Imports and Exports in Ireland

Import and export regulations in Ireland

Irish companies importing goods from outside the European Union must complete certain customs entry formalities. Ireland has an electronic data transfer system that allows importers to send the Single Administrative Document (SAD) declaration to the Revenue Automated Entry Processing (AEP) system through the Direct Trader Input (DTI) program.

Imports in Ireland

Ireland’s main trading partner is the United Kingdom accounting for 34% of the country’s total imports. The United States of America is the second largest trading partner for Irish companies accounting for 13% of all imported goods. In Europe, Ireland also imports about 8% of its goods from Germany, 5% from the Netherlands and approximately 4% from France. Our team of consultants in company formation in Ireland can advise on the main trading regulations established with these countries.  

China is also an important trading partner, accounting for over 5% of Ireland’s imports. Ireland’s import list contains refined petroleum, packaged medicines, petroleum gas and computer parts, as it is known that the IT industry is one of Ireland’s most attractive industries. In smaller percentages, Ireland imports cars, medical equipment and integrated circuits.

Setting up a company in Ireland has never been easier. The procedure can be completed in just a few days and is open to both EU and non-EU investors. As a matter of fact, Ireland is known for its hospitality when it comes to foreign investments. Contact us and get an insight on what it means to have a business in Ireland.

Exports in Ireland

The top export products sold by Ireland are represented by nitrogen compounds, that represent 20% of the country’s total exports. The second place is occupied by packaged medicines that represent 15% of Ireland’s total exports, considering the development of the pharmaceuticals industry during the last years.

Other products exported by Ireland are represented by goods such as computers, medical equipment, and integrated circuits. Irish companies export a large amount of products to the United States, followed by the United Kingdom and the Benelux (Belgium-Luxembourg) region. Other countries Irish companies export to are Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Spain in Europe, as well as Japan and China in Asia. 

What regulations apply when trading to non-EU countries from Ireland?

• • labelling requirements referring to the origin of the respective products;
• • language requirements for the products' labels, depending on the countries to which they are exported;
• • technical standards and standards regarding the packs in which the products are sent to other markets;
• • pharmaceutical products have to respect specific import-export regulations, and they may also be subjected to restrictions or prohibitions, depending on the nature of the product. 

For detailed information concerning the customs duties formalities please contact our team of specialists in company formation in Ireland, who can also advise on the legislation addressed to trading activities completed in this country. Our consultants may provide information on the taxes that can be applied to special categories of products that will be traded on the Irish border. If you need other types of services, for example VAT registration services in Ireland, our team is at your disposal.