Controlled Imports
Revenue Guidance
PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
AGRICULTURE & FOOD
ANIMALS, ANIMAL PRODUCTS AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTION
In accordance with EU‐wide controls to protect human and animal health, all animals
and animal products (including live fish, gametes and fish products) being imported into
the EU must be presented for veterinary inspection at an EU approved Border Inspection
Post (BIP). BIPs in Ireland are located at:
• Dublin Seaport (animal products only),
• Dublin Airport (live equines only)
• Shannon Airport (animal products and live equines ‐ excludes live fish but can
accept gametes).
Information on personal imports: Advice on personal imports of animal products
For further information contact:
Adrienne Courtney
Food Safety Liaison Unit
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,
Kildare Street
Tel: 01 6072582
Fax: 01 6072513
Ronan Halpin SVI NDCC,
Veterinary International
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Tel: 01 6072969
PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS
Council Directive 2000/29/EC (as amended) (EU Plant Health Directive) sets out a
framework of protective measures against the introduction into the EU Community of
organisms harmful to plant and plant products, and against their spread within the
Community.
Certain plant and plant products are prohibited to be imported from non-EU countries
and includes all material listed in Annex III to Council Directive 2000/29/EC as amended.
Other Plants and Products are subject to plant health controls and imports must be
notified to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine prior to importation and
must be inspected by an officer from that Department at the point of entry or, at the
discretion of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the place of
destination.
For further information click on the following link:
Movement of Plants and Plant Products into the EU from Third Countries
Certain plants being introduced into Ireland from other Member States of the EU are
required to have valid plant passports attached.
Movement of plants within the EC (Guide to the Plant Passport system)
For further information see the following link:
www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/planthealthtrade/
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For advice contact:
Horticulture and Plant Health Division,
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,
Ground Floor, Block 1,
Administration Building,
Backweston Campus,
Celbridge,
Co. Kildare
Tel: 01 5058885
Fax: 01 6275994
E-mail: plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie
WOOD, BARK etc. (including Wood Packaging Material such as pallets, crates, boxes
etc.)
For information contact: Gerard Cahalane Tel: 01 6072932 or Rory Greene
Tel: 01 60722820
Forest Protection & FRMS Section,
Forest Service,
Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 6072651
Fax: 01 6072545
E‐mail: forestprotection@agriculture.gov.ie
Website: www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice
AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS & GAMETES
Aquaculture products and gametes may only be imported through the BIP at Shannon
Airport when they are in compliance with the provisions of European Communities
(Health of Aquaculture Animals and Products) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 261 of 2008) (as
amended).
Enquiries should be made to:
The Fish Health Unit,
Marine Institute,
Renville,
Oranmore,
Co Galway
Tel: 091 387200
Fax 091 387201
Email: notification@marine.ie
Website: www.fishhealth.ie
FISHERY PRODUCTS
For all imports/exports of fishery products refer to, Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated
fishing (IUU) legislation 1005/2008 and implementing legislation 1010/2009. These were
brought into Irish law with Statutory Instrument 554/2010 amended by Statutory
Instrument 367/2012
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The following link will provide all appropriate legislation and guidance documents IUU
Guidance Documents for Imports/Exports
If you have any further questions or queries, the IUU Office can be contacted on the
following:
Tel: 023 88 59300
GSM: 086 040 2379
Email: iuuoffice@sfpa.ie
AGRICULTURE LICENCES
Common Agricultural Policy – General
A valid Community licence is required in order to import certain agricultural products
from outside the European Union. It is prohibited to import these products without such
a licence. An export licence is required where the product to be exported attracts an
export refund and for cereals, rice, sugar and certain milk products regardless of the
available refund.
Import and export licences should be applied for in advance of the import or export
operation and may require a security. Licences issued by competent authorities in other
Member States of the EU are valid in Ireland.
Commission Regulations (EC) 2016/1237 & 2015/1237 of 18th May 2016, as amended,
lays down detailed rules for the system of import and export licences for agricultural
products and the products for which licences are required.
For information contact:
Import & Export Licensing Section,
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,
Johnstown Castle Estate,
Wexford.
