Sending Internationally
Sending to a non-EU country
Receiving country requirements
All items (including gifts) posted from the Republic of Ireland to a country outside the European Union (including Great Britain) must be presented to the Customs authorities in the receiving country.
Irish Customs requirements
If you export goods to non-EU countries (including Great Britain), An Post may need to complete a customs declaration on your behalf. This is known as Advanced Electronic Data (AED). This customs declaration must be made electronically through Revenue’s Automated Export System (AES). You can provide customs electronic declaration data at your local post office or online using Click & Post. The corresponding CN23 label must be affixed when sending good(s) of any size or value to non-EU countries.
The following documents must be available, if requested by Revenue at the time of clearing your goods:
Please ensure any good(s) sent are not prohibited or restricted for air travel.
If you send good(s) to non-EU countries using Click & Post or your local Post Office, you must provide the following for the customs electronic declaration data:
- Senders name, address and contact details
- The name and address of the recipient
- A detailed description of the contents of the item(s)
- Quantity / Number of Units
- Net Weight
- Value of the item/contents
- Category of the item(s)
- Reason for Export
- Postage / shipping cost
Insufficient data may result in the item being returned to the sender, if rejected by the receiving Customs authorities.
Data may also be shared by An Post with Irish Revenue when it is appropriate and necessary to do so, i.e., for consignments above €1000 or subject to prohibitions and restrictions.
Send with Click & Post
An online version of the form can also be completed when you Click & Post online.
Sending within the EU
When sending within the EU, an Aviation Security Declaration, must be attached to all letters, packets or parcels containing goods sent within the EU, excluding Northern Ireland. This is to ensure compliance with airline security regulations. See the full list of prohibited items which cannot travel by air.
You must describe the contents of the item fully and accurately and include your name, address and signature.
A preview of the Aviation Security Declaration can be found below:
Prohibited items
Some goods are prohibited, and some are subject to restrictions or may require a licence.
Sending to Ireland from non-EU countries
When sending an item to Ireland you will need to supply complete electronic customs data according to Irish Customs regulations.
The minimum mandatory electronic data that is required is:
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A valid HS/TARIC Code, use our online tool to find the correct TARIC Code for your items
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A valid item description
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Country of origin
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Item value
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Postage, insurance, freight paid
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Sender name, address details
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Addressee name, address
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Packet/parcel weight
You should also ensure the items you are sending are not regarded as prohibited/restricted by An Post. You can do so by reviewing the list on our prohibited items page.
Sending gifts to Ireland from non-EU countries
An Post recommends that those sending gifts into Ireland from non-EU countries use their local postal providers online sending solution where available. This allows you to complete all the required electronic customs data requirements, to ensure your parcel can be cleared with ease upon arrival into Ireland
Gifts below the value of €45 (including postage) from non-EU countries require valid electronic customs data but do not require any customs or VAT to be paid. Gifts over €45 are charged a customs fee, paid by the receiver.
Online sending solutions from popular non-EU countries
Use your local postal providers online sending solution to assist with a smooth customs clearance process for your item
Royal Mail - Click & Drop
Things to know
- United States of America
- Great Britain
- Brazil
- Switzerland
- Turkey
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All items posted from the Republic of Ireland to a country outside the European Union (including Great Britain) must be presented to the Customs authorities in the receiving country.
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An Advanced Electronic Declaration (AED) will be required for certain destinations. You can complete this either at your local post office or online using Click & Post.
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A CN23 customs declaration must also be completed for all items being sent to non EU countries.
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The following information will be required to complete the declaration:
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Insufficient data may result in the item being returned to the sender, if rejected by the receiving Customs authorities.
Your item may be returned to you if:
- The item does not comply with electronic Customs data regulations that are required by International Customs Authorities.
- The item is prohibited or restricted by the receiving country.
- Customs data regulations require an “Advance Electronic Declaration” (AED) to be generated and to accompany all mail items containing goods. This also applies to items over 500 grams, containing documents. If your mail item does not comply with Customs data regulations, An Post cannot accept the item. Non-compliant items risk being returned to sender.
- If an item is returned to you, due to non-compliance with electronic Customs data regulations, you can bring this mail item, unopened, to your local Post Office where we will record the details of your item, print an AED CN23 international customs declaration, and attach it to the item without any additional cost to you.
When sending an item to Ireland you will need to supply complete electronic customs data according to Irish Customs regulations.
The minimum mandatory electronic data that is required is:
- A valid HS/Tariff Code
- A valid item description
- Country of origin
- Item value
- Postage, insurance, freight paid
- Sender name, address details
- Addressee name, address
- Packet/parcel weight
You should also ensure the items you are sending are not regarded as prohibited/restricted by An Post. You can do so by reviewing the list on our prohibited items page.
Returns can be sent using
Click & Post or at your local Post Office. The Customs related electronic data and labelling (where required) should indicate that the item is a return. We recommend you retain your receipt of posting. Please note, An Post do not process any refunds of VAT or Customs Charges if you are returning goods after the item has been delivered.