China is Ireland’s most important trading partner besides the EU, the US and the UK.

CFC provides cost-effective transport options and shipping services from China to Ireland. Whether you’re moving a large load or just a small package, we’re the shipping experts you can rely on when you’re importing into Ireland. LCL and FCL sea freight shipping, air freight shipping, plus door-to-door and express courier services are always available for you.

Ireland Customs

From a customs perspective, the most important aspect in relation to the importation of goods is that they are declared to customs on arrival in Ireland.

EORI is a system which allocates a unique reference number to every trader who interacts with Customs Authorities in any Member State of the EU. Traders should be advised strongly to apply for an EORI number before the filing of their first declaration. In Ireland, E-Customs and Risk Management Branch, Customs Division deal with the allocation of EORI numbers.

In general, there are seven distinct stages in the import process by sea or air:

1. Advance provision of safety and security data. (ENS)
2. Report of arrival of the means of transport.
3. Presentation of goods.
4. Temporary storage.
5. Declaration of goods.
6. Examination of goods.
7. Release of goods.

The documents required for shipments include items such as the commercial invoice, bill of landing or airway bill, packing list, insurance documents, and when required, special certificates of origin, sanitation, and ownership.

It is worth noting that imprecise descriptions are a common reason for goods being held without customs clearance, meaning that a clear description of the goods is essential. A clear description of goods should satisfy three basic questions as to what the product is, for what is it used, and of what it is made.

Ireland applies EU tariffs (customs duties) which are based on the HS of product classification, and the standard VAT rate is 23%.

Sea Freight from China to Ireland

If you’ve got a big stack of cargo to move (using a full shipping container), our international ocean freight services with Full Container Loads (FCL) are the ticket. FCL means less handling, so you can rest easy knowing your cargo will reach you in one piece and in perfect condition.

When you don’t need a whole shipping container or just have a bit of gear to send, our “less than container load” shipping service (LCL) is the right way to go. We’re the best at collecting and sending off your goods, ensuring they get where they need to go without busting your budget.

At CFC, we’ll make sure your FCL and LCL from China to Ireland sail super smoothly.

Top Container Ports in Ireland

Maritime transport plays an important role in Irish transport, with 21 operational ports, the main ones being Dublin, Cork and Waterford.

Located in the heart of Dublin City and at the hub of the national road and rail network, Dublin Port is a key strategic access point for Ireland and in particular the Dublin area. It handles 80% of all unitised freight in the Republic of Ireland, with most cargo emanating from within 90km of the port itself.

Cork is the largest seaport on the southern coast of Ireland, Limerick is a southwest coastal port close to Shannon International Airport, Galway is a western coastal port, and Waterford is a southern coastal port dedicated to container transport.

Sea Freight Cost from China to Ireland

The cost of shipping containers to Ireland can vary widely depending on several factors such as the size and type of container, the origin and destination ports, the shipping route, carrier rates, fuel costs, additional surcharges, and any applicable customs duties or taxes.

Prices can fluctuate based on market conditions, seasonal demand, and other factors. Below is the door-to-door rate for your reference.

⬇️How much is shipping to a business address in Ireland by SEA?⬇️

26KG+	51KG+	101KG+	1001KG+
€1.95/kg	€1.75/kg	€1.65/kg	€1.60/kg

Sea Freight Transit Time from China to Ireland

The estimated transit time for shipping a container to Ireland is typically between 6 to 7 weeks, depending on the origin port, destination port, and shipping route. Factors such as customs clearance and weather conditions can also affect transit time.

Air Freight from China to Ireland

If you’re in a rush to bring in some consignments from China, our air freight shipping services are your go-to choice. Whether you need to send a carton or a quick consignment on a tight schedule, we’ll get your goods to you lightning-fast. Count on us to be your trusted air freight forwarder, handling all the details and ensuring your shipment arrives on time and in excellent condition.

If you’re after delivery of small packages or keen to send parcels across the whole of Ireland urgently, our efficient express delivery is the go-to choice.

Top Airports in Ireland

The main airports in Ireland that can handle international flights are:

• Dublin International Airport – DUB
• Shannon International Airport – SNN
• Cork International Airport – ORK

Dublin Airport is the main international airport serving Dublin, Ireland. It is operated by DAA (formerly Dublin Airport Authority). It serves as a hub for Ireland’s flag carrier Aer Lingus, and is the home base for Europe’s largest low-cost carrier Ryanair. British airline TUI Airways also operates a base at the airport.

Air Freight Cost from China to Ireland

Thanks to our global network of partners, we’ve got some of the most competitive air freight rates locked in whenever you’re keen to ship your goods to Ireland.

As independent freight managers, we can use these partnerships to give our customers heaps of flexibility, offering cheap rates we’ve haggled for—helping you save a pretty penny on your long-term shipping costs.

⬇️How much is shipping to a business address in Ireland by AIR?⬇️

26KG+	51KG+	101KG+
€7.10/kg	€6.75/kg	€6.50/kg

Keep in mind that airfreight prices are calculated based on the chargeable weight.

Air Freight Transit Time from China to Ireland

In 2018, HNA and Cathay Pacific launched direct flights from Beijing and Hong Kong to Dublin respectively. In 2019, HNA launched direct flights from Shenzhen to Dublin. Juneyao Airlines launched flights from Dublin to Shanghai in 2020.

Freight via direct flights takes 1-3 days. By express delivery, it takes 4-5 days. By economy flights, it takes 7-8 days.

Working with CFC

CFC is specialised in transporting goods to Ireland from China. We oversee the cargo entrusted to us at every stage of transport and will guarantee that your goods will reach the destination in Ireland safely and on time. CFC will take away all your logistic challenges so you can focus on your core business.

CFC can manage all your shipping needs from China to Dublin, Cork, Limerick or any city in Ireland.

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