Email: licenses@agriculture.gov.ie
Website: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/agri-foodindusty/tradeimportsexports/
IMPORTS OF TIMBER AND TIMBER PRODUCTS FROM INDONESIA
FOLLOWING A VOLUNTARY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH
INDONESIA FOR A FLEGT LICENSING SCHEME FOR IMPORTS OF TIMBER
INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION- COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) NO 2173/2005
On 15th September 2016, the European Union and Indonesia agreed that Indonesia can
issue FLEGT licences for verified legal timber and timber product exports to the EU as
and from 15th November 2016. The products coming within the scope of the FLEGT
Licensing Scheme are set out in the amended annexes Annexes I and 111 to Council
Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005 following a Voluntary Partnership Agreement with
Indonesia for a FLEGT licensing scheme for imports of timber into the European Union
at;
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2016.223.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2016:223:TOC
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Irish importers of affected Indonesian timber and timber products exported from
Indonesia after 15 November 2016 will be required to provide and submit a valid FLEGT
licence issued, by an approved Licensing Authority in Indonesia, in respect of each
shipment being imported on or before first point of entry into the EU. The Minister for
Agriculture, Food and the Marine is Ireland’s FLEGT Competent Authority (CA) for
Verifying FLEGT Licences. Procedures have been put in place for the Competent
Authority to recognise and approve valid Indonesian FLEGT licences. These modalities
have also been developed in close co-operation with Customs.
PROCEDURES FOR IMPORTERS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA INTO IRELAND
You must submit a valid FLEGT Licence issued by an approved Licensing Authority in Indonesia for
verification to;
FLEGT Licensing, Forest Service,
3 West, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2
Post Code: D02 WK12
Tel: 00353 1 6072651
Email: FLEGT@agriculture.gov.ie
This FLEGT licence can be submitted in paper form or sent by e Mail in electronic form.
At the same time a copy of the licence should be associated with the Single
Administrative Document (SAD) for presentation to Customs and Box 44 of the SAD
should include the licence number of the FLEGT licence issued by the Indonesian
Licensing Authority. The “Copy for Customs” should be presented to Customs at the
same time as of presentation of the original licence to the Competent Authorities for
Verifying FLEGT Licences. This is important as until such time as Ireland’s FLEGT CA
notifies Customs that the FLEGT licence has been approved the goods cannot be released
“into free circulation”.
IMPORTATION OF FOOD OF NON-ANIMAL ORIGIN
Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official controls provides for the drawing up of specific
rules to govern the importation into the EU, of certain food and feed products which are
judged to pose additional risks to the food chain. These new rules and the products
involved are set out in EU Commission Regulation 669/2009, which came into effect on
25
th
January 2010.
Regulation 669/2009 restricts the entry of such listed produce to Designated Points of
Entry (Dublin Port and Airport in instances where the risks are associated with pesticide
residues and animal feed), and requires that documentary, identity and physical checks
are carried out according to a frequency outlined in Annex 1 to 669/2009. Release for
free circulation is dependent on the satisfactory completion of a Common Entry
Document (CED), Part 1 of which is submitted by the Food (or Feed) Business Operator
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(FBO), and Part 2 which is completed by the competent authority, and must be
presented to the customs authority by the FBO. Further information is available at:
www.fsai.ie/legislation/food_legislation/food_of_non_animal_origin.html
PHARMACEUTICALS
MEDICINAL PRODUCTS
The importation of Medicinal Products is restricted. Under the Medicinal Products
(Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003, as amended, supply by mail order
of prescription only medicinal products is prohibited. The Medicinal Products (Control of
Placing on the Market) Regulations, 2007, as amended, prohibits the import of medicinal
products which do not have a Product Authorisation issued by the Health Products
Regulatory Authority or a Marketing Authorisation granted by the European Medicines
Agency. Certain exemptions apply for the importation of a medicinal product by a
person for his/her own personal use under certain circumstances and not being by mail
order. These Regulations also require that medicinal products for the Irish market must
be labelled and accompanied by a product information leaflet in either the English
language, or in both the Irish or English language. The Medicinal Products (Control of
Wholesale Distribution) Regulations, 2007 as amended, provides that supply of
medicines by wholesale be done in accordance with a valid Wholesaler’s licence issued
within the EU while under the Medicinal Products (Control of Manufacture) Regulations,
2007, as amended, a Manufacture’s Authorisation is required to import or export
medicinal products.
Further information may be obtained from:
Medicines Unit
The Department of Health
Hawkins House,
Dublin D02 VW90
Tel: +353 (0)1 6354000, LoCall 1890 20 03 11
Email: medicines_unit@health.gov.ie
Website: http://www.health.gov.ie
DRUG PRECURSORS
Regulation(EC) 273/2004, as amended, by Regulation (EC) 219/2009 and 1258/2015, lays
down the rules for the monitoring of intra-Union trade in drug precursors. Regulation
(EC) 111/2005, as amended by Regulation (EU) 1259/2013 lays down rules for the
monitoring of trade in drug precursors between the EU and countries outside the Union.
