Customs Clearance Ireland
Providing for cargoes and vessels of all kinds, McPorts is the only customs partner you need in Ireland. Supported by our colleagues in the UK and mainland Europe, we help operators, charterers, and goods owners keep goods moving across the Irish border with minimal friction.
You can rely on McPorts for:
- Accurate, compliant, and timely customs clearance in Ireland
- Customs clearance at all major Irish ports and terminals
- Vessel and cargo declarations for goods of all kinds
Over 40 Years of Experience in Ships Customs Clearance in Ireland
Experienced, professional, and comprehensive, McPorts’ customs specialists work with goods of all kinds. From regular bulk liners to tramp carriers, we understand the operational realities surrounding customs in the ships agency sector – beyond the usual scope of customs in the freight forwarding industry.
Dedicated to compliance and risk management, we are here to help you with all aspects of documentation, processes, and declarations so that you can trade with confidence.
If you are looking for a responsive Irish partner who understands both shipping and customs, McPorts is ready to support you.
Get in touch to find out what we can do for you.
Available at All Major Irish Ports – and Beyond
Facilitating border movements in both Ireland and Northern Ireland, McPorts is here wherever and whenever you need us.
Supported by our colleagues in the UK and mainland EU, you can rely on us for end-to-end customs clearance for most movements between Ireland and the rest of Europe.
Whether you are moving bulk, project, or container cargo, we are here to work alongside all stakeholders to provide a smooth border process – no matter which direction the goods are going.
You can entrust us with your:
- Import customs clearance
- Export customs clearance
- Transit customs clearance (T1, T2, T2L, T2L(F) forms)
- Vessel- and cargo-related customs clearances
With McPorts as Your Irish Customs Clearance Parter, You Get
One point of contact for all types of movement
Port and commodity knowledge
Operationally focused processes
A compliance-led approach
A real partnership
Customs Clearance Agents in Ireland
Serving all major ports across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, McPorts is here when and where you need us.
You can rely on us in:
Ready to Work with an Irish Ships Agency that Truly Understands Customs Clearance?
Send us a message and we’ll come back to you within one business day
- Established local presence in Irish ports
- Experienced shipping and customs professionals
- Strong relationships with port authorities and stakeholders
- Practical, service-led support for vessels and cargo
Customs Clearance Ireland FAQs
What documentation is required for customs clearance in Ireland?
To complete a customs clearance, all relevant commercial and transport documentation must be available. At a minimum, this includes:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document such as a Bill of Lading
Commodity codes and an EORI number are also essential.
Depending on the cargo and circumstances, additional documentation may be required, including certificates of origin, licences, or Dangerous Goods Notes (DGNs).
For vessel declarations, pre-notification of the manifest is essential before arrival whether you are entering the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
McPorts supports you by reviewing documentation in advance and helping to streamline your processes so that delays are minimal.
Are customs clearances in Ireland and Northern Ireland the same?
No. Customs clearance in the Republic of Ireland relates to the movement of goods into or out of the EU customs territory, whilst Northern Ireland operates under UK customs arrangements. However, note that some movements into Northern Ireland must also work with EU regulations as per the Windsor Agreement.
Although documentation requirements are broadly similar, differences can apply depending on the commodity and route. Working with a local specialist helps reduce the risk of delay or non-compliance.
McPorts focuses on customs clearance linked to Irish port operations and can advise on cross-territorial considerations where relevant.
Get in touch today to request a compliance review.
How long does customs clearance in Ireland take?
Where documentation is complete and declarations are lodged in advance, customs clearance can often be processed shortly after arrival.
However, inspections, congestion, or commodity-specific requirements can extend clearance times. From an operational perspective, it is always advisable to allow sufficient contingency when planning vessel schedules and cargo delivery.
McPorts works proactively to align your customs processes with the arrival of the vessel so that clearance delays are kept to a minimum. Furthermore, we keep an eye on clearance performance so that we can investigate if there is something we can change to avoid repeated delays and any associated charges.
Contact us for more information.
Do I need to pay duty and VAT during customs clearance?
Import duty and VAT may be payable during the import clearance process, depending on the origin, classification, and community status of the goods.
Irish Revenue is responsible for import duty and VAT in the Republic of Ireland. Requirements can vary based on whether goods are already in free circulation within the EU or arriving from outside the EU. Excise duty is also due on applicable goods in the country of sale, so the price for goods bought from within the EU is not automatically inclusive of duty.
Goods may also be entered into a special procedure where the duty and VAT is suspended on a temporary basis, or until the goods are reexported.
McPorts can provide practical guidance on customs charges linked to Irish port calls and cargo movements. Get in touch for more information
When is customs clearance required in Ireland?
A customs clearance is required whenever goods cross an international border, leave a customs territory, or exit a special procedure. This even applies for goods which do not have taxes due on them, such as those moving from one EU Member State to Ireland or vice-versa.
The main customs declarations are for import, export, and transit movements, as well as excise clearance. Special procedures require additional clearances when they end or expire so that the customs status of the goods can be updated and any taxes paid.
McPorts provides hands-on support with customs requirements as part of wider shipping and port operations, providing an all-in-one service for vessel and cargo owners alike. Get in touch to see what we can do for you today.