Import from Ireland to the UK
Ireland contains two countries: Northern Ireland (considered part of the UK) and the Republic of Ireland (an independent country). Trade relations between the UK and Ireland follow distinct agreements and must, therefore, be discussed separately.
Why import from Ireland to the UK?
Trade relations
According to the Central Bank of Ireland, the UK is Ireland’s third-largest trading partner. Relations between the two are strong and intrinsically tied to their shared cultural and economic history.
Road links
To import from Ireland, UK traders use the extensive network of roads, including major routes like the N1/A1 corridor connecting Dublin to Belfast. For trade travelling out of Ireland, traders may use the N2/A5 and N3/A509. These well-maintained connections are heavily utilised for the transportation of goods and offer importers efficient, direct access to the UK market.
Proximity & speed
Geographical closeness is another major benefit for Ireland to UK shipping. Short crossings, such as those from Dublin to Holyhead or Belfast to Liverpool, can make sea freight (which, in most circumstances, is the more expensive option) surprisingly cost-efficient. With shorter transit times, goods may also arrive earlier than expected.
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What products are commonly imported from Ireland?
In 2024, total trade in goods and services between the UK and Ireland amounted to £78.8 billion. Total UK imports from Ireland amounted to £29.6 billion, making Ireland the UK’s 6th largest trading partner.
Imports from Ireland to the UK are chiefly comprised of the five following goods:
Despite the countries’ proximity, to import from Ireland, you must prepare for customs by arranging the correct documentation.
Imports from Ireland to the UK are chiefly comprised of the five following goods:
- Organic chemicals ($21.7 billion)
- Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof ($20.8 billion)
- Machinery and mechanical appliances ($16 billion)
- Pharmaceutical products ($13.4 billion)
- Electrical machinery and equipment ($12.9 billion)
Despite the countries’ proximity, to import from Ireland, you must prepare for customs by arranging the correct documentation.
How to prepare for customs declarations
When importing from Ireland to the UK, you may choose to hire a customs agent or freight forwarder to make customs declarations. Or, you can declare goods yourself by completing the following paperwork:
Inspection (if necessary)
If you plan to import the following goods from Ireland, you may need an import licence:
These items will likely be inspected at customs, and you will be required to present the correct certifications.
- controlled drugs
- animals and animal products
- high-risk foods
- veterinary products
- guns, knives, swords and other weapons
These items will likely be inspected at customs, and you will be required to present the correct certifications.
Commodity codes
All UK goods, imported or exported, have a commodity code. For Ireland to UK shipping, your goods will be classified by a 10-digit code. You can use this number to determine any payable customs duties, like import VAT.
Pay duty & VAT
Goods brought into the UK are subject to customs duties and Value-Added Tax (VAT). The amount payable is determined by the commodity code and the assessed value of the items.
Marking & labelling
The UK has stringent labelling and marking requirements that importers must follow. For example, you can only label food as ‘organic’ if:
- the agricultural ingredients are 95% organic
- all products, labels and supplies have been approved by the UK Organic Control body
- all other ingredients, additives and processing aids are listed as permitted within the organic regulations
- it meets organic production rules
EORI number
Any person who plans to import from Ireland to the UK must obtain an EORI number. An Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number will be required to track your shipment through the customs system.
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How do I ship goods from Ireland to the UK?
To receive your import from Ireland, you can have it shipped by air, sea or road freight.
Air freight
Air freight is the fastest method of Ireland to UK shipping. Express flights from Dublin Airport to Manchester Airport take approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes, with air freight generally arriving in as little as 1–3 days.
Sea freight
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for bulk shipments. Depending on the ports used and the type of goods being transported, the transit time between Ireland and the UK typically ranges from 2 to 5 days.
Road freight
Road freight is suitable for door-to-door deliveries within the UK and Ireland. Importers can choose from services like full-truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL), with most deliveries taking between 2 and 4 days to arrive.
Does the UK have a free trade agreement with Ireland?
Ireland is divided into two self-governing polities: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Following the UK’s departure from the EU, trade agreements between the three countries now follow different regulations (import charges from Ireland may also differ).
In January 2021, the UK and the EU negotiated the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The TCA governs trade between the UK and EU member states, including the Republic of Ireland.
Under the TCA, while tariffs and quotas are largely eliminated on goods traded between the UK and the EU, businesses must comply with customs procedures and regulatory checks.
Trade with the Republic of Ireland
In January 2021, the UK and the EU negotiated the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The TCA governs trade between the UK and EU member states, including the Republic of Ireland.
Under the TCA, while tariffs and quotas are largely eliminated on goods traded between the UK and the EU, businesses must comply with customs procedures and regulatory checks.
Trade with Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland occupies a unique position due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is part of the UK's Withdrawal Agreement with the EU.
The Protocol was designed to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland by keeping Northern Ireland aligned with certain EU Single Market rules, particularly concerning goods.
As a result, while Northern Ireland remains part of the UK's customs territory, it follows EU regulations for goods. The arrangement allows for the free movement of goods between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland without customs checks.
However, goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are subject to checks to ensure compliance with EU standards.
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