Importing a Car? You're in the Right Place
Welcome to Irish Car Imports. We're a small, family-run business in Dublin with over 20 years of hands-on experience helping people bring cars into Ireland. From Japanese import cars to vintage classics, we take the hassle out of clearing your vehicle. We know the paperwork. We speak the language of customs. And we get it sorted without the runaround.
About Us
Irish Customs Agents Ltd is led by Denise Mulligan, a customs compliance professional with 20 years of experience whose love for cars, motorbikes, and boats runs deep.
Growing up in Rush, Co. Dublin, Denise spent her summers by the sea and surrounded by farmland, with agriculture woven into everyday life. Weekends often meant cheering on her Uncle Dave Manly at the Skerries 100, where he competed in the Classics each year, or heading out on the water in fishing and speed boats with family.
In her teens and early twenties, a fascination with JDM icons and American muscle cars took hold—leading to years of attending car shows, track days, and motoring events both in Ireland and Canada. That passion became personal in 2019 when she imported her own 1973 Ford F250 from Canada under the Transfer of Residence (TOR) scheme.
This blend of professional customs expertise and genuine enthusiasm for vehicles sets Irish Customs Agents Ltd apart. Whether importing a classic car, motorcycle, boat, agricultural equipment, or commercial goods, Denise brings not just knowledge of regulations but also an understanding of the pride and excitement behind every shipment.
Irish Customs Agents Ltd – Navigating customs with passion, precision, and personal experience.
Vehicle Import Clearance
Importing a car into Ireland means covering the right charges and paperwork. The main costs are:
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Customs duty on non-EU vehicles
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VAT on new cars and used cars from outside the EU
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VRT when the car is registered (unless exempt)
For vintage car clearance, benefits include no duty, low VRT, and reduced VAT for collector’s items. If you’re moving back, a transfer of residence may give you relief if you’ve owned the car for 6+ months. We handle the forms, fees, and clearance so you don’t have to. Contact us to get started.
Customs Declarations and Duties for Vehicle Clearance
The same applies to Japanese import cars, even under the EU–Japan agreement. If you're bringing in a car from Japan or Great Britain, you'll need to file a customs declaration. That’s where we come in. Our team of trained customs clearance agents can manage everything from forms to fees, so you don’t have to guess your way through.
Remember, Northern Ireland is treated as part of the EU for trade purposes. But cars imported into NI from GB still pass through customs, and may still be liable for duty. Without proof of that payment, you'll be expected to sort it yourself when bringing the car into Ireland.
We take care of the full clearance process. From helping you import a car to securing your VRT estimate to explaining import taxes, we give straight answers and full support. We also help with vintage car clearance, transfer of residence, and understand the unique rules around vintage transportation.
Don’t get caught out, let us clear the road ahead
Agriculture Clearance
Importing agricultural vehicles and machinery involves more than standard customs clearance. Used machines need CHED clearance via the TRACES system and notification through the INIS AFIT portal. New equipment is easier, but still not automatic. Many brokers can’t manage this, but we can. We handle the process properly so your agricultural clearance is done without delays.
Our Customer Reviews
Need help beyond car imports? Visit our main site, Irish Customs Agents, for expert support on all customs clearance services across Ireland. Same team, same experience, more ways to help.