Commission Delegated Regulation 2015/1011 further supplements the EC Regulations
above and Commission Implementing Regulation 2015/1013 lays down detailed
implementing rules for the EC Regulations.
It is required that all movements including transhipment and intermediary activities
involving drug precursors be documented by operators, and that precursors be clearly
identified as such. Regulation 273/2004, as amended now includes obligations for the
users of drug precursors.
Licences and registrations are issued by the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
For further information contact:
Controlled Drugs Section,
Health Products Regulatory Authority,
8
Kevin O’Malley House,
Earlsfort Centre,
Earlsfort Terrace,
Dublin D02 XP77
Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0) 1 6764971
Fax: +353 (0) 1 6764061
Email: controlleddrugs@hpra.ie
Websites: http://www.hpra.ie/homepage/controlled-substances
CONTROLLED DRUGS
Certain specified controlled drugs including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
are prohibited to be brought into Ireland or moved from Ireland except under licence
issued by the Minister for Health Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 to 2015, and Misuse of
Drugs Regulations, 1988 (as amended)
Further information may be obtained from:
Department of Health,
Hawkins House,
Dublin D02 VW90.
Tel: +353 (0) 1 6354000, LoCall 1890 200 311
Website: http://health.gov.ie
PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES (head shops)
Under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 it is an offence to sell,
supply, import and export psychoactive substances for human consumption. However,
section 2 provides that specific products which are subject to licence, authorisation or
other control are excluded from the scope of the Act. These include medicinal products,
animal remedies, intoxicating liquor, tobacco and food. Controlled drugs, which are
subject to the Misuse of Drugs Acts, are also excluded.
Further information may be obtained from:
Controlled Drugs Unit,
Department of Health,
Hawkins House,
Dublin D02VW90
Tel: + 353(0) 1 6354000, LoCall 1890 200 311
Email: controlleddrugs@health.gov.ie
Website: www.dohc.ie
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ENVIRONMENTAL / GLOBAL PROTECTION
DANGEROUS CHEMICALS
Regulation (EC) 649/2012
The Regulation on the Export and Import of Dangerous Chemicals, (also known as the PIC
Regulation) imposes a duty on companies exporting certain dangerous chemicals Listed
in Annex I to the Regulation, to notify the relevant DNA of the export and in some cases
to wait for the consent of the importing party before proceeding with the export.
The Health & Safety Authority is the Designated National Authority (DNA) for Industrial
Chemicals. The Authority provides information and assistance to exporters of industrial
chemicals to allow them to comply with this Regulation.
For further information on the Industrial chemicals covered by this Regulation and for
details on how to notify the HSA of an export please visit the HSA website.
http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Chemicals/Export_Import/
The HSA Chemicals helpdesk can also be contacted for queries related to Export &
Import of dangerous chemicals chemicals@hsa.ie
Chemical Business Services Division,
Health and Safety Authority,
Hebron House,
Hebron Road,
Kilkenny.
Tel: 1890 289 389
Fax: 01 6147125
Website www.hsa.ie/chemicals
The DNA for the pesticides covered by the Regulation is the Pesticides Registration and
Control Division, which can be contacted at:
Pesticide Registration and Control Division
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Laboratories),
Backweston Campus,
Celbridge,
Co. Kildare.
Tel: 01 6157552
Fax: 01 6157575,
Email: pcs@agriculture.gov.ie
Website: www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie
WASTE TFS (TRANSFRONTIER SHIPMENT)
Dublin City Council is designated as the National Competent Authority for the export,
import and transit of waste shipments under S.I. No. 419 of 2007 Waste Management
(Shipments of Waste) Regulations, 2007. These Regulations gave effect to provisions
contained in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 on transfrontier shipments of
waste, which sets out new notification procedures, specifies revised waste listings and
strengthens enforcement provisions in relation to waste movements within, into and out
of the EU.
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Further information is available through the following weblink:
http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-water-waste-and-environment-wasteand-recycling/national-tfs-office
OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES (CFCs, Halons, HCFCs etc.)
Regulation (EC) no. 1005/2009 provides for the control of ozone depleting substances
(ODS) within the EU and the list of controlled substances is presented in Annex I of the
Regulation. The Environmental Protection Agency is the competent Authority for the
implementation and enforcement of the Regulation.
Exports from the Community and Imports of controlled substances, or products and
equipment containing or relying on those substances, are prohibited in general.
