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Ireland

Check our destination guide for postal restrictions and requirements

An update on our pre-departure customs clearance process

From 1 March 2023, there is an additional change to pre-departure customs clearance process due to European Union Import Control System (EU ICS2).

Find out more

 

 

Sending to Ireland

When sending to Ireland it is now a requirement by Irish customs for a 10-digit HS tariff number (also known as a Taric code) to be included on all customs declarations and captured in the Electronic Advance Data (EAD).

Learn more about HS tariff numbers

Sending via International Courier to Ireland? Include an Eircode

From 3 July 2023, articles sent to Ireland via International Courier must have an Eircode included in the receiver's address details (on the Sender details form) and the customs form. Articles without an Eircode will be returned to sender.

What is an Eircode?

Eircode is the national postcode system in Ireland. Every residential address has its own unique 7-character code, known as an Eircode, consisting of letters and numbers. These codes are made up of a 3-character routing key to identify the area, and a 4-character unique identifier for each address. A typical Eircode might read A65 F4E2.

You can find any Eircode at Find or check an Eircode. Simply enter the Irish address and click on the returned results for full information.

Prohibitions

The following items are prohibited from importation, meaning they won't be allowed to enter the destination country, territory or region.

To check which items are considered dangerous and prohibited for sending from Australia, download our dangerous goods guide (1.2MB).

  • Abortion Kits
  • Animals, live
  • Authors’ rights, infringements of
  • Cash
  • Citizens’ band radios with AM capability
  • Coins, illegal weight standard
  • Dairy produce, birds eggs and natural honey
  • Fish and crustaceans
  • Fur skins and artificial fur, manufactures thereof
  • Government markings, false
  • Indecent and obscene books and cards
  • Lottery tickets
  • Organic chemicals
  • Pharmaceutical products
  • Printed articles; books, newspapers and other products of the printing industry- offensive by nature
  • Paper or materials treated with oils or varnishes
  • Seal pup’s skins

Transporting food of any kind, cash and perfumes are prohibited under International Courier.

Batteries

All types of batteries and devices containing them are prohibited from being sent via International Courier services.

Import restrictions

If an item is subject to import restrictions, it means that provisions must be met before it will be released from customs in the destination country, territory or region.

We recommend you confirm import restrictions with local authorities before posting:

  • Animals and animal products
  • Animals or vegetable fast and oils
  • Anti-parasite products
  • Beverages, alcoholic fluids
  • Books and periodical publications
  • Bees
  • Cereals
  • Firearms and explosives
  • Fruit, nuts and vegetables
  • Lotteries etc.
  • Meat and meat products
  • Medicines
  • Milk and milk products (dairy)
  • Narcotics
  • Organic chemicals
  • Plants and parts of plants
  • Pharmaceutical products
  • Precious metals, stones and pearls
  • Poultry and products
  • Precious metal products
  • Sugars
  • Sealskin products
  • Tobacco
  • Television recievers
  • Video Recordings
  • Weapons
  • Wood (coniferous)
  • Wool

Okay to send? Send responsibly.

As the sender, it's your responsibility to make sure your items don't break any laws or rules – both within Australia and in the destination country.

Restrictions and conditions can change at short notice so the information on this page should be used as a guide only. For the latest information, you should check the UPU prohibitions & restrictions (PDF 3.2MB) or contact the destination country's customs, postal trade or government authority.

It's also your responsibility to check if the destination country imposes any duties, taxes, brokerage fees or any other fees on the item you're sending. If you're unsure, please contact the consulate office of the destination country.

Special documentation

In addition to our customs forms, authorities in the destination country, territory or region require further documentation for some items.

Ireland requires an import permit for many goods. Before posting any item, senders should confirm that the addressee has any necessary permit. Commercial goods require an invoice. Senders should show on customs documentation:

  • the location of the invoice - enclosed or despatched separately
  • the name, weight, value and origin of the goods.

Gifts

For gifts, senders should mark customs documentation gift package. Goods of a total value not exceeding 45 EUR which are sent as bona fide gifts by a private individual in a country outside the EC for the personal or family use of a private individual in the State, will be admitted free of customs duty.

Delivery locations & exclusions

Before sending to this destination, it’s worth noting a few more details about our international delivery services.

Delivery locations & exclusions data (Personal)

  • International Express (carried via the EMS network) - Parcels deliver to all destinations
    International Express - Parcels are unable to be delivered to a Post Office Box or Poste Restante. The sender and receiver phone number are mandatory for these items using International Express service.

  • International Courier

    Check our International Courier page for more details.

    Shipments must be lodged at the counter at a participating Post Office (PDF 832kB) by the cut-off time, which may vary by outlet. Please fill out the online CN23 customs form prior to visiting the outlet.

    International Courier does not deliver to a Post Office Box or Poste Restante.

    Metropolitan delivery to:
    • Dublin City
    • Cork City
    • Limerick City
    • Shannon City
    • Galway City

For more information from the overseas carrier, check the An Post website.

Make sure it's safe to send

Some items are considered dangerous and unsuitable for sending from Australia, even if they’re not prohibited by the destination country.

Download guide (PDF 1.2MB)