Ireland Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Ireland customs guide provides detailed regulations for individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation, or door-to-door shipping to the Republic of Ireland. Ireland follows EU import standards, but applies unique residency, documentation and duty-free criteria.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Ireland, including export packing, ocean/air freight coordination, customs document preparation, and final delivery across Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

1. Moving to Ireland – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods

Ireland allows the duty-free import of used household goods when a person transfers residence from a non-EU country such as Canada. To qualify:

Goods must have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to import
Items must be for personal household use—not resale or gifting
You must provide proof of relocation and residence in Ireland
Shipment must arrive within 12 months of your move

Important: Duty exemption applies to used items only. New goods, recently purchased items, or commercial quantities will attract VAT and customs duty.

1.2 Entry from EU vs Non-EU Countries

From EU: No customs formalities, but restrictions still apply
From non-EU: Full customs clearance and import declaration required

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

You will typically need:

Copy of passport (photo page)
Proof of Irish residence (rental agreement, home purchase, employment contract or PPS number application)
Detailed inventory list in English
Bill of lading / seaway bill / airway bill
Signed declaration confirming items are for personal use

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Clearly describe goods—avoid generic terms like “misc.”
Indicate values for high-value items
Electronics, art and antiques may require proofs of ownership
Ensure boxes are numbered to match your inventory

H-H Relocations Tip: Keep receipts or documentation for electronics, artwork, or new purchases to avoid delays during Irish customs inspection.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles to Ireland

3.1 Vehicle Import Conditions

You may import a vehicle under transfer of residence rules, provided:

You have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months abroad
You are taking up residence in Ireland
The vehicle is for personal use
You declare the vehicle and register it with Irish authorities

3.2 Vehicle Documentation

Original registration/title document
Insurance papers
Bill of lading / shipping documents
Proof of residence in Ireland

Important: All vehicles imported into Ireland must be registered for VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) before road use—even if customs duty is exempt.

4. Bringing Pets to Ireland

Ireland follows EU rules for pet travel and animal imports.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compliant microchip
Rabies vaccination compliant with EU timelines
EU pet passport or veterinary health certificate
Tapeworm treatment for dogs depending on origin

Pet Travel Tip: Ireland enforces strict pet microchip and rabies vaccination rules—verify timelines and documentation before departure.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol may be imported for personal use, but commercial quantities are strictly controlled and may be subject to duties, VAT and excise taxes. Alcohol included in a personal goods shipment must be itemized clearly.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco is regulated and may be subject to VAT and duty, depending on quantity. Always declare tobacco products.

5.3 Food, Plants & Animal-Origin Products

Ireland follows EU standards for food and plant products:

Fresh meat, dairy and many food products from non-EU countries are restricted
Plant-based materials may require phytosanitary certificates
Biosecurity threats may lead to rejection, destruction or fees

5.4 Medicines & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines are allowed for personal use with documentation
Certain chemicals, aerosols and hazardous materials are restricted
Weapons, knives or firearms require special permits and may be refused entry

Important: Attempting to import restricted items without declaration may result in seizure, fines or criminal charges.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Ireland

The following items are strictly prohibited in personal shipments:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, ammunition and explosive materials
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Obscene or banned publications
Endangered species products without CITES permits
Banned chemicals and items deemed unsafe under EU safety rules

Offenders may face fines, confiscation of goods or legal action. When uncertain, verify before packing.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Ireland

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to Ireland, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Start preparations early and organize key documents in advance
Keep receipts for high-value goods and electronics
Use detailed inventories to avoid questions during clearance
Separate new items from used items in your inventory
Keep passports and essential documents with you

7.2 Why work with a specialist mover

While Ireland follows EU import rules, documentation and valuations must be precise. Working with a professional international moving company ensures:

Compliance with Irish customs requirements
Correct packing and inventory methods
Door-to-door coordination through Irish partners
Reduced risk of delays or customs assessment

Relocation Tip: Customs officials may request proof that goods were used abroad—photos or receipts help verify ownership and avoid delays.

8. Useful Official Links – Ireland

Verify rules directly with Irish government agencies:

This guide supports your relocation planning. Final import decisions rest with Irish Revenue, Agriculture, and other relevant authorities.