However, a number of exemptions apply and are subject to licensing and import quotas,
as set out in the Regulation. Exporters and importers must request a Licence from the
European Commission for each export or import, having made a prior declaration to the
European Commission of intent to export/import. In the aviation sector, through a
simplified process, it is possible to apply for a bulk licence for the import and export of
products or equipment containing or relying on halon for critical use on aircrafts (e.g. fire
extinguishers on board aircraft). Under the simplified process an import or export licence
for products and equipment containing or relying on halons for critical uses in aircrafts:
will be valid from the date of issuing until the end of the calendar year for which
it was issued, and
can be used for multiple shipments.
Separate bulk licences are necessary for imports and exports. All exporters and
importers must register on the Commission’s ODS Database:
http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ozone/ods/index_en.htm.
Further information on the implementation of Regulation (EC) no. 1005/2009 in Ireland
is available at www.ozone.ie.
PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPS)
Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 on Persistent Organic Pollutants (EU POPs Regulation) is
the principal European legal instrument for implementing the requirements of the
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Protocol to the UNECE
Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants
in the EU. This Regulation bans production, placing on the market and use (with some
limited exemptions) of intentionally produced POP substances listed in the Stockholm
Convention and POPs Protocol. These POPs include certain pesticide related substances
and certain industrial chemicals.
Further information is available at the following link: www.pops.ie
For any queries please contact:
Chemicals Team,
Office of Environmental Sustainability,
Environmental Protection Agency,
PO Box 3000,
Johnstown Castle Estate,
11
Wexford Y35 W821
Tel: 053 9160600
Fax: 053 9160699
Email: pops@epa.ie
CITES (ENDANGERED SPECIES)
CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and
flora. The aim of the convention is to regulate and monitor the international trade in
certain species of animals and plants which are endangered, and to ensure that trade
does not threaten their survival in the wild.
The Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is designated as the CITES
Management Authority in Ireland and the duties and functions of the Management
Authority are carried out by the National Parks & Wildlife Service.
Any queries on this matter should be directed to:
Cites Management Authority ‐ Ireland
National Parks & Wildlife Service,
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
7 Ely Place,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 8883235 or 01 8883074
Email: cites@ahg.gov.ie
Website: www.npws.ie
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES AND NUCLEAR DEVICES
In accordance with the Radiological Protection Act 1991 (ionising Radiation) Order S.I.
No. 125 of 2000,an application for a licence to import or export a radioactive source
must be made to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not later than one month
before the proposed commencement of the practice concerned. The practice must not
be commenced by the applicant unless and until the licence has been granted by the EPA
A person using or holding radioactive sources without a valid licence may be liable on
summary conviction to a fine and /or a term of imprisonment. Licensees who intend to
acquire a radioactive source from any state outside the European Union must first apply
for an import licence from the Office of Radiological Protection of the EPA. Licensees
who intend to return a radioactive source to any state outside the European Union must
first apply for an export licence from the EPA. This is required in advance of shipment(s).
Items being transported from within the European Union require the completion of the
Standard shipping declaration document pursuant to Council Regulation (EEC) No.
1493/93 for shipment of sealed sources between Member States of the European
Community. This shall be completed by the consignee and stamped by EPA (Office of
Radiological Protection in advance of the shipment(s). For sealed sources being sent to
another Member State of the EU, the licensee must ensure that the Competent
Authority in that State has approved and stamped the 1493 form prior to the shipment.
The Office of Radiological Protection has been established in the EPA as a result of the
merger of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) and the EPA.
Tel: 01 2680100
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Website: website www.epa.ie/radiation
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OFFENSIVE WEAPONS
Offensive Weapons listed in S.I. 66 1991 – Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990
(Offensive Weapons) Order, 1991 and S.I. 338 2009 – Firearms and offensive Weapons
Act 1990 (offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order 2009 are prohibited in Ireland.
The movement outside of Ireland of any weapon that could be considered to be an
offensive weapon may be subject to clearance from the competent authority of the
recipient country.
For further information contact:
Firearms, Explosives and Private Security Policy Division
Department of Justice and Equality
94 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin D02 FD70
Tel: 01 6028340/ 6028334, Fax: 01 6028374
Email: firearms_inbox@justice.ie
Website: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Firearms
DUAL USE ITEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
Council Regulation (EC) 428/2009 sets out the export controls for dual-use items and
technology. Dual-use items and technology are items that can be used for either civilian
or military purposes. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 1382/2014 updated Annex
I in Council Regulation (EC) 428/2009 in respect of the list of dual-use items and
technology.
The exportation of listed items and technology should be covered by an individual export
licence, a global export licence or a Union General Export Authorisation (UGEA). The
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is the competent authority in Ireland for
the implementation of these Regulations and for the issue of dual-use licences.
