Fast, Reliable Vehicle Clearance Across Ireland & Northern Ireland
Customs Support is your exclusive partner for vehicle customs clearance in Ireland and Northern Ireland. With extensive experience in importing cars, bikes, RVs, supercars, and more, we ensure reliable service at all ports in these regions. Our comprehensive coverage across Ireland includes expertise in UK and Irish vehicle clearance procedures, such as DVLA and VRT requirements.
We also offer EU and UK-wide support, providing end-to-end customs services for vehicles coming from or going to any location in Europe. Whether you’re temporarily importing for a race or bringing in an agricultural vehicle, we know the right clearance process for you. Additionally, we help you save money and avoid costly errors when importing a vehicle as part of moving abroad.
Benefit from Our Local Irish Knowledge
Smooth, fast, and hassle-free — efficient Vehicle Customs Clearance keeps your business ahead

The Republic of Ireland
When bringing a vehicle into Ireland, you’ll need to clear it with Irish Revenue and the Driver and Vehicle Agency (VRT). If your car comes from a country without a trade agreement, you’ll pay duty. Even with an agreement, only new cars (up to three years old) can claim preference. Used cars not in free circulation always incur duty.
No matter where your vehicle is from or its previous ownership, you’ll face a VAT charge. The only exception is a Transfer of Residence vehicle clearance, applicable if you’ve owned the car for over six months in the origin country and are moving it as a personal effect. After clearing customs, register your car with the VRT by booking an appointment at a National Car Test Centre.

Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, you’ll need to clear your vehicle with HMRC and register it with the DVLA using a V55/5 application. Once your import declaration is cleared, you can proceed with the registration.
Just like in Ireland, you’ll need to pay duty and VAT during the vehicle clearance process in Northern Ireland, unless you’re using a special procedure.
Our Vehicle Clearance Services FAQs
Ready to partner with the top vehicle clearance experts in Ireland? Curious about the process? Hop into the fast lane and contact our team today, or why not cruise through these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)?
Do I need customs clearance to bring my car to Ireland?
Yes, permanent car imports to Ireland require customs clearance. You’ll also need to register the vehicle with the VRT in Ireland or the DVLA in Northern Ireland. Depending on the import location and the car’s history, import duty may apply. VAT is typically required, even if previously paid.
Customs Support ensures swift and accurate vehicle clearance, helping you navigate the process smoothly. Contact us for more information.
How easy is it to import a car into Ireland?
Importing a car into Ireland is straightforward, but there are key requirements to meet. Your car must comply with safety and emissions standards, which newly-manufactured cars typically meet unless modified. It’s best to check these standards before importing. You’ll need all relevant documentation for vehicle clearance, including proof of ownership, a certificate of conformity, and your driving licence. Upon arrival, you must complete customs clearance, pay taxes, and register the car before driving it. Additionally, arranging the freight of your vehicle is essential, and using a specialist with insurance is recommended.
Customs Support provides comprehensive vehicle clearance services across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Contact us for more information.
Which documents do I need to import a car?
The required documents for vehicle clearance depend on the type of import. For a purchased import, whether personal or business, you’ll need an invoice and transport details. If you’re moving the car as a personal effect, you’ll need proof of ownership for six months or more in the country of origin and transport details. Once cleared from customs, present the import clearance, your driving licence, and all car documentation to the VRT in Ireland or the DVLA in Northern Ireland.
Customs Support helps you complete your vehicle customs clearance efficiently, reducing the risk of costly delays at the border. Contact us for more information.
How much is car import duty during vehicle clearance in Ireland?
The duty and VAT you pay on your import depend on the type of vehicle and whether it’s entering Ireland or Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, duty rates range from 0% to 10%, with a standard VAT rate of 20%. In Ireland, duty rates typically hover around 10%, and VAT is charged at 23%. Previously, vintage or collector cars could benefit from reduced VAT, but this concession has been discontinued by Irish Revenue.
Customs Support provides efficient vehicle customs clearance throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Contact us for more information.
Do I need an EORI number to import a car into Ireland?
For permanent imports, an EORI number is required only if you plan to reclaim VAT as part of your business operations. Personal imports typically do not need an EORI number. For temporary imports, you don’t need an EORI number to reclaim VAT on re-export. Instead, retain your import declaration and provide it with your export entry when requesting the reclaim.
Customs Support offers efficient vehicle customs clearance in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Contact us for more information.
Do you offer this service in other countries?
No, this is a specialist service available only in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our expertise and operations are tailored specifically to the customs regulations and requirements of these regions.
Import with confidence. We’ve got your back.
Our expert team, combined with advanced digital tools, ensures that your import customs clearance process is efficient and compliant. Whether you are a small business or a large multinational, we have the expertise to streamline your operations. Leverage the power of your data with our innovative customs solutions, automation, and digital proficiency, driving efficiency in trade, securing compliance, and facilitating smooth cross-border transactions.

Discover Our Full
Service Portfolio
Import / Export / Transit Declaration Services
- Preparation, Validation and Submission of Import, Export and Transit Documentation
- Validation of Import Goods Harmonised System (HS) Codes
- Coordination of Physical Inspections
- Management of Phytosanitary Certification Requests
- Handling of Excise Declarations
- Facilitation of Other Specialised Declarations (ATA, Carnet, etc.)
Trade Accreditation & Customs Support
- Licence, Certification & Authorisation Support:
- Import/Export Licence
- AEO Certificate (Authorised Economic Operator)
- IPR/OPR Licence (Inward / Outward Processing Relief)
- Bonded Warehouse Licence
- Excise Warehouse Licence
- Consignee Status Authorisation
- Simplified Procedure Authorisation
- Temporary Admission Authorisation
- End-Use Relief Authorisation
- Deferment Account Application
- Customs Guarantee Optimisation
- Fiscal Representation
Duty Management
- Goods Classification (HS-Code) & Provision of Binding Tariff Information (BTI)
- Defining Product Origin & Value (BOI, CVA)
- Duty Management & Optimisation
- Simplified Declaration Procedures
- Facilitating Customs Bonded Warehouses
- Duty Relief Provision (Inward/Outward Processing Relief)
- Duty Amendment & Dispute Process Support
- Excise Duty Management
- Duty & VAT Advisory
- Operating Deferment Accounts
Compliance & Reporting
- Legislation & Trade Impact Updates
- Compliance Insight & Advisory
- Environmental and ESG Compliance
- Legislative Reporting
- CBAM
- Deforestation (EUDR)
- Export Control & Dual Use Compliance
- Sanctions & Embargo Compliance
- Data Insight Reporting:
- Duties & Taxes Data Reporting
- Track & Trace Customs Status Events
- Risk & Non-Release Data
- Tailor-Made Data Reports
- Intrastat Reporting
Customs Centre Of Excellence
- Tailor-Made Customs Solution Design
- Training & Education
- Customs Assessment Quick Scan
- Consulting
- Customs Authorities Audit Support
Customs-as-a-Service
- Full or Partial Outsourcing of Customs Activities
- On-site or Off-site Support
- White Label Solutions
- Peak Season Support
- Interim Management
- Centralised Service across Europe
- Management of Third-Party Customs Brokers