Short answer: to import from China to Ireland you need an EORI number, a reliable supplier, a shipping method (sea or air freight) and a customs declaration when the goods arrive. On import you pay customs duty, which depends on the product, and Irish import VAT. Sea freight is the most economical option for larger orders, while air freight is faster and suits urgent or smaller shipments.
This guide explains each step of the process, the documents you need and the mistakes that most often cost importers time and money. It is written by our team in Yiwu, China, where we source, check and ship goods for businesses in Ireland, the UK and across the EU.
Important: customs rules, duty rates and VAT rules can change and depend on your product. We recommend consulting a local customs broker in Ireland before you import.
Importing from China to Ireland at a glance
| Step | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Registration | An EORI number for your business, issued by Revenue |
| Supplier | A verified factory or trading company in China |
| Product rules | EU requirements such as CE marking, GPSR and labelling |
| Shipping | Sea freight or air freight, depending on budget and deadline |
| Customs | Import declaration, customs duty and import VAT |
| Delivery | From the port or airport to your warehouse or shop |
Step 1. Get an EORI number
Every business that imports goods into the EU needs an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification). It is valid in all EU countries, so one number covers your imports through any EU port.
In Ireland, EORI numbers are issued by Revenue through its online services. You can find the current application steps on Revenue’s EORI page. Apply before you place your first order, so your goods are not held at the port while you wait.
Step 2. Find and verify your supplier
Many importers start on Alibaba. Chinese domestic platforms such as 1688 and Taobao often have lower prices, but they are in Chinese, sellers rarely ship abroad and payment usually requires a Chinese account. A sourcing agent in China can buy from these platforms for you.
Not sure where to buy? Compare the main platforms in 1688 vs Alibaba vs Taobao.
Before you pay a supplier, check:
- the business licence and how long the company has been trading;
- whether it is a factory or a trading company;
- real product photos and a sample, not only catalogue pictures;
- whether it can provide the documents your product needs for the EU.
You can see real orders we have sourced and shipped on our work samples page.
Step 3. Check the EU product rules
Ireland follows EU product law. If a product does not meet the requirements, it can be stopped at customs or removed from marketplaces.
- CE marking is required for many product groups, such as electronics, toys and machinery.
- GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation) applies to consumer products sold in the EU and sets rules on safety information, traceability and the responsible person in the EU.
- Labelling must include the required importer and product information and any safety warnings.
- Restricted goods such as food, cosmetics, medicines and some chemicals need extra checks before you order.
If you also sell to Northern Ireland, separate rules may apply, so check the requirements for that route in advance.
Step 4. Choose sea or air freight
| Method | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sea freight, full container (FCL) | Slower, several weeks | Large orders with the lowest cost per unit |
| Sea freight, shared container (LCL) | Slower, several weeks | Small and medium orders that do not fill a container |
| Air freight | Fast, usually a few days | Urgent, light or high-value goods |
| Express courier | Fastest | Samples and small parcels |
Sea freight from China to Ireland is often transshipped through a large European port. Delivery times depend on the route, the season and port congestion, and are usually longer before Christmas and around Chinese New Year.
Tip: if you buy from several suppliers, consolidate everything in one warehouse in China first. One shipment means one set of documents and one customs clearance, which is usually cheaper than many small parcels.
Step 5. Understand customs duty and import VAT
When goods from China arrive in Ireland, two main charges apply:
- Customs duty. The rate depends on the product and its HS code. It is set by the EU customs tariff and is the same in every EU country. You can look up rates in the EU’s TARIC database.
- Import VAT. Irish VAT is charged on imported goods. The rate depends on the type of product.
Both are usually calculated on the customs value, which includes the price of the goods and the cost of shipping and insurance to the EU. VAT-registered businesses can normally reclaim import VAT, and some can account for it on their VAT return instead of paying it at the border.
The EU also changed the rules for low-value parcels in 2026: small consignments that used to be duty-free now pay customs duty. For a business, this is another reason to ship in bulk rather than in many small parcels.
Because rates and rules depend on your product and can change, ask a local customs broker or Revenue to confirm the exact duty and VAT for your goods before you order.
Step 6. Clear customs in Ireland
Import declarations in Ireland are submitted electronically to Revenue. Most businesses use a customs broker or their freight forwarder to do this. Prepare these documents before the goods arrive:
- commercial invoice;
- packing list with weights, dimensions and number of cartons;
- bill of lading (sea freight) or air waybill (air freight);
- HS code for each product;
- certificates and test reports where required;
- your EORI and VAT number.
Incorrect values or product codes are a common reason for delays and penalties, so make sure the invoice matches what is in the cartons.
Step 7. Delivery to your door
After customs clearance, the goods are released and delivered from the port or airport to your warehouse, shop or fulfilment centre. Check in advance whether your address can receive pallet deliveries.
Common mistakes importers make
- Paying in full before the goods have been checked.
- Ordering without checking EU product requirements.
- Declaring a lower value than the real price, which risks fines and seized goods.
- Shipping many small parcels instead of one consolidated shipment.
- Forgetting shipping and insurance when estimating duty and VAT.
- Choosing a supplier only on price, without a sample.
- Ordering just before Chinese New Year, when many factories close.
How SilkwayMall helps Irish businesses
We are a sourcing agent based in Yiwu with our own warehouse in China and an office in the EU. For clients in Ireland we:
- find and verify suppliers on 1688, Alibaba, Taobao and in Yiwu market;
- check every order and send you photos and videos before shipping;
- consolidate goods from different suppliers into one shipment;
- arrange sea or air freight to Ireland;
- issue an EU VAT invoice for your business.
See how our fees work on the price page, learn more about our team, or send us a product link and quantity through our contact form. We will reply with a quote for delivery to Ireland.
FAQ: importing from China to Ireland
Do I need an EORI number to import into Ireland?
Yes. Businesses importing goods from outside the EU need an EORI number, which is issued by Revenue.
Do I pay VAT on goods imported from China?
Yes, Irish import VAT applies to goods from China, and the rate depends on the product. VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim it. Check the exact rate for your goods with a customs broker or Revenue.
Is sea or air freight better for shipping to Ireland?
Sea freight is usually cheaper for larger orders but takes longer. Air freight is faster and suits urgent, light or high-value goods.
Do I need a customs broker?
It is not always required, but most businesses use one. A local customs broker submits the import declaration, checks product codes and helps you avoid delays and extra costs.
Can I buy from 1688 or Taobao if I am based in Ireland?
Yes, through a buying agent in China. The agent pays the Chinese seller, receives the goods in China, checks them and ships them to you.
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- Do I need a VAT number to import from China? Ireland, UK and EU guide
This guide is for general information only. Customs and tax rules can change and depend on your product, so we recommend consulting a local customs broker before you import.