A licence is required for the movement to other EU Member States of highly sensitive
dual-use items and technology as listed in Annex IV to Council Regulation (EC) 428/2009.
Details of procedures for dual-use items and technology are available on the website of
the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
https://www.djei.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Global-Dual-Use-ApplicationForm.doc
For further information contact:
Licensing Unit
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
23 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 6312328
Fax: 01 6312562
Email: exportcontrol@djei.ie
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FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
The movement of firearms and ammunition into Ireland is prohibited except
(i) under licence issued by:
Crime 4 (Firearms and Explosives) Division,
Department of Justice and Equality,
94 St. Stephens Green,
Dublin 2.
D02 FD70
Tel. 01 6028340/6028334,
Website: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Firearms
or,
(ii) by the holder of a current firearm certificate in respect of the firearm (Firearms Acts
1925 to 2009).
The exportation of firearms and ammunition to EU Member States is prohibited except
(i) under licence issued by
Crime 4 (Firearms and Explosives) Division,
Department of Justice and Equality,
94 St. Stephens Green,
Dublin 2.
D02 FD70
Tel. 01 6028340/6028334,
Website: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Firearms
The exportation of firearms and ammunition under the Control of Exports (Goods and
Technology) Order 2012 (SI No 216 of 2012) to non EU Member States is prohibited
unless under licence issued by Department of Jobs, Enterprise and innovation.
Information is available on the Department’s website:
http://www.djei.ie/trade/export/military.htm
For further information contact:
Licensing Unit
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
23 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 6312328
Fax: 016312562
Email: exportcontrol@djei.ie
MILITARY AND PARAMILITARY GOODS
The Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order 2012 (SI No 216 of 2012) contains
a list of military goods which may not be moved from Ireland to another EU Member
State without an export licence issued by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and
Innovation.
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The exportation of goods under the Control of Exports (Goods and Technology) Order
2012 (SI No 216 of 2012) is prohibited unless under licence issued by Department of
Jobs, Enterprise and innovation.
Information is available on the Department’s website:
www.djei.ie/trade/export/military.htm
For further information contact:
Licensing Unit
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
23 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 6312328
Fax: 01 6312562
Email: exportcontrol@djei.ie
EXPLOSIVES, PYROTECHNICS etc.
Explosives are strictly controlled and a person may not import explosives without a
licence. Legislation governing the above is primarily contained in the Explosives Act 1875
as well as a number of associated Statutory Instruments. Certain substances such as
ammonium nitrate, sodium chlorate, potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate also come
under the control of the explosives regulations, as they are deemed to be explosives for
the purposes of the Explosives Act. Certain other explosives precursors, i.e. chemical
substances or mixtures which can be misused for the illicit manufacture of explosives ,
are also regulated – see attached link to S.I. No. 611 of 2014 (European Union
(Marketing and Use of Explosives Precursors) Regulations 2014 –
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2014/si/611/made/en/pdf
Persons seeking details on the import of explosives should contact:
Crime 4 (Firearms and explosives) Division,
Department of Justice and Equality,
94 St. Stephens Green,
Dublin 2.
D02 FD70
Telephone 01 6028357/6028350
Email: firearms_inbox@justice.ie
Website: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Explosives_Pyrotechnics
Movement of explosives from Ireland contact:
Licensing Unit
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
23 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 6312328
Fax: 01 6312562
Email: exportcontrol@djei.ie
Website: www.djei.ie/trade/export/military.htm
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MOLASSES, TREACLE, GOLDEN SYRUP, MALT, YEAST, HOPS,
TREACLE MEAL AND
MOLASSINE MEAL
Movement of the above-mentioned products is, in certain prescribed areas, subject to
control by An Garda Siochana.
TRADE RESTRICTIONS/SANCTIONS AND ARMS EMBARGOES
Trade restrictions/sanctions are increasingly used by the international community as a
means of exerting influence on various issues of international concern. The Department
of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation plays a central role in implementing the various UN
and EU measures which have been adopted concerning trade sanctions.
They generally consist of export and/or, in certain cases, import bans on certain goods
to/from a certain region. It is important to note that trade sanctions are targeted at
specific goods (e.g. timber or diamonds, or nuclear related goods and technology) and
thus they are not a blanket ban on trade with a specific region.
Trade sanctions are normally accompanied by bans on the provision of specific services
related to the prohibited goods (e.g. brokering, financial services, technical assistance).
