveniently located in the Malahide Road Industrial Park, close to the airport and not too far from the docks. However, we work with both businesses and private clients from all over Ireland. Please feel free to contact us so we can discuss your needs and how we can help you.
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What does customs clearance mean?Customs clearance is the procedure that is carried out before goods can be imported or exported internationally. When your shipment clears, this is when you provide documents which confirms that the customs duties are paid so the shipment can be processed.
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How much do your services cost?The cost of our services have a number of things they depend on like what goods you are shipping, what customs documents you will need completed, and so on. Please contact us to discuss your needs and we will be able to give you a quote for the cost and time.
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Do you work with private clients or only businesses?We are proud to offer our services to both businesses as well as private clients. Please contact us today to discuss your needs and how we can help you.
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Is Irish Customs Agents able to help with EXS and ENS declarations?All of the customs brokers here at Irish Customs Agents are able to help with both exit summary declarations and entry summary declarations when you are bringing something from Britain into Ireland or vice versa. Our team of experts are very knowledgeable about Brexit and how to handle all of the documents that go with these shipments.
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Is your team able to advise me on the proper documents I need for my shipment?Yes, our professional team are able to discuss your needs with you and advise you on the best options for documents for your shipments. Contact us today to learn more.
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Are you able to advise me on which goods are prohibited from entering Ireland?Of course. Here at Irish Customs Agents, our professional team of customs brokers are able to advice you on any questions you may have about anything relating to your shipments, including what is and is not prohibited from entering Ireland.
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I am looking to import some fish, can you help with that?Yes, Irish Customs Agents is able to help you import your non-illegal, unreported or unregulated fish into the EU. We have the knowledge to complete Catch Certificates with ease.
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How much do your speciality services cost?The cost of our speciality services depend wholly on what service we are completing for you. To discuss your needs further and receive a quote for our services, please contact us today.
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I am looking for help preparing a document but I don’t see it on your site, can you help?We have many years of experience working with many different clients and are very confident in our knowledge of customs. If you don’t see the service you are looking for, please get in contact with us by phone or email to discuss your needs further.
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Who needs to use TRACES?The EU law requires that all consignments of animals, food, animal products, and feed of non-animal origin, as well as the majority of plants, to be accompanied with official certificates. These certificates can be found on TRACES. If you are planning on exporting or importing these types of goods, then you will need to use TRACES.
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What is TRACES used for?TRACES stands for Trade Control and Expert System. It is a free, multilingual information tool which is managed by the European Commission to facilitate exchanges between operators and administrators of Member States in the EU.
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Do I need to keep the T2LF form?If you are the authorised sender of the goods, then it is best practice to keep the T2LF document for 2 years.
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Can I put several different types of goods on my T2LF customs document?Yes, you are able to put different types of goods on your T2LF form, and it is sufficient enough to give the gross total weight of all these goods.
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Can I use other forms rather than a T2LF to certify the status of goods?A document that certifies the community status of goods can also be the invoice, the transport document, the shipping company’s manifest, and more. Contact us today to learn what other forms you can use to certify the community status of your goods.
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Do I need a T1 transit document?The T1 document is needed when you have goods entering the European Union that you are not sure whether they will remain within the EU, or you have goods entering the EU for storage under customs control, and more. Contact us today so that we can advise you on the best document for your needs.
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Are you able to use the NCTS system on my behalf?Yes, we are able to do this for you. Contact us today and we can get started on your shipments.
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How much do your transit document preparation services cost?Our document preparation services range in price depending on what paper work we are getting ready for you. To get a quote, please get in touch with us today by phone or email.
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What are T2 export documents?The T2 document is transit document which is created for intra-community transit, for goods to have free movement within the EU.
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Do you need to make a customs declaration when importing a vehicle from the EU?No customs declaration is necessary for vehicles imported from the EU; this requirement only applies to vehicles from outside the EU.
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Do you need to make a customs declaration when importing a vehicle from the UK?As of January 1st, 2021, the UK's departure from the EU has necessitated adjustments to the importation process for goods from the UK to Ireland. Now, goods imported from the UK to Ireland mandate a customs declaration, marking a significant shift in procedures. Additionally, these changes have impacted the financial aspect of importing goods from the UK to Ireland, potentially subjecting them to customs duty and VAT.
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Do you need to make a customs declaration when importing a vehicle from Japan?Importing a vehicle from Japan is handled similarly to imports from non-European Union (EU) countries. Typically, vehicles from Japan are transported via RORO (Roll On Roll Off) ferries. Once your Japanese import arrives at the port, you'll need to complete a customs declaration and clear customs before retrieving it. CustomsDeclaration.ie offers comprehensive assistance with the entire customs declaration process, ensuring a smooth importation experience for you.
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Where is your bonded warehouse facility located?Our bonded warehouse is ideally located just minutes away from the M1 Motorway, the Dublin Port Tunnel, and Dublin Airport. This is a convenient location if you are bringing shipments in through the sea or through the air.
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Do you provide reports on my shipments while they are in your bonded warehouse?Yes, we complete and keep comprehensive reports of every shipment that is taken in and stays in our warehouse. This way we can ensure that your goods are safe and you are able to track what has happened to the shipment every step of the way.
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What are the rules of Incoterms classified as?All Incoterm rules are classified according to fees, the risk involved, the responsibility for formalities, and any issues relating to import and export.
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Was there changes with the Incoterms 2020?The new Incoterms 2020 changed to consider the growth of the economy, as well to increase attention to security of the transportation of goods, and insurance coverage flexibility. To learn more about what changed, we can answer any questions you have. Contact us today.
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What documents have Incoterms on them?Incoterms are found on customs documents and declarations.
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What is an EORI number and do I need to register for one?EORI stands for Economic Operators Registration and Identification number, and it allows businesses to import and export products with countries that are outside the EU. So, if you are a trader who expects to import or export goods in or out of the EU, you will need an EORI number.
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Why are Incoterms so important?Incoterms have many advantages, but the main advantage is that they have standardised terminology used by all companies doing international business. Incoterms are important because they are a clear set of rules which will help prevent and avoid confusion about the responsibilities of everyone involved in the transaction as well as the cost management.
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How are VAT and duty calculated by Customs Authorities?Depending on the goods that you are importing into the country, the most common and frequently used VAT is 23%, 13.5%, or 0%. This is calculated by taking the commercial value of the goods plus any shipping costs that have been incurred by the importer.
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Are Irish Customs Agents the same as Irish Revenue Customs Authorities?No, Irish Customs Agents are not the Irish Revenue Customs Authorities and all complaints / queries should be directed to them. However, we can complete import and export declarations to Irish Customs on your behalf.