Trade Agreement:CETA (Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement)
Guide to Sending Parcels to Ireland
Ireland - that emerald isle shrouded in mist and magic - think of leprechauns and 4-leaf clovers. But it is also the land of literary and musical giants that have brought much joy to the world. And that's why Ireland's history, culture, and spirit are celebrated far and wide every March 17th on St. Patrick's Day.
Modern Ireland has a booming knowledge-based economy, and its citizens can boast some impressive numbers.
High internet penetration across the population
E-commerce has grown significantly over the past decade
Billions of euros are spent shopping online annually, with continued strong growth
Shipping Rates
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Ireland
through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Ireland. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking
information to Ireland
Disclaimer
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this
page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Ireland before shipping any
goods.
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 21, 2026
8:49 am
Armagh, AR, IR
Delivered
Feb 20, 2026
7:18 am
Galway, GA, IR
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
9:03 pm
Belfast, BE, IR
International Clearance
Feb 19, 2026
8:14 am
Dublin, DU, IR
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 18, 2026
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
A gift shipment with a value of €45 or less (about $73 CAD) can
be sent to Ireland from Canada duty and tax free if:
It is not for sale
It is for an occasional event, for example an anniversary or
birthday
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Ireland will be exempt from duties and taxes if the value of the gifts
is less than €45 (about $73 CAD).
NOTE: Gifts of perfumes and toilet waters, alcohol, and tobacco products
will only be duty-free but they will still incur VAT and excise duties.
Also, their quantities must be within the limits shown below in order
to be duty-free.
Type of Goods
Allowances
Tobacco Products
50 cigarettes
25 cigarillos (cigars with a maximum individual weight of 3
g)
10 cigars
50 g of tobacco
A proportional assortment of the different products.
Alcohol
1 L of distilled beverages and spirits over 22% volume
1 L of fortified or sparkling wine, and some liqueurs of
22% volume or less
2 L of still wine.
Perfume and toilet waters
50 g of perfume
250 mL of toilet water.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a Canadian business to an Irish business will
incur duties and taxes.
This includes shipping a gift to an individual at a business address.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
No information regarding a Canadian business shipping a gift to an
individual in Ireland is available at this time.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
You may ship your personal effects from Canada to Ireland without
paying duties and value added tax (VAT).
Personal effects such as:
Clothing
Toiletries
Personal jewellery
Portable musical instruments
Sports equipment and footwear
A detailed list of personal effects and goods imported for sports
purposes can be found here.
Moving Temporarily
Students
If you are a student heading to Ireland in order to study, you may
ship your personal effects without payment of import charges provided
the Personal Effects Checklist (Moving Temporarily) conditions are
followed.
Your personal effects may stay in Ireland for a maximum of 24 months.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students moving to
Ireland temporarily.
Moving Temporarily - Personal Effects Checklist
Indicate 'Personal Effects' on the commercial invoice (see sample)
List of goods in shipment - include description, quantity,
and estimated value of each item
Be enrolled in full-time studies at an educational facility
A letter from the school that confirms you have enrolled in
full-time studies
Your personal effects are the normal items needed to furnish a room
and do school work
The items shipped belong to you and are for your personal use only
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Ireland from Canada, you may ship
your personal effects free of import charges providing:
You have owned and used the goods for at least 6 months
You have lived outside of Ireland for at least 12 months
continuously
The items are not to be sold, lent, or rented out for a
minimum of 12 months
The goods arrive no more than 6 months before or 12 months after
your arrival
All taxes and duties have been paid on the goods at the time of
their purchase
NOTE: Exemption from paying taxes does not
apply to:
Tobacco or tobacco products
Alcoholic products
Equipment and instruments used in a person's profession or trade
(portable items are allowed)
Transferring Residence Due to Marriage
If you are moving to Ireland because you have married, your
personal effects may be shipped without paying import charges. This
includes gifts, household effects, and any other items
specifically acquired because of marriage.