Arms embargoes are a specific type of trade sanction. They are designed to stop the
flow of arms and military equipment to areas where there is conflict, or to regimes
which are likely to use them for internal repression or aggression against a foreign
country.
Information on EU measures can be found at the following website:
http://eeas.europa.eu/cfsp/sanctions/docs/measures_en.pdf
Queries in respect of trade sanctions should be directed to:
Licensing Unit
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
23 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 6312328
Fax: 01 6312562
Email: exportcontrol@djei.ie
GOODS WHICH MAY BE USED FOR TORTURE
The exportation / importation of goods referred to Annex II of Council Regulation (EC)
No 1236/2005 as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1352/2011
is prohibited regardless of the origin of the goods.
The exportation of goods referred to Annex III of Council Regulation (EC) No 1236/2005
as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1352/2011 is prohibited
unless under licence issued by Department of Jobs, Enterprise and innovation.
Queries should be directed to:
Licensing Unit
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
23 Kildare Street
17
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 6312328
Fax: 01 6312562
Email: exportcontrol@djei.ie
PUBLIC MORALS
Indecent articles, publications, videos, etc. are prohibited or restricted under the
following legislation:
• Section 42 of the Customs Consolidation Act, 1876
• Video Recordings Act, 1989
• Censorship of Publications Acts, 1929, 1946 and 1967, as amended by the Health
(Family Planning) Act, 1979 and the Regulation of Information (Services outside the State
for Termination of Pregnancies) Act, 1995
INDECENT OR OBSCENE PRINTS
The importation of indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards,
lithographs or other engravings, or any other indecent or obscene articles is prohibited.
The word “indecent” is to be construed as including suggestive of, or inciting to, sexual
immorality or unnatural vice or likely in any other similar way to corrupt or deprave.
BOOKS AND PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS
Books and periodical publications which have been made the subject of Prohibition
Orders under the Censorship of Publication Acts, 1929 to 1967, as amended by the
Health (Family Planning) Act, 1979 and the Regulation of Information (Services outside
the State for Termination of Pregnancies) Act, 1995, are prohibited to enter Ireland from
EU Member States except under permit issued by the Minister for Justice and Equality.
Furthermore, any book, although not the subject of the above-mentioned Prohibition
Orders, may be referred to the Censorship of Publication Board for a decision as to their
suitability in this regard.
Queries to:
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht,
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
23 Kildare St, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 6313800, Local 1890 383000
Website: www.ahg.gov.ie
Indecent or obscene books and periodical publications are prohibited to be brought in
from other Member States of the EU under Section 42 of the Customs Consolidation Act,
1876 and, accordingly, they are liable to seizure under Section 202 of the Customs
Consolidation Act, 1876 irrespective of whether they are the subject of a Prohibition
Order under Section 9 of the Censorship of Publications Act, 1946.
VIDEO RECORDINGS (MAGNETIC TAPE/DVD/CD‐ROM)
The Video Recordings Act, 1989 makes provision for the control and regulation of the
supply and importation from non‐EU countries of video recordings. The Act empowers
the Director of Film Classification to prohibit the importation of certain video recordings.
The Act also empowers the Minister for Justice and Equality to issue a permit authorising
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a specified person to import into the State a specified number of video recordings
containing a specified video work in respect of which a prohibition order is in force.
The Act, defines “video recording” as any disc or magnetic tape containing information
by the use of which the whole or a part of a video work may be produced. “Video work”
is defined as any series of visual images (whether with or without sound) ‐
• produced, whether electronically or by other means, by the use of information
contained on any disc or magnetic tape, and
• shown as a moving picture
The provisions applicable to video recordings set out hereunder also apply to CD‐ROMs
and DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks).
Video recordings brought in from other Member States of the EU are subject to the
same prohibitions as videos imported from non‐EU countries and, accordingly, they are
liable to seizure under Section 202 of the Customs Consolidation Act, 1876.
PORNOGRAPHY
The bringing in of Child Pornography into Ireland is prohibited under The Child
Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998.
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OTHER AREAS
COUNTERFEIT
Intellectual Property Rights
Council Regulation No. 608/2013 and Commission Implementation Regulation No.
1352/2013 provide measures for Customs action against counterfeit and pirated goods.
All applications for action should be submitted to:
Prohibitions and Restrictions Unit,
Corporate Affairs and Customs Division,
Treasury Building,
Dublin Castle,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-6744329 / 6744332
E‐mail: RevenueCustomsProhibitionsRestrictions@revenue.ie
Information available at the following link:
http://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/leaflets/counterfeit-pirated-goods.html
CONTROLS ON CASH ENTERING OR LEAVING THE EU
Regulation (EC) No 1889/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council introduced
controls on cash entering or leaving the Community. Individuals entering or leaving the
European Union and carrying cash of a value of €10,000 or more are obliged to make a
declaration to the Customs authority of the Member State through which they arrive or
depart. The declaration must be made on the Common Declaration Form.
