Business Frequently Asked Questions

Baffled by Brexit? Unsure what it means for you or your business? Find answers to the most common questions here.

What are the changes?

From January 1 2021, new customs rules came into effect changing how you import and export goods to and from Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland).

From July 1 2021, the European Union will remove the €22 VAT exemption on goods coming from countries outside of the EU (excl. NI) and requests that all parcels coming into the EU are sent using electronic Customs data. Customs Charges (Customs Duty, Excise Duty, VAT) where applicable will be calculated/charged on Non-EU items (excl. NI)

At An Post, we’ve built new digital tools so you can easily complete your sending documentation online or at your local post office.

Customs Charges

As of 1 January 2021, the UK no longer applies the rules of the Single Market and Customs Union. This means that any business, regardless of size, who moves goods from, to or through Great Britain are subject to a range of new customs formalities and other regulatory requirements.

Sending to United Kingdom (excl. Northern Ireland)

Getting set up as an exporter to the UK

All Irish retailers exporting to the UK are required to apply for a GB EORI number online
Irish retailers must also register and pay taxes in the UK

Customers sending to Great Britain will need to complete a customs declaration form – CN23
The form can be completed online on Click & Post or in your local post office. Where applicable the recipient customers in the UK will be liable to a customs charge and administration fee depending on the size of your item.

Parcel with a custom declared value up to 150€ (£0-£135) liable to VAT only
For those parcels with a declared value of up to €150 (£135), a new UK VAT scheme will apply where Irish retailers need to pay VAT directly to the UK’s HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Parcel with a custom declared value greater than 150€ (£135) liable to VAT and duties
For those parcels with a declared value >€150. These items are subject to VAT and duties and will require payment by the receiver in advance of delivery.

If you are sending multiple items with a value greater than >€150. An Post Commerce would recommend a Delivery Duty Paid solution to retailers who want to ensure the least disruption to their UK customer base. Please talk to your account manager to find out more about a delivery duty paid solution. Details here

Find a TARIC Code for your customs documents

When importing or exporting goods from outside the EU, you will need to assign a TARIC code to your customs declaration for the receiving customs body to process your goods correctly.
This may also be referred to as a Harmonisation code, a Tariff code or a Commodity code.
Our online TARIC code tool allows you to identify the correct TARIC code for your items.

For account customers

If you send using an An Post business account, please contact your Account Manager to learn how we can help you deal with Brexit.

Once the CN23 form is completed electronically using Click & Post or at a local post office, your item will arrive pre-advised into the Royal Mail Parcel Hub and the recipient will be contacted to settle custom clearance charges. Upon payment, the parcels will be delivered to your UK customer.

You are required to complete customs forms and apply the appropriate customs labels for non EU items. The same process will apply as for sending goods to the USA, for example. The following customs forms are available at your local post office:

A CP72 for parcels or items with a value in excess of €300.
A CN22 for letters, large envelopes or packets containing items weighing less than 2kg.

If your business exports goods to the UK, you are required need to include:

An Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification (EORI) number
Harmonisation codes for the products you export - you can use our online tool to identify the correct codes for use.

In order to trade with a country outside the EU, you need a unique EORI number which allows you to interact with customs authorities in any EU member state. Find out how to register for an EORI number online.

Harmonisation codes let customs know what your product is and what VAT or duty rate to charge for the goods. Find out more about classifying your goods for customs purposes.

As an expert in international mails and eCommerce logistics, An Post established a comprehensive Brexit action plan in place for Irish and international mails and parcels customers.

This included, and includes ongoing liaising with the relevant authorities in Ireland, Britain and the EU, including the Government, customs authorities, other logistics companies and industry groups, to ensure we are prepared for all changes as a result of the UK leaving the European Union.

We work closely with the Irish Customs service, which has an embedded presence in our Mails and Parcels hubs. We have acquired additional space and equipment and have invested in IT and training for our staff.

In addition, we continue to develop our operational arrangements with our wholly-owned UK subsidiary Air Business, with Royal Mail and with other carriers to deal with both inbound and outbound mail and parcel traffic.

If your goods go through the UK en route to another destination within the EU, they will pass through our bonded facilities and won’t be affected. Bonded warehouses allow for the storage and transit of goods without payment of duty.

Returns should be sent as normal using Click&Post on anpost.com or at your local Post Office. An Post recommends you retain your receipt of posting.
An Post do not process any refunds of VAT or Customs Charges if you are returning goods after the item has been delivered.

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Welcome to your An Post account

Business Frequently Asked Questions

What are the changes?

Customs Charges

Sending to United Kingdom (excl. Northern Ireland)

Find a TARIC Code for your customs documents

For account customers

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