Several conditions apply. They are:
You have lived outside of Ireland continuously for a minimum of 12
months
The value of gifts entering Ireland have a maximum value of
€1,000 (about $1,616 CAD)
The goods arrive in Ireland no more than 2 months before or 4 months
after the wedding
The gifts and personal effects are not sold, lent, or rented
out for at least 12 months
Personal Effects Checklist (Moving Permanently & Transfer due to
Marriage)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Write 'Personal Effects' on the commercial Invoice (see sample)
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
As a result of the free trade agreement between Canada and the EU
(CETA), foodstuffs shipped to Ireland from Canada are duty-free.
However, VAT will be charged on shipments of greater than
€22 (about $36 CAD).
Due to food safety concerns, there are limitations as to what may
or may not enter Ireland from Canada.
You May Ship
Baked goods
Chocolate
Confectionary
Meat extracts and meat concentrates
Olives stuffed with fish
Packaged food supplements, soup stocks, and flavourings
Pasta and noodles
Honey - maximum 2 kg
Caviar - maximum of 125 g
Fish and fish products - maximum of 20 kg
Do Not Ship
Meat, milk, and dairy products
Foods mixed or filled with meat, dairy and their products
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2027 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Samples are sent overseas in order to encourage orders from potential
buyers. There are 2 ways to import samples to Ireland: permanent and
temporary.
Permanent Entry
Samples of goods shipped permanently to Ireland from Canada are duty
and tax free providing:
They have no monetary value
Not for sale, only displayed
The quantity is appropriate for the size and type of event
NOTE: Irish customs may demand that the samples
are permanently marked, torn, or perforated in order to make them
unusable.
Temporary Entry
If samples are to remain in Ireland temporarily, you must either
pay a security or deposit in the amount of the duty charge. The
security or deposit will be returned when the samples leave Ireland
for Canada.
Some rules that need to be followed are:
The goods are not altered during their time in Ireland
The samples are on display only; they are not to be used unless as
part of a demonstration
The items leave Ireland within 24 months of their arrival
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
The commercial invoice needs to have this written on it "Samples for trade promotion purposes - exemption from import charges claimed"
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising materials may enter Ireland from Canada without payment of
import charges.
The materials are expected to have no commercial value and are shipped
free of charge to a customer or company in Ireland.
NOTE: Exemption from duties and taxes does not apply to Importation of tobacco
and tobacco products, alcoholic products, or Exhibitions set up
in a commercial store for a private function
Printed Material Rules
Printed material that advertises goods for sale, banking
services, or commercial insurance are to follow the rules below:
The advertisement clearly displays the name of the company selling
the goods or services
Each shipment contains only a single copy of a particular document
If a shipment has multiple copies, the parcel weighs 1 kg or
less
Trade Shows, Meetings, & Exhibitions
Advertising and consumable products destined for a trade show or
exhibition are to be:
Of little monetary value
Small in number
Used for demonstrations
Distributed free of charge
Products used and consumed at an exhibition or trade fair (with the
exception of alcoholic products and tobacco products) are allowed
entry to Ireland duty and tax free providing they:
Are in quantities and sizes appropriate to the nature of the
exhibition
Cannot be easily marketed
Distributed free of charge
Tourist Information
Tourist Information for a different country will be duty and tax free
for material that:
Is free of charge
Is clearly advertising material
Contains not more than 25% private commercial advertising
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
Indicate 'Advertising material - Exemption from import charges claimed' on the commercial invoice (see sample)
Comply with the conditions above for each category of advertising
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Advertising material - Exemption from import charges claimed
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Advertising Materials: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Advertising Materials Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
As a member of the European Union, Ireland allows products to be
repaired without duties and taxes being charged under the inward
processing rules of the EU.
Inward processing means goods from outside the EU brought into the EU
to have work done on them, such as repairs.
Equipment shipped from Canada is to stay in Ireland no longer than 6
months.
Exemption of import charges will also be applied to parts used for the
repair up to the value of €6,500 (about $10,500 CAD).