Further information may be obtained from:
Prohibitions and Restrictions Unit,
Corporate Affairs and Customs Division,
Treasury Building,
Dublin Castle,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-6744329 / 6744332
E‐mail: cashcontrols@revenue.ie
Website: http://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/leaflets/customs-excise-cash-controls.html
Please note that some EU Member States operate separate control and declaration
provisions for intra-community cash movements, which are applied in addition to the EU
controls mentioned above. The European Commission website gives background
information and contains links to the websites of individual Member States.
CURRENCY NOTES, COIN ‐ COUNTERFEIT AND IMITATION
The Importation or exportation of counterfeit currency to or from a member state of the
EU, without lawful authority, is an offence pursuant to the Criminal Justice Fraud and
Theft Offences Act 2001 . The production of coins and notes and the protection of the Euro
against counterfeiting is regulated by various Legislation Revenue Act 1889, the Decimal
Currency Act 1969 the Economic & Monetary Union Act 1998 and Council Regulation (EC) No
1338/2001 as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No. 44/2009.
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KIMBERLEY DIAMONDS CERTIFICATION SCHEME
Under Council Regulation 2368/2002 (as amended) imports and exports of rough
diamonds are subject to the presentation of a Kimberley Process Certificate.
Queries should be directed to:
Exploration and Mining Division,
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment,
29-31 Adelaide Road,
Dublin
D02 X285
Tel: 01 6782663
Email: emd.info@dccae.gov.ie
PRODUCT SAFETY
In addition to the listed prohibitions and restrictions as set out below, there exist a
growing number of product safety prohibitions / restrictions in respect of the placing on
the market of goods under Regulation 765/2008. Revenue’s Customs Service assists
Market Surveillance Authorities in implementing this regulation at points of importation.
Information regarding Product Safety and consumer products can be accessed at:
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/prod_legis/index_en.htm and
http://www.consumerhelp.ie/product-safety
For further information contact:
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission CCPC)
Help line: 1890 432432 or 01 4025555
COMMUNICATIONS
Radio Products
Radio products must not be placed on the market or put into services unless it is
declared in conformity with the European Communities (Radio Equipment and
Telecommunications Terminal Equipment) Regulations, 20019 (S.I. No 240 of 2001)
Products that are placed on the market that are in conformity with the regulations must
bear the CE mark and must be accompanied by an EU Declaration of Conformity.
Jammers
ComReg issued an order under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1972 (Prohibition of Sale,
Letting on Hire, Manufacture, and Importation of Wireless Telegraphy Interference
Apparatus) Order of 2011 (http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2011/en/si/0066.html) . This
order makes it unlawful for any person to sell, let on hire or manufacture or import
wireless telegraphy interference apparatus into Ireland. This covers radio devices such as
mobile phone jammers; GPS jammers; etc. in Ireland.
Mobile Phone Repeaters
ComReg is responsible for ensuring that all apparatus for wireless telegraphy within the
state complies with the legislation regarding same, including the Wireless Telegraphy
Act, 1926 to 2009. ComReg must ensure that the possession and use of apparatus for
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wireless telegraphy complies with the obligations of the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1926
to 2009. A license is required to possess and use mobile phone repeaters in Ireland.
However, the frequency bands used by the mobile phone repeaters are licensed to
mobile phone operators in Ireland. The implications of this is that the general public
cannot buy or operate mobile phone repeaters in Ireland., only the mobile operators
who have licenses for the spectrum can do this.
For further Information Contact:
Spectrum Compliance
Michael Callan
Commission for Communications Regulation
Abbey Court,
Irish Life Centre,
Lower Abbey Street,
Dublin1
Tel: 01-8049715 or 01-8049600
michael.callan@comreg.ie
compliance@comreg.ie
RECREATIONAL CRAFT
(and partly completed boats, personal watercraft, components
and propulsion engines)
These products must not be placed on the market or put into service until declared in
conformity with the European Communities (Recreational Craft) Regulations 1998 (S.I.
No. 40 of 1998), as amended by S.I. No. 422 of 2004, including being CE marked and
accompanied by an EU Declaration of Conformity. See also Marine Notice 33 of 2015 in
relation to Directive 2013/53/EU on recreational craft and personal watercraft, which
repealed Directive 94/25/EC –
http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/MN33of2015_RevisedEUDirectiveforRecreational
Craft.pdf.
Further information may be obtained from:
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Marine Survey Office
Tel: 01-6783400
Email: mso@dttas.ie
ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBJECTS
The movement of Archaeological objects is prohibited except under licence (National
Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 Section 50), issued by:
The National Museum of Ireland,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2.
Telephone 01 6777444
Website: www.museum.ie
CULTURAL GOODS
The exportation of cultural goods is restricted under Council Regulation 3911/92. The
Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht is the competent authority for the issuing
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of licences/authorisations relating to the export of cultural goods and does so while
procuring appropriate professional/technical advice from the relevant national cultural
institution. Applications to export cultural goods should be sent to the appropriate
cultural institution i.e.
• National Gallery of Ireland, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6615133,
www.nationalgallery.ie
• National Library of Ireland, Manuscripts Department, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Tel:
01 6030200, www.nli.ie
• National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Tel: 01 6777444,
www.museum.ie
Authorisation Forms, required when exporting cultural goods to non‐EU countries, are
issued by:
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht,
Cultural Institutions Unit,
New Road,
Killarney,
Co. Kerry.
Tel: 064 6627345.
DOCUMENTS AND PAINTINGS
Section 50 of the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997, regulates the export of
documents and pictures with the object of preserving records of those, which are of
national, historical, genealogical or literary interest. Licences required within EU
Member States are issued through the National Gallery of Ireland and the National
Library of Ireland ‐ contact details as above.
Further information may be obtained from:
http://www.ahg.gov.ie/arts/culture/projects-and-programmes/export-of-culturalgoods/
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht,
Cultural Institutions Unit,
New Road
Killarney,
Co. Kerry.
Tel: 064 6627332
HALLMARKS (Assay Marks, etc.)
In Ireland all items of gold, silver or platinum are subject to compulsory assay and
hallmarking. They must bear an Irish hallmark or an International Convention hallmark or
an approved hallmark in order that they can be legally offered for sale.
All such consignments being imported into Ireland from outside the EU are subject to a
customs declaration. Once vat/duty is paid the consignments are delivered direct to the
Assay Office for Assay and Hallmarking (test and certification). Goods that meet the
standard are Hallmarked and passed on to the Importer. Substandard goods are either
marked down to the next lower standard or exported to the sender by the Assay Office.
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Relevant legislation:
Hallmarking Act 1981
S.I. No. 327 of 1983 — Hallmarking (Approved Hallmarks) Regulations, 1983
S.I. No. 579 of 2001 — European Communities (Hallmarking of Articles Imported From
Other Member States) Regulations, 2001
S.I. No. 143 of 2012 – Consumer Protection (Consumer Information)
For further information please contact:
Assay Office,
Dublin Castle,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 4751286
Fax: 01 4783838
E-mail: hallmark@assay.ie
Website: http://www.assay.ie/About-Us/Legislation
STAMPS
Bringing into Ireland fictitious stamps and any die, plate, instrument or materials for
making any such stamps is prohibited [Revenue Act, 1898, S.1 (1), Post Office Act, 1908,
S.65].
TOBACCO
Unmanufactured tobacco may not be brought into Ireland unless it can be shown to the
satisfaction of the Revenue Commissioners to be for use in the production of a tobacco
product in a tax warehouse or for use in another product that is not a tobacco product.
If you do not have an authorisation for a tax warehouse and you wish to bring
unmanufactured tobacco into Ireland, you should contact your local Revenue office and
state exactly to what purpose it is being put to ensure compliance with Section 78A of
the Finance Act 2005.
Queries should be directed to:
Office of the Revenue Commissioners,
Indirect Taxes Division,
Excise Branch,
Stamping Building,
Dublin Castle,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 8589914
TOBACCO PRODUCTS ‐ ORAL SMOKELESS
Oral smokeless tobacco products, being products or substances made wholly or partly
from tobacco, which are intended for use, unlit, by being placed in the mouth and kept
there for a period, or by being placed in the mouth and sucked or chewed are prohibited
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to be brought into Ireland [Tobacco (Health and Children, Promotion and Protection)
Act, 1988].
MISCELLANEOUS
Any queries in respect of Customs related matters regarding prohibited or restricted
goods can be directed to:
Prohibitions and Restrictions,
Corporate Affairs & Customs Division,
Treasury Building,
Dublin Castle,
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-6744329 / 6744332
Email: RevenueCustomsProhibitionsRestrictions@revenue.ie