Items Under Warranty
As Ireland and Canada are participants in a free-trade agreement
(CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Ireland
are duty-free and will not be charged GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If a piece of equipment no longer under warranty was sent to Ireland
for repair and is returning to Canada, GST will be charged on the
value of the repair and any new parts needed to do the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Ireland
When sending product for repair to Ireland, include the following
information on the parcel:
Indicate the Serial/Product number under the Detailed Description of
Goods section on the commercial invoice
Include a copy of the Repair Contract with all your export
documentation
Returning Product After Repairs are Completed
If your product has been repaired in Canada and is returning to
Ireland, ensure to do the following:
Indicate the value of the product INCLUDING the
cost of the repair under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when
the item was first exported to Ireland
Be sure to write the necessary information on the commercial invoice
according to the document checklist below.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Ireland or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
You may ship goods of a temporary nature to Ireland from Canada for a
period up to 24 months.
Usually, a security will have to be paid in the amount of the
normal import charges. This money can be reclaimed when the goods
return to Canada.
Samples of goods that are typical of temporary imports include:
Goods for demonstrations, exhibitions, and fairs
Professional equipment, such as a musical instrument or media
production and broadcasting gear
Equipment and gear for sporting events
Commercial samples
Items for auction
Temporary Import Rules
The goods must remain unchanged, aside from normal wear-and-tear
They are to be clearly identified; customs officials may apply marks
on the goods when they enter Ireland
Goods may stay a maximum of 24 months in Ireland
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Ireland, you
can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the
following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More
information below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE:You should be aware that shipping using this
method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax
free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e.
UPS, Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any
duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of
temporary nature.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can
find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE:It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to the 2 options listed above, the following
conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT
free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, allowing for
normal wear-and-tear; maintenance and minor repairs are allowed
under certain conditions
If an ATA Carnet is used, the goods may stay no longer than 24
months in Ireland
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2027
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
Any shipment of sold goods from Canada to Ireland will be liable to
duties and taxes. This includes purchases via the internet.
Typical import charges are a 12% duty and 23% value added tax (VAT).
Shipments of alcoholic products, tobacco, and tobacco products
will also incur excise duties.
Regular Shipper
If you regularly sell and ship goods to Ireland, we recommend you
consult an Irish licensed customs broker.
You may need to comply with certain requirements, such as
obtaining an Obtaining an EORI number.
Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This
process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed
down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of
being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.).
Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's
destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the
commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These
are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document
pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the
system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled
good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a
controlled good and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US
Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Ireland. A COO
proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in
Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Ireland, it will
incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters
of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice
whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you
can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process
and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties
and taxes.
Canada and the EU have a free trade agreement (CETA), and as a
result 98% of all goods and services that are traded between Canada and
Ireland incur no duties.
However, VAT charges will be imposed on imports above €22
(about $36 CAD). There are 2 VAT rates: standard 23% and reduced 13.5%.
Import duties and taxes in Ireland are calculated based on the sum of
the Customs Value, Insurance Amount, and Freight costs (shipping
costs). This is known as CIF.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Using the CIF Value, you can predict how much duty and tax the
recipient must pay to import goods to Ireland.
Thresholds
For Ireland, the Customs threshold from which tariffs are applied
is €150 CIF (about $242 CAD) for duties and €0 for VAT.
Thresholds is also known as the de minimis value.
NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau
de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.
*If the amount of VAT payable is €6 (about $10 CAD), it will
not be collected. This does not apply to customs and excise duties.
**Click here to determine which rate applies for a specific good.
Duties on Imports
The CETA agreement between Canada and the EU allows preferential
tariff rates on goods sold to Ireland from Canada. To take advantage
of these rates, rules of origin need to be followed. Click here for a guide to the CETA rules of origin.
Candy 0%
Chocolate 0%
Spirits *Variable
Wine *Variable
Tobacco *Variable
Books 0%
Documents 0%
Video Games & Consoles 0%
Laptops 0%
Tablets 0%
Smartphones 0%
Cameras 0%
Electronics Accessories 0%
Coats 0%
Beauty Products & Cosmetics 0%
Jewellery 0%
Shirts 0%
Pants 0%
Home Appliances 0%
Toys 0%
Sports Equipment 0%
* Alcoholic products, tobacco and tobacco products, and sugar
sweetened drinks all incur excise duties. Details for each may be
found as follows:
You can purchase insurance
through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting
your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared
insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our
system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or
damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is
insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable,
if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased
through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Questions about Shipping to Ireland
Can I ship to Ireland?
Shipping to Ireland from Canada can take